What Over The Counter Medicines Are Safe And Effective For Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Many moms have heartburn, also called acid reflux or indigestion. Heartburn is harmless, but it can be very uncomfortable. Fortunately, most cases can be treated safely with drugs that are purchased without a prescription and changes in diet and daily routine. For those moms who need it, there are also some medications for heartburn that require a prescription, and are considered safe during pregnancy.



Here we provide information about heartburn drugs that you can use at this time. Remember it is important to seek the approval of your doctor before using any medicine.



Your first line of defense chewable antacids - they might be made of calcium carbonate (sometimes called simply "calcium" on the label). They are fast, portable and effective, and may ease your discomfort by themselves. Some even work quite well.



Antacids containing magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide are also a good choice and come in tablet or liquid form.



Keep in mind that swallowing any liquid or pill, that your stomach will do what it does naturally, that is, produce digestive juices, including acid, which is precisely what you're trying to reduce. So you better swallow the tablets with as little liquid as possible if you suffer from heartburn.



These medications neutralize the acid that is present in your stomach and causing pain. Chewable and liquid antacids take effect much faster than tablets that are swallowed whole because you have to wait for them to dissolve. You can experiment and see what will work best.



Avoid antacids containing "aluminum" (as aluminum hydroxide or aluminum carbonate) in the list of ingredients. The aluminum can cause constipation, and in large doses, is toxic. So, although likely to be safe when used occasionally and in the recommended dose, not your best option.



The remedies contain aspirin (such as Alka-Seltzer) should also be avoided during pregnancy. Aspirin may appear in the list of ingredients such as salicylate or salicylic acid.



Also, avoid baking soda - which is usually a bicarbonate of soda (baking soda in English), but is also sold as an antacid tablets - and sodium nitrate. These remedies are high in sodium, and sodium makes you retain water. Water retention causes inflammation and it may cause you to remove your rings from your fingers or your ankles may swell - common symptoms when the pregnancy is advanced - you will understand why this is not the ideal choice.



Remember that even those that come in chewable antacid rich fruit flavors are medicines. If you are eating more of what is recommended, talk to your doctor to see if you can take more effective and longer lasting effect, as an "acid reducer." The acid reducer, instead of neutralizing the acid in your stomach as do antacids, prevents your stomach secrete acid most commonly occur.



Pure acid reducer will not work if the acid is already in your stomach, so it is best taken before eating. Some of these medicines are a combination of an acid reducer (such as famotidine), and an antacid (such as calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide) to provide immediate relief of acid and is bothering you and reduce the production of more acid during a period of up to 12 hours.



Some acid reducers are available without prescription and others require a prescription. All are now considered safe during pregnancy, even during the first quarter. But research continues, so ask your doctor to explain the potential risks and benefits of taking any of these medications





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