Heavy heartburn and pain putting your journey of motherhood on a rough road? Wondering which medicine I should take, or whether I can take Tums while pregnant? You are not alone in this struggle.
Out of every 6 million pregnancies that happen every year in the US, heartburn is seen in almost 45% of women. Although heartburn is generally harmless, it can be painful and add difficulty for the mother. While it is important to take medical supplies for relief, it is also important to know whether they are safe to consume during pregnancy.
What is Heartburn: Are Antacids Like Tums Safe to Consume During Pregnancy?
Heartburn is a burning sensation in your throat and chest. This can normally occur after a large, spicy meal. Although a common occurrence, heartburn can also be a sign of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
This is commonly called acidity, indigestion, or acid reflux as well. In your stomach, your body produces hydrochloric acid naturally to digest food items. But due to many reasons, the body may produce it excessively. Heartburn is caused by that excess hydrochloric acid from your abdomen when it bubbles up into your esophagus, where it does not belong.
Since the esophagus doesn’t have the thick, protective mucus lining similar to the stomach, the acid starts to irritate the inner lining of the food pipe and throat, causing the burning sensation.
The common symptoms of heartburn include:
- Burning sensation and pain in chest, throat, or upper abdomen (starting near the breastbone).
- Sour, bitter, or acidic taste in your throat and mouth.
- The sudden feeling of food coming back into your mouth (regurgitation).
- Pain worsens when you lie down or bend over.
The Function of Antacids
Antacids are weak alkaline compounds that contain calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide as alkaline bases, which quickly react with the excess hydrochloric acid in your stomach and break it down by producing salt and water.
Antacids act as buffer agents in your stomach to neutralize the acid and reduce the symptoms caused by the acid leakage. There are several types of antacids based on their compositions. During pregnancy, not all these antacids will be safe for your baby.
Calcium Carbonate-Based: The most common and safest buffering agent among the over-the-counter antacids. They are often recommended as the first-line treatment. Along with acting as a buffer agent, it also works as an additional calcium supplement, which is crucial for the development of the baby’s bones. E.g., Tums, Rolaids.
Although it is the safest, do not take more than 5 tablets within 24 hours, as it can lead to severe consequences.
Magnesium-Based: This is generally safe in moderate quantities for pregnant women. It contains magnesium hydroxide as the alkaline base. You must avoid taking it in high doses or for long-term use, especially in the third trimester. E.g., Milk of Magnesia.
Aluminum-Based: This is considered safe for short-term use for pregnant women. It is less ideal than a calcium-based antacid, and its high doses can lead to constipation. It contains aluminium hydroxide as the alkaline base. E.g., Mylanta.
The following antacids must be strictly avoided during pregnancy as they contain high-risk factors.
Sodium Bicarbonate: Commonly found in baking soda and some formulas. This can be harmful to your as well as your fetus’s health, since it can lead to fluid retention and metabolic issues.
Magnesium Trisilicate: High-dose and prolonged use should be avoided as it can lead to multiple risks for your fetus’s health, such as fetal respiratory distress, neonatal hypotonia (floppy baby syndrome), and nephrolithiasis (kidney stones).
Aspirin-Containing Antacids: They contain NSAIDs, which can cause severe complications for the health of both mother and fetus, including low amniotic fluid, kidney damage in the fetus, delayed labour, and bleeding risk for both mother and fetus.
What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy?
Getting heartburn after craving your favorite food items can be a real struggle during pregnancy. For pregnant women, this mostly happens during the later stages of pregnancy. During pregnancy, acidity occurs mainly because of the changes in your diet, the high fluctuation of hormone levels, and the overcrowding in the abdominal cavity as the baby grows in the uterus, pressing the other organs to the corners.
During this time, the hydrochloric acid will be produced excessively. Due to hormonal fluctuations, the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, which prevents the acid from moving upwards into the esophagus, will be relaxed. The skin in the esophagus is not made to contain this acid. It gets irritated by the hydrochloric acid, and that leads to heartburn.
Conclusion
Acid reflux can be one of the most distressing situations during pregnancy. Tums is one of the safest antacids that you can opt for during pregnancy. Since it contains calcium carbonate, it will act as an additional supply of calcium for your body.
But before taking any new medicine, always consult with your healthcare provider for an expert opinion. They will assess your physiological health and medical history to suggest the most suitable supplements for you.
There can be many concerns during the period of pregnancy regarding what you should and shouldn’t consume, how your medications and food affect your system, and many more. But with adequate awareness and support systems, you can overcome such concerns and enjoy your motherhood peacefully.
FAQ :
Are Tums safe for use while pregnant?
Yes. Tums are generally considered one of the safest types of antacids to consume against heartburn during pregnancy. Tums contain calcium carbonate. It neutralizes stomach acids and provides supplemental calcium.
How do antacids work against heartburn?
Antacids contain calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, which are alkaline bases that can neutralize acid. When you consume antacids, these ingredients react quickly and neutralize excess hydrochloric acid, raising the pH in your stomach.
Who should not take Tums?
You should avoid Tums if you have kidney disease, high blood calcium levels, a history of calcium kidney stones, or a low-sodium diet. You should avoid Tums if you are already taking calcium supplements, or if you are allergic to calcium carbonate.
How to prevent or reduce heartburn during pregnancy?
To prevent or reduce heartburn during pregnancy, you should have light and more frequent meals. Remain upright for at least an hour and avoid lying down for 3 hours after the meal. Also, avoid spicy or fatty foods, citrus items, caffeine, and chocolate.
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