Is heartburn and acidity causing a lot of discomfort? Are you wondering if it is safe to take antacids during pregnancy? Read on to know more about taking antacids during pregnancy and other safe alternatives to antacids.Antacids are used to anticipate and relieve pain in the symptomatic management of hyperacidity, ulcers and reflux oesophagitis by neutralising hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions. Antacids are also prescribed to pregnant women to deal with heartburn and acidity during
pregnancy.
Many women cope with problems like heartburn, indigestion and acidity during pregnancy. Heartburn during pregnancy is also known as acid indigestion or acid reflux. These types of health issues without a doubt occur due to hormonal changes which are going on the body. Such health issues are very discomforting especially for women who experience it for the first time during pregnancy. And therefore, antacids are prescribed by obstetricians as it provides quick relief from acidity and heartburn during pregnancy.
How safe are antacids during pregnancy?
It is absolutely safe to take antacids during pregnancy provided that you take it as prescribed by your obstetrician. Antacids which contain histamine-2 blockers are also recommended as safe. However, you should only take antacids which are prescribed by your obstetrician.
Is it safe if a lot of antacid is consumed during pregnancy?
You can take antacids in form of liquid or chewable tablets. But taking a lot of antacids can cause problems like constipation. Although, health issues like
constipation during pregnancy are not harmful for the baby, it can be very discomforting for you.
Which are safe alternatives to antacids?
If you do not want to take antacids during pregnancy, you can opt for natural or home remedies which are safe alternatives for acidity, heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy. Here are some tips for dealing with
acidity and heartburn during pregnancy without taking any antacid. However, do not forget to discuss these remedies with your obstetrician.
- Have fresh coconut water.
- Include almonds in your diet.
- Have ginger and camomile herbal tea.
- Chew a sugar-free gum after meals.
- Have plain yogurt after meals.
- Consume Aloe Vera juice which is made for internal use.
- Have spoonful of honey with a glass of milk.
How to prevent indigestion, acidity and heartburn?
Have a quick look at the tips for preventing acidity and heartburn during pregnancy.
- Avoid having heavy meals after big intervals, have frequent small meals few hours apart instead.
- Do not sleep immediately after having your meals.
- Try to have your dinner early so that you can allow your body to digest food properly.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes.
- Cut-down your caffeine intake.
- Avoid spicy, oily and fried foods.
- Maintain proportionate pregnancy weight.
- Avoid drinking water along with your meals. You can drink it before and after having your meals.
- Chew your food properly.
- If you want to pick-up something from the floor, do not bend from your waist; bend from your keens instead.
Heartburn is common in
third trimester of pregnancy. If the heartburn and acidity persists for a longer time and if it is causing a lot of discomfort even after taking antacids or following home remedies, you must consult your obstetrician immediately. Your obstetrician may prescribe you with some other safe medications to deal with acidity and heartburn.
What are the side effects of taking antacids during pregnancy? How to avoid taking antacids during pregnancy? Which are the safe natural remedies for dealing with heartburn and acidity during pregnancy? Discuss here.