Nausea and heartburn seem to be very common symptoms during pregnancy. Speaking of heartburn, it is a common symptom given how pregnant women are very susceptible to gastroesophageal reflux conditions. This happens as the stomach is pressured by the increasing size of the uterus. As a result, some acid is pushed toward the esophagus.
This causes heartburn and most experiences during pregnancy are harmless. However, this does not rule out the fact that they can be very discomforting. This has led many to antacids that are considered safe for use during pregnancy.
The most important question this article on IST Health’s welfare segment seeks to answer is if Tums antacids can be used during pregnancy. Read on to hear the take of our expert and learn a few other things about this over-the-counter antacid.
Summary
Pregnancy Is a Very Sensitive State
By now you already know how sensitive your state as a pregnant woman is. However, it cannot be stressed enough. It is so sensitive that you need to be certain of the medications that you use.
For example, aspirin is one of the medications that are not usually recommended for pregnant women. This also includes many antacids as some are not recommended for use during pregnancy.
This is because of the things that they contain. Fortunately, health bodies like the FDA and expert studies have confirmed that some heartburn antacids are safe for use while pregnant. This is as long as they stick to the dosage.
Is Tums Safe for Use During Pregnancy?
Tums antacid happens to be one of the antacids that women can use during pregnancy. Its ingredients will not harm the health of the baby in the uterus and/or the pregnant woman. To prove this point, many health and medical experts point to the fact that it does not contain magnesium.
Besides providing relief from heartburn during pregnancy, there are several other impressive things about Tums antacid. Having a rich amount of calcium (carbonate); which is a mineral seriously needed by pregnant women, is one of the impressive qualities of this heartburn relief drug. There are even claims that it does help minimize the side effects of morning sickness.
But as stressed earlier, you should avoid using more than necessary. This is why it is best that you see your doctor at your healthcare service provider for this reason. This is strongly recommended although the manufacturer offers a guideline as to how much should be used daily.
How Many Tablets of Tums Are Usually Prescribed During Pregnancy?
The guideline is determined by the type that you use, as there are various kinds. There is the – regular-strength; extra-strength, and chewy bites.
For the most part, the prescription for regular strength is the same for chewy bites. The guideline mentions not taking more than 10 tablets in a day. You are allowed to take 2 at a go with 4 – 6 hours intervals between them.
Because of the dense amount of ingredients in the extra-strength, pregnant women are not usually supposed to have more than 6 of them every day. You are allowed to take 2 at a go with 6 – 8 hours intervals between them.
The truth is that some factors can necessitate changes to this known arrangement. For example, those on iron supplements are supposed to cut down on their intake of this heartburn medication.
In addition, the frequency of eating certain foods might influence how much you should take. So, getting full information from your doctor about the use of Tums antacids and other medications will help.
Side Effects of Overdosing on Tums Antacids
Some of the side effects of using more tablets of antacids than you should include the following:
- Kidney stones and/or kidney failure
- Indigestion caused by constipation and/or inflammation of the stomach’s lining
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Irregular heartbeat
You should only use the right amount of this heartburn relief drug to avoid any of these side effects.
How to Avoid or Best Manage Heartburn
As stressed earlier, heartburn is a common symptom that pregnant women are susceptible to. However, it would help if you did the following to best manage and limit the number of times you have heartburn issues:
- Don’t head to bed immediately after eating dinner – Sit or stand a while after your meals at night. The same applies to breakfast and lunch as well
- Do not eat so much at a go
- Be mindful of your food choices – Foods that are overly processed, highly fatty, and very seasoned should be avoided. You should also minimize your intake of foods high in caffeine, sugar, and highly acidic foods
- Try chewing some gum immediately after eating
We have other information on our website’s welfare segment that you will find helpful. For example, you can read about the benefits of cold showers for men.