Receiving Helpdesk

what can pregnant women take for heartburn

by Nyasia Lemke Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

For heartburn relief, over-the-counter antacids (such as Tums, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Maalox) are all considered safe medications to use during pregnancy. As always, consult with your provider about any medications you're taking – even if they're considered safe. (This is especially true for high-risk pregnancies.)May 20, 2021

What's the best heartburn relief for pregnant women?

The Following Remedies Are Considered Effective In Providing Relief From Heartburn During Pregnancy: Ginger Tea. Ginger tea is a wonderful remedy for fighting heartburn, nausea and indigestion during pregnancy. ... Chewing Gum. Chewing gum can also help in preventing heartburn during pregnancy. ... Fennel Seed Tea. Fennel seed tea is an effective remedy for heartburn during pregnancy. ... Milk and Honey. ... Apple Cider Vinegar. ...

What should you eat to avoid heartburn while pregnant?

To help ease heartburn pain:

  • Skip foods and drinks that can make it worse, such as citrus; spicy, fatty (especially fried or greasy) foods; caffeine; and carbonated drinks.
  • Eat several small meals throughout the day.
  • Take your time when eating.
  • Drink liquids between — not during — meals.
  • Avoid eating or drinking for 3 hours before bedtime.
  • Resist the urge to lie down after meals.

More items...

Which heartburn medicines are safe during pregnancy?

Drugs such as nitidine – often known as Zantac – are also considered safe for use in pregnancy. Also Ranitidine, used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines, can be taken for heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy if other treatments have ...

What can I do to prevent heartburn while pregnant?

  • Avoid trigger foods. If a food brings on the burn or other tummy troubles, take it off the menu for now. ...
  • Don't drink and eat at the same time. ...
  • Catch the early bird special. ...
  • Avoid digestive overload. ...
  • Take it slowly. ...
  • Keep it loose. ...
  • Hold your head up. ...
  • Watch your weight. ...
  • Don't smoke. ...
  • Relax for relief. ...

Heartburn During Pregnancy? 12 Ways to Soothe Acid Reflux

Why You Get Heartburn During Pregnancy—And 12 Ways to Soothe It Heartburn during pregnancy will plague most moms-to-be at some point. The good news is there are safe, effective treatments available.

How to get rid of heartburn while pregnant?

Instead, here are some of the safest and best ways to get rid of heartburn when you’re pregnant: Dip into some yogurt. Its probiotics and soothing texture make yogurt a great option for extinguishing heartburn – or at least dousing the flames a little. Drink milk with honey.

How to treat a burn during pregnancy?

Another effective method for taming the burn is to chew some sugar-free gum. One study found that chewing sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after a meal can reduce acid reflux . Take (doctor-approved) medication. When all else fails, certain medications are considered safe to use for pregnancy heartburn relief .

How to prevent heartburn at night?

To prevent nighttime heartburn, try propping yourself up when you go to sleep to counteract the acid. Don’t eat before bedtime. In addition to propping yourself up at night, try not to eat anything within three hours of hitting the sack. Skip spicy, acidic, or fried foods.

How to get rid of acidity during pregnancy?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, a tablespoon of honey mixed in a glass of warm milk may be just what you need to neutralize heartburn-causing acid. Snack on almonds. Munching on a handful of almonds may provide heartburn relief since these nuts have a lower acidity level than others.

What fruits help with heartburn?

For some women, the digestive enzymes in pineapple and papaya have helped ease symptoms. Eating these fruits after your meals can aid digestion and reduce your chances of heartburn. Try a little ginger. You probably knew ginger was a good remedy for an upset stomach.

How to get pregnant faster?

Eat small meals, but more frequently. Your pregnant tummy doesn’t love to be hit with large amounts of food to digest in one go. Make things easier on your gut by eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Eat slowly.

Is it safe to take antacids while pregnant?

For heartburn relief, over-the- counter antacids (such as Tums, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Maalox) are all considered safe medications to use during pregnancy. As always, consult with your provider about any medications you’re taking even if they’re considered safe. (This is especially true for high-risk pregnancies.)

How to prevent heartburn during pregnancy?

You can prevent or get relief from heartburn during pregnancy by making a few changes to your diet, like eating more frequent but smaller meals and avoiding spicy or fried foods. Some yogurt or milk may also help relieve symptoms.

How to avoid heartburn while pregnant?

Eat slowly. Drink between your meals, but not with meals. Avoid fried, spicy or fatty foods. Avoid citrus fruits and juices. Limit caffeine. Don’t smoke and avoid alcohol. Besides causing heartburn, smoking and drinking during pregnancy can cause health problems for the baby.

What hormones slow down the digestive system?

The hormones often slow down your digestive system. Food moves slower, causing bloating and heartburn. Esophageal sphincter relaxing: Progesterone, known as the pregnancy hormone, can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. When it relaxes, stomach acid can move up into the esophagus.

Can pregnancy cause heartburn?

Heartburn is a common symptom during pregnancy. Changes in your hormones and body shape can contribute to acid reflux and heartburn. A few dietary and lifestyle changes can prevent and relieve symptoms.

Can you take antacids while pregnant?

Some also have aluminum in them, which isn’t safe to consume during pregnancy. Your provider can recommend an antacid that’s safe during pregnancy.

Is heartburn the same as acid reflux?

People use the terms “heartburn” and “acid reflux” to mean the same thing. But they have different definitions: Acid reflux refers to the LES not tightening as it should. This allows the stomach acid to travel from your stomach up to your esophagus.

Why does pregnancy cause heartburn?

Why exactly does pregnancy cause heartburn? Heartburn during pregnancy will plague most moms-to-be at some point because progesterone, the hormone that relaxes muscles in pregnancy, also relaxes the stomach valve that keeps acid out of the esophagus. In addition, the growing uterus crowds the stomach, forcing acid into the esophagus.But there are ...

What to do after a meal?

labor birth woman health wellbeing baby motherhood contractions. Credit: stevanovicigor/Getty Images. After a meal, take a leisurely walk, do a little housework, sit down and read a book—just don't lie down, and don't do anything that requires you to bend over.

Is omeprazole safe for pregnant women?

These have a more powerful acid-suppressing effect than H2 blockers, and most are available over the counter.Although PPIs are, in general, safe for pregnant women, animal studies have raised concerns that omeprazole ( Prilosec) could harm a developing fetus, Dr. Richter says. "My recommendation to patients would be to avoid that one because there are about five or six out there on the market, with the H2 blockers," he says. "All of them look to be safe during pregnancy."Be sure to discuss any medications with your doctor.To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter

Can pregnant women eat spicy food?

Some pregnant women can chow down on spicy Mexican food or a plate of spaghetti and meatballs with no ill effects.RELATED: 11 Surprising Symptoms of Acid Reflux. Fat, caffeine, chocolate, citrus—pregnant women with heartburn have been advised to avoid all of the above at one time or another.

Can you eat before bed?

Don't eat right before bed. Having a hearty meal and then heading to bed is a recipe for heartburn, warns Joel Richter, MD, director of the division of gastroenterology and nutrition and the esophageal diseases center at the University of South Florida, in Tampa, who has studied heartburn during pregnancy.

Can pregnant women have heartburn?

But there are safe, effective ways to stop it. "Pregnant women really don't need to suffer with heartburn anymore ," says Adrienne Einarson, RN, assistant director of clinical services at Motherisk, a Toronto-based program that investigates the effects of prenatal exposures on maternal and fetal health. Here, experts recommend 12 different ways ...

Is ginger good for pregnant women?

This spice can also combat nausea and vomiting, which often go hand-in-hand with heartburn. Although there's not much scientific evidence for ginger as a remedy for pregnancy woes, Einarson says, it is safe to consume when you are pregnant. RELATED: 7 Health Benefits of Ginger.

What hormones cause heartburn during pregnancy?

What causes heartburn during pregnancy? Early in pregnancy, your body produces large amounts of the hormones progesterone and relaxin, which tend to relax smooth muscle tissues throughout your body, including those in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

How to get rid of heartburn from eating?

Add almonds. Eat a few almonds after each meal, since these tasty nuts neutralize the juices in the stomach, which may relieve or even prevent heartburn. Get milk. Soothe with a small glass of almond milk after every meal or just when the heartburn hits (you'll get a calcium bonus).

How to get rid of bloating during pregnancy?

Skip the three big squares. Smaller mini-meals and snacks are the solution to many pregnancy symptoms, from heartburn to bloating to lagging energy. Take it slowly. Chewing is the first step in the digestive process: The more you chew, the less work your stomach has to do.

What is the cause of heartburn?

Heartburn occurs when the ring of muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach relaxes (like all the muscles in the GI tract), allowing food and harsh digestive juices to back up from the stomach to the esophagus.

How long does it take for heartburn to go away after taking over the counter medication?

And if heartburn is new to you since pregnancy and occurs more than twice a week, or if you haven't found relief after taking over-the-counter medications for more than two weeks, be sure to talk to your doctor. You may have developed GERD, which requires specific lifestyle changes and medication.

How to get gastric juices back after eating?

Make sure to sit upright while eating, and stay that way for a couple of hours afterwards. Lying down, slouching, slumping and stooping all bring gastric juices back up.

What is the best milk for heartburn?

Some moms-to-be find cooling comfort in warm milk mixed with a tablespoon of honey. Pop papaya. Fresh, dried or freeze-dried papaya helps relieve heartburn for some women and scores vitamins A and C too.

How to cure heartburn during pregnancy?

Your body may respond better to certain remedies—everyone is different. If all else fails, try 1/8 tsp. of baking soda in water.

What to do for chest burning during pregnancy?

Warming the milk and adding some honey seems to soothe the burning in the chest for some. 7. Fermented foods. Even more potent, fermented foods like raw sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir are brimming with enzymes and good bacteria to support healthy digestion and ease heartburn during pregnancy.

What to do for burning chest?

Yogurt or a glass of milk can relieve heartburn. Cow’s milk may offer immediate relief, but some say it can worsen the heartburn over time. Try nut milk , rice milk, or goat’s milk as alternatives. Warming the milk and adding some honey seems to soothe the burning in the chest for some. 7.

What herbs help with digestion?

Some mamas find relief from mucilaginous herbs like slippery elm bark and marshmallow root. Due to their gummy consistency, they coat the intestines and soothe digestion. Be sure to use under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner and away from food and supplements—they can interfere with nutrient absorption.

How to get rid of chest pains from acid reflux?

1. Raw apple cider vinegar. Mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar (building up to 1 tablespoon) with approximately 8 ounces of water; sip throughout the day and an hour before meals. It seems strange to think about drinking vinegar when your chest is burning, but low stomach acid actually creates heartburn.

What is the best natural remedy for heartburn?

9. Aloe vera. This natural healing agent can be obtained from the live plant’s leaves. You can also buy the gel at a health food store. Topically, apply gel on chest, throat, and abdomen. Aloe vera successfully treats inflammation, reducing acid reflux symptoms and heartburn during pregnancy. 10. Grapefruit.

How to get rid of acid reflux during pregnancy?

Chewing gum. Chew gum after each meal for 10 minutes. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acids and ease the symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy. Just don’t chew for too long—this can make the acid reflux worse.

How to stop heartburn while pregnant?

Giving digestion a head start before you lie down — which slows the emptying of your stomach — for the night will help control your heartburn. 5. Don’t smoke. There are a lot of reasons why you shouldn’t smoke during pregnancy, and heartburn is just one of them.

When does heartburn occur during pregnancy?

Heartburn can fire up, so to speak, at any point in pregnancy, but it’s most common during the second and third trimesters. Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes the smoldering, but they suspect it’s a three-pronged problem.

What foods can cause heartburn?

Not surprisingly, acidic and spicy foods create more stomach acid than bland ones (till we meet again, Taco Tuesday!). Avoid citrus, tomatoes, onions, garlic, caffeine, chocolate, sodas, and other acidic foods.

What does it feel like to have heartburn?

As the name implies, heartburn (also called gastroesophageal reflux and acid indigestion) feels like a fiery churning that starts behind your breastbone and travels up your esophagus, a tube connecting your throat to your stomach. These acids can even make it all the way up your throat.

What percentage of moms have heartburn?

If you feel like you have a three-alarm fire dancing in your chest, you’re not alone. According to one study, up to 45 percent of moms-to-be. Trusted Source. experience heartburn. And if you had heartburn before pregnancy, you’re even more likely to have it during.

How to get rid of a swollen stomach?

Avoid citrus, tomatoes, onions, garlic, caffeine, chocolate, sodas, and other acidic foods. Also steer clear of fried or fatty foods, which slow digestion. 2. Eat frequent small meals instead of three a day. This helps to avoid overwhelming the stomach and allows it to empty quicker. 3.

Is it safe to take antacids while pregnant?

This includes over-the-counter (OTC) ones — some are safe to take during pregnancy. Antacids help neutralize the acid in your stomach and quell that burning sensation. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health says OTC antacids containing calcium carbonate (like Tums) are safe to use.

Is aluminum safe for pregnant women?

Aluminum can be constipating and, in large doses, toxic. So even though these products are probably safe when used occasionally at the recommended dosage, they're not your best choice when pregnant. Remedies containing aspirin (such as Alka-Seltzer) should also be avoided during pregnancy.

Can you get heartburn while pregnant?

Many pregnant women get heartburn, sometimes referred to as acid indigestion or acid reflux. This condition is generally harmless, but it can be very uncomfortable. Fortunately, most cases can be safely treated with over-the-counter remedies, along with simple diet and lifestyle changes.

Can you take magnesium oxide while pregnant?

Learn why heartburn happens and how to find relief. Antacids containing magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide are also a good choice during pregnancy. These come in tablet or liquid form.

Can you take acid reducers while pregnant?

Some acid reducers are available over-the-counter and others require a prescription. All are currently considered safe to take during pregnancy, even during the first trimester.

Do acid reducers help with stomach acid?

Instead of neutralizing your stomach acid like antacids do, acid reducers actually stop your stomach from producing most of the acid it normally would. Acid reducers won't help with the acid already in your stomach, so they work best when taken before a meal.

What is the best medicine for heartburn?

Ibuprofen. Bicarbonate soda/baking soda. These three are effective heartburn medicine for relieving heartburn, but they can put your unborn baby and your health at risk. They think the blood and can make you a higher risk of miscarriage. Bicarbonate soda is high in sodium, which will cause water retention, raise your body’s sodium levels, ...

How to cure heartburn from hot tea?

Drink Some Lukewarm Ginger Tea. Hot tea is going to make your heartburn worse. One of the most popular herbal remedies for heartburn is lukewarm ginger tea. The ginger will help to settle the acid and re-balance the body, while the lukewarm water helps to counter against the heat of the heartburn.

What to do if you run out of Pepcid?

If you run out of Pepcid and you can’t get anymore, Zantac 75 is an option. This is another heartburn medication that works on neutralizing the acid in the stomach. It doesn’t work on blocking the acid production in the way that the above medication does.

What to do if Ranitidine doesn't work?

Move onto Omeprazole. When Ranitidine doesn’t work, your doctor will consider other options to tackle your GERD. Omeprazole is the next commonly prescribed medication, and you will usually have a five-day course at first. If your symptoms haven’ t improved, your doctor will increase your dose slowly.

Is it hard to break down food during pregnancy?

Since there will be less stomach acid, it will be harder for the food to break down in the body. This is already difficult when it comes to pregnancy since there is less space in your abdominal cavity. You don’t get the immediate relief from heartburn with this .

Is magnesium oxide good for pregnancy?

The heartburn medicines that include magnesium oxide are good for pregnancy. They will increase the amount of magnesium in your system to help limit the production of stomach acid and reduce the flare up of your heartburn.

Does Prilosec help with heartburn?

This one is debated among doctors, but some do prescribe Prilosec for those who are struggling to manage their heartburn. Instead of balancing out and neutralizing the acid, this medication helps to keep the stomach acid to a minimum. It blocks some of the production.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9