There are all sorts of remedies for heartburn relief, but during pregnancy there is one concern that most heartburn sufferers don’t have to worry about; namely, will this medicine harm the baby? Fortunately, most heartburn medications are safe to take during pregnancy, but there are a few exceptions.
During Pregnancy, What Heartburn Relief Shouldn’t I Take?
During pregnancy, heartburn relief medications containing aluminum should be avoided. Aluminum can cause constipation, and you probably have enough of that during pregnancy as it is. Also, it can build up in your system and be toxic for your baby if taken in sufficient quantities.
Also, you should stay away from antacids that are based around sodium compounds such as sodium bicarbonate (better known as baking soda) and sodium citrate. A diet high in sodium is bad for your health anyway, and during pregnancy, it can exacerbate the problems of water retention that pregnant women already suffer without any help from their antacid.
Be warned that some antacids, notably Alka-Seltzer, contain aspirin, an ingredient that pregnant women are generally advised to stay away from, due to the risk of bleeding and stomach ulcers. Also, antacids containing magnesium such as Mylanta during the last trimester, as magnesium can interfere with uterine contractions.
Non-Medicinal Heartburn Relief in Pregnancy
Not all relief for pregnancy related heartburn is medicinal in nature. There are simple steps that you can take to reduce acid reflux caused by your baby crowding your abdominal cavity that provide a natural home remedy for heartburn relief. Chewing gum is one – the saliva produced by gum chewing can help neutralize stomach acid. Pregnant women should avoid tight clothing and eat several smaller meals a day instead of two or three large ones. Eating smaller meals makes the stomach less likely to overflow and force acid into the esophagus.
You should avoid eating meals less than three hours before you go to bed. Lying down on a full stomach can cause acid to back up into the esophagus. Raising the head of your bed 4 to 6 inches can also help.
It should go without saying that harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. Not only do they harm your unborn baby, but they also contribute towards heartburn symptoms. Living a healthy life, as well as giving your new arrival the best possible start in life, is the best way to relieve heartburn during pregnancy. Eat right, live right and the battle with heartburn is all but won.