Is alka seltzer antacid safe during pregnancy

Key takeaways:

• Tums (calcium carbonate) antacids are safe to take during pregnancy. They can also help you meet your daily calcium requirements.

• Ask your healthcare provider before trying other types of antacids. Other over-the-counter (OTC) antacids can be harmful to your unborn baby.

• Check in with your healthcare provider if calcium carbonate antacids don’t seem to be working, or if you need to take them for longer than 2 weeks.

Heartburn is an unwelcome part of up to 45% of the 6 million pregnancies that happen every year in the U.S.

Heartburn is most common later in pregnancy when your growing baby puts pressure on your stomach. The good news is that it’s usually harmless. But, that doesn’t make it any less painful.

If you have questions about what’s safe to take during pregnancy, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 9 out of 10 women will need to take medication while they’re pregnant — whether it be for heartburn or for another medical condition. In this article, we’ll discuss which over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are safe for you and your baby.

What symptoms can antacids relieve during pregnancy?

Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid. This means fast relief for symptoms like heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. You can repeat the dose as needed, but pay attention to the maximum daily dose for pregnancy listed on the product’s package.

Are Tums and other antacids safe during pregnancy?

You’ll be happy to know that calcium carbonate (Tums) antacids are safe to take while you’re pregnant.

As a bonus, calcium carbonate antacids also add extra calcium to your diet. This may help you meet your higher calcium goal of about 1,000 mg to 1,300 mg per day.

But what about other OTC antacids? If you see ingredients other than calcium carbonate listed on the bottle of an antacid, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking it. There are differing opinions among healthcare providers about how much of some antacids are OK to take during pregnancy. And there are some antacids that should be avoided altogether.

Which antacids should I avoid during pregnancy?

Carefully check the active ingredients listed on OTC heartburn treatments. Some contain antacids that you should steer clear of until you talk with a healthcare provider, which we discuss below.

Magnesium

Yes, magnesium is a prenatal vitamin. But not all types of magnesium added to medications are the same. If you see magnesium being used as an antacid, it warrants a closer look.

Three different types of magnesium you may come across in antacids include:

• Magnesium trisilicate: Long-term use of this kind of magnesium at high doses can harm your unborn baby, and it isn’t recommended during pregnancy.

• Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): This is usually used for constipation, but some people take it for heartburn, too. More information is needed to determine whether it is safe during pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid it unless your healthcare provider tells you to take it.

• Magnesium sulfate: Other magnesium compounds added to OTC antacids sometimes contain magnesium sulfate. At high doses, this kind of magnesium can suppress labor contractions. Because of this, some providers may advise avoiding any OTC antacid that contains magnesium, especially during the third trimester.

Sodium bicarbonate

Antacids with sodium bicarbonate should be avoided in pregnancy. The high amount of sodium can lead to fluid retention and swelling, which is already a common discomfort in pregnancy. Don’t confuse this with the baking soda that you use for cooking, which is fine to ingest.

Aluminum

No need to shy away from using aluminum cans or foil. But avoid using antacids that contain aluminum. It can cause constipation, and at high doses it can lower the amount of calcium in your body. Aluminum isn’t considered safe during pregnancy.

Aspirin

Aspirin isn’t an antacid, but it’s worth mentioning. It can sometimes be found in OTC heartburn treatments (looking at you, Alka-Seltzer). Avoid taking aspirin while pregnant unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider. Aspirin can reduce the amount of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds your baby inside the uterus). It can also lead to serious kidney damage in unborn babies.

Bismuth subsalicylate 

More commonly known as Pepto-Bismol, this iconic pink medicine shouldn’t be used during pregnancy. The active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, is closely related to aspirin.

Do antacids cause side effects?

The extra calcium from calcium carbonate antacids can cause gas, bloating, or constipation in some people. Antacids can also affect how well you absorb other medications, like iron supplements. Ask your pharmacist to check for interactions and space calcium carbonate antacids 1 to 2 hours apart from other medications when needed.

Are other heartburn medicines safe during pregnancy?

Talk with your healthcare provider before taking other types of OTC medications to treat heartburn. Some OTC options can go through the placenta and reach the baby. Other medications don’t have as many studies backing up their safety in pregnancy.

Antacids should usually be tried first before moving on to stronger medications. But if you do need something stronger, your healthcare provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits. Studies suggest that histamine-2 antagonists (like famotidine) and proton pump inhibitors (like lansoprazole) can be used safely with guidance from a healthcare provider.

What are the safest ways to deal with heartburn and reflux during pregnancy?

The best way to treat pregnancy heartburn is to prevent it. Here are some tips to help you avoid it:

• Avoid common triggers like caffeine, spicy foods, and greasy foods

• Eat several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones

• Avoid acidic foods like citrus juices and tomatoes 

• Wait at least 3 hours after eating before you go to bed

• Wear clothing that fits loosely to help relieve pressure on your stomach

• Raise the head of your bed by about 4 to 6 inches to help acid better stay in your stomach

There are also some natural ways to treat heartburn symptoms. Eating yogurt or drinking milk can help relieve the burning sensation. You can also try mixing about a tablespoon of honey with a glass of warm milk.

When should you see a healthcare provider about heartburn or reflux during pregnancy?

Check in with your healthcare provider if calcium carbonate antacids don’t seem to be helping. You should also reach out to them if you need to use them frequently for more than 2 weeks.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these other symptoms with your heartburn:

• Weight loss

• Pain or cramps in your lower belly, side, or back

• Severe diarrhea that doesn’t go away

• New or worsening nausea or vomiting

• Fever

• Trouble swallowing

• Blood in your stool or stools that are very dark

The bottom line

When it comes to treating heartburn during pregnancy, calcium carbonate antacids are the most preferred medication option. Tums and its generics are a safe option for both you and your unborn baby. Ask your healthcare provider before taking other types of OTC heartburn medications. And talk to your provider if your heartburn symptoms are severe or last longer than 2 weeks.

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