What Is Safe To Take For Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Posted By : Ellen

Heartburn is a common discomfort experienced during pregnancy which is harmless but uncomfortable. This common concern raises the question, is it safe to take TUMS during pregnancy?  TUMS is not specifically created for expecting mothers.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation that often extends from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat which is caused by hormonal and physical changes in your body. The placenta produces the hormone progesterone to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach during pregnancy. This allows gastric acids to seep back up, causing an unpleasant burning sensation.

Using TUMS During Your Pregnancy

Normally antacids provide a fast and safe relief for heartburn. TUMS are regarded as a safe heartburn relief method for women who are pregnant which also adds calcium to your body. When you are pregnant, your body may require 1,000-1,300 mg of elemental calcium per day.

Consult your doctor or health care provider before taking any antacids containing sodium bicarbonate. Generally it is advised to take TUMS at a different time than you take iron supplements. It is recommended to take doses of antacids and iron supplements spacing one to two hours apart, to get the full benefit from each medicine or dietary supplement.

Health Steps You Can Take

Adjusting your lifestyle or altering your diet should be the first thing you try when looking to manage your pregnancy heartburn. If you pay attention, you will probably notice certain foods are more likely to trigger heartburn. Following steps can be taken care of in order to reduce heartburn:

• Avoid food and beverages that cause gastrointestinal distress – Limit the intake of caffeine; chocolate; acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard, and vinegar; processed meats; mint products; and spicy, highly seasoned, fried, or fatty foods.
• Eat several small meals throughout the day. Take your time eating and chew thoroughly.
• Avoid drinking large quantities of fluids during meals — It is important to drink eight to ten glasses of water daily during pregnancy, but skip it between meals.
• Try chewing gum after eating – Chewing gum stimulates your salivary glands, and saliva can help neutralize acid.
• Do not eat dinner close to bedtime – Give yourself two to three hours to digest your food before you lie down.

Understand that majority of pregnant women experience heartburn during pregnancy and take TUMS for relief and go on to have a normal and healthy pregnancy and therefore you don’t have to worry much.