Pregnancy is commonly accompanied by complaints of heartburn and acidity because of changes in the digestive system. Therefore, women are curious whether it is safe to take an antacid during pregnancy. The digestive system is affected during pregnancy because of hormonal changes, enhanced blood flow, and the pressure of the growing fetus. Antacids help manage digestion and acidity by restoring the balance of stomach acids. However, since all antacids are not safe for pregnant women, consult a doctor before taking them. Moreover, taking antacids in excess may hamper your and your baby’s health. Therefore, it is advisable to explore natural remedies to relieve your digestive issues during pregnancy. This post elaborates on whether it is safe to take antacids during pregnancy, their functions in the body, their side effects, and some natural alternatives.
How Do Antacids Work?
The stomach generates acids to break down the food into digestible substances that are absorbed by the intestines. But an imbalance in the production of stomach acids could cause heartburn and acidity. Antacids help control the production of excess stomach acids and restore the balance thus giving you relief from sour stomach, indigestion, heartburn, and tummy upset. They also help treat stomach pain, duodenal ulcers and reduce gas (1).
Is It Safe To Take Antacids During Pregnancy?
It depends on the type of antacid you take. While some are considered safe, some others are not recommended. The safe antacids during pregnancy are:
Those containing aluminum salts.
Antacids with calcium carbonate (2) and those having magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide (3). They neutralize stomach acids and help relieve pain and discomfort.
Syrups are preferred to tablets as they quickly dissolve and give instant relief.
In severe cases, your doctor may additionally prescribe acid blockers or H2 blockers that reduce the acid production in your stomach. Check with your healthcare provider before taking the medication as some might interfere with other medicines. Also, you should be taking them only occasionally (4).
What Happens If You Take Too Many Antacids During Pregnancy?
Anything you take in excess is harmful, and so is the case with antacids too. Overconsumption or overuse of antacids can have various effects such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, a change in bowel movements, vomiting and anemia. Unsafe antacids during pregnancy include:
Antacids containing calcium; they could cause constipation and kidney stones (5).
Aspirin, which is associated with pregnancy complications such as miscarriage (6)
Sodium bicarbonate and sodium citrate; they contain higher levels of sodium, causing water retention (7)
Those having magnesium trisilicate as it could lead to diarrhea and muscular contractions (8).
Just as any other medicines, antacids should also be used only if they are really necessary because they might have some side effects.
Reasons To Avoid Antacids During Pregnancy
Though not serious or rampant, antacids could lead to the below problems during pregnancy. An antacid is not the only remedy for heartburn and acidity. You may try some safe natural remedies too.
Natural Alternatives To Antacids
Natural measures could help treat and prevent indigestion and heartburn effectively. Here are some alternatives you may try:
Skimmed milk, yogurt, and soft cheeses Fermented vegetables including sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and miso (produced from fermented soybeans) Apple cider vinegar (13). Drizzle a few drops over a salad or mix a couple of drops in a glass of water.
In addition to using natural remedies, you may take some care while eating food:
