The decision to take antacids during pregnancy can be a difficult one to make. Many women worry that frequent antacid use might hurt them or the baby. Most doctors will encourage the use of antacids during pregnancy to treat severe heartburn, however there are some things that must be kept in mind when using antacids.
What causes heartburn during pregnancy?
When it comes to pregnancy, it’s almost guaranteed that mom is going to experience heartburn to some extent. Heartburn is a symptom that almost all pregnant women go through, but this symptom is no coincidence! Heartburn that occurs during the early stage of pregnancy, such as the first trimester, is usually a result of hormonal fluctuations. These hormones can affect how the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) works. The LES is responsible for tightening up so that the contents of the stomach cannot reflux up into the esophagus. Typically, the LES only relaxes and opens when food or drink is being swallowed. During pregnancy, the early hormone fluctuations can force the LES to spasm or relax which allows food or acid to reflux into the esophagus. In the third trimester of pregnancy, the rapid growth of the baby allows for very little room for the stomach to expand. This extra pressure against the stomach can force the stomach’s contents to squeeze through the LES and up the esophagus, thus causing the discomfort of heartburn!
Is it safe to take antacids during pregnancy?
Most doctors recommend taking antacids during pregnancy to combat heartburn, but this shouldn’t be misinterpreted as permission to go overboard. Some women are confused about how many antacids they can safely consume during pregnancy. Because doctors deem this as a safe heartburn treatment–and even encourage pregnant women to take calcium based antacids to boost their calcium levels–we often feel that it’s okay to take as many antacids as we need. In reality, however, antacids should be used sparingly during pregnancy and should never be taken more than 10 days in a row unless otherwise advised by a doctor.
Which antacids are safe for pregnant women?
Taking antacids during pregnancy can be a daunting prospect if one doesn’t know which antacids are safe. There are plenty of different types of antacids, such as tablets, liquid suspension, and effervescent. Although some liquid antacids are safe to take during pregnancy, the general guideline involves sticking to the tablet form, which are made of calcium bicarbonate. A few brands include Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox tablets. A potential side effect of using this type of antacid (even as directed) is constipation, which pregnant women are more susceptible to. During pregnancy, two antacid tablets at a time should suffice to bring down the most prominent heartburn symptoms. If one chooses to take a liquid antacid it should not contain aluminum or aluminum hydroxide. Research shows that taking aluminum-based antacids could result in heavy metal toxicity and are therefore not considered safe to take during pregnancy. Other liquid antacids may contain magnesium hydroxide, which are considered safe for pregnant women when taken in moderation.
How can pregnant women avoid heartburn?
Taking antacids during pregnancy is a good way to reduce the symptoms of heartburn, but as the saying goes, prevention is much better than a cure! Heartburn cannot always be prevented in pregnant women, but there are things that one can do to reduce the occurrence of heartburn flare-ups. During pregnancy, the key to reducing heartburn (as well as nausea) is to avoid overfilling the stomach. Instead of eating the regular three large meals plus snacks every day, it may be worth eating smaller portions more often throughout the day, which will help to provide energy boosts more often without overstuffing the stomach.
One should also try to avoid eating meals shortly before laying down. Understandably, most pregnant women find it difficult to predict when the need for a nap will strike, but it would be wise to avoid napping or laying down within an hour after eating. There are some foods that can also contribute to heartburn, such as caffeine, citrus fruits and juices, foods high in fat, fried foods, and spicy foods (such as curry, chili, and some Oriental cuisine). Although the likelihood of these foods causing heartburn differs from woman to woman, it may be worthwhile to avoid them in the early weeks of pregnancy.
It is best to take antacids during pregnancy in cases where acid reflux cannot be prevented. There are so many other symptoms that go along with pregnancy, such as back and hip aches, cramping, and nausea, that it’s best to avoid as much discomfort as possible. For some pregnant women heartburn can become so persistent (requiring her to take antacids for more than 10 days straight) that prescription strength medication may be given to the patient. These medications are considered to be generally safe for pregnant women although little extensive research has been done.
Continue to How to Stop Heartburn during pregnancy article.