Acid Reflux and Pregnancy

Updated on January 06, 2009
D.S. asks from Miami, FL
10 answers

Hi Ladies, I hope you can help me with this one:
I'm looking into getting pregnant again soon, but I suffer from severe acid reflux due to a hiatal hernia; if any of you have had something similar, what type of medication or remedies were you able to have while pregnant so it wouldn't affect the baby? is there anything other than tums that can help better with reflux?
Thank you all

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B.S.

answers from Toledo on

I have had severe reflux for many years as well. I took Protonix which was ok'ed by the OB throughout my pregnancy and only had an occasional flare up.

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D.G.

answers from Columbus on

Calcium can help you, health benefits for you and a growing baby and no negative side effects!!!

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association 1 shows that people who use certain
medications to control their heartburn and acid reflux, experience an increased risk of hip fracture. The problem
medicines are termed proton pump inhibitors, and they work by blocking the production of stomach acid. In doing so,
they apparently interfere with calcium absorption and thereby increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.

For those seeking relief from mild and occasional heartburn, there are good alternatives to proton pump inhibitors.

In fact, many have found that USANA’s Body Rox Active Calcium™ Chewable provides reliable relief from occasional heartburn. The calcium and magnesium compounds in this product neutralize stomach acids thereby eliminating heartburn symptoms. Most importantly, Active Calcium Chewable provides heartburn relief while delivering advanced doses of the vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining strong healthy bones.

Many over-the-counter antacids work by neutralizing stomach acids. However, not all antacids are created equal when it comes to bone health. USANA’s Active Calcium Chewable stands well above other products in supplying balanced amounts of all three of the nutrients critical for maintaining strong healthy bones: calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.

PS...USANA's Active Calcium is listed in the Physician's Desk Reference!

1 mom found this helpful
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L.E.

answers from Columbus on

I had horrible heatburn with my son last year. i was allowed to take Zantac(mint flavored). it is OTC and worked wonders!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.L.

answers from Columbus on

The best thing I have ever done for myself was to give up all dairy, wheat, and sugar. It sounds impossible, I know, but it's really quite easy, and it completely got rid of my acid reflux. Dairy is a huge contributor to acid reflux. If you like avocado, you can substitute it for dairy products. Guacamole is a wonderful dip, and I use raw veggies instead of crackers or chips.

Avoid processed foods, and eat as much organic and/or locally grown as possible.

My doctor puts every one of her patients on this diet, and every single patient who really tried it for at least two weeks has seen improvement. Not a bad record for over thirty years of recommending it!

If you're interested in more information about how I made this diet work for me, send me a private message and I'll send you my journal about it.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

I think tums was a good portion of my diet when I was pregnant with both of my kids, lol. I don't really know what else to suggest though. Sometimes a soda would help relieve some of the pressure (burping, lol), but the tums was my best friend, lol. Sorry I couldn't help more.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.G.

answers from Columbus on

I also have acid reflux, even when not pregnant. I was concerned that being pregnant would make it worse and it did towards the end. My ob-gyn's office said Pepcid Complete was okay, so you might ask your OB about it too. This really helped me when I felt like TUMS just weren't doing the trick. Hopefully, it will help you. I also slept propped up on pillows quite a bit to help prevent reflux.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.S.

answers from Toledo on

I really sympathize with you! I had unbearable heart burn during both my pregancies that kept me up dry heaving all night. However, it wasn't until I was done having kids that I learned some valuable information so I'm glad I can pass it along to you and maybe you'll find some relief. I would avoid the tums because they can cause some real problems with your digestive system and in my experience, taking them like candy, they only worked a short time. I would of course talk to your doctor as well, but if you live near a health food store there are natural remedies that are safe during pregnancy that work better than tums. I would start there. You'd have to find a health food store that has a separate section for vitamins and things like that, with a qualified professional there to make the correct dosage for you. I know most people want western medicine to fix the problem, but usually what is natural is better for you. Not sure where you live, but I live in the Toledo area and Claudia's is a great place to go and they have someone there who can help you.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

Tums actually did the trick for me. I also avoided caffeine, carbonated beverages, anything tomato-based (mostly sauce like pizza sauce, ketchup, etc.), and spicy foods. Always make sure you eat food well before taking a nap and avoid laying flat right after eating. On those days when I would splurge and have a piece of pizza, I would go to sleep with about 3-4 pillows behind my head to prop me up and avoid reflux. Good luck to you - don't you love pregnancy hormones?

1 mom found this helpful
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K.H.

answers from Youngstown on

Shaklee's optiflora and perhaps EasyGest as well. Shaklee is a natural supplement company and I personally was able to get off of all my Ulcerative Colitis Meds because of the supplements. I know many who have found relief for themselves and their babies from optiflora. I can tell you more if you like, just let me know. I second what Susie said about eating organic non-processed food. But if you can't get to that right away, this is something to start with.
I am a 29 year old WAHM of a 2 year old angel.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.K.

answers from Evansville on

I would try eating yogurt such as Activia every day and also, digestive enzymes available at Wal-Mart with every meal and lots of water. I too suffer from severe indigestion especially when pregnant.

1 mom found this helpful
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