Can i take tums with gas relief while pregnant

There’s no doubt that along with the joys of pregnancy, women can and do experience uncomfortable side effects. If you’re feeling under the weather, you may be wondering if over-the-counter remedies are safe for you and your baby. In most cases, it’s best to avoid OTC (over-the-counter) medications particularly in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. While some medications are safe to use in limited quantities, other medicines are known to increase the chance of birth defects or other problems.

If you have questions or are considering a medication that’s not listed below, please reach out to your doctor for additional safety information. You should also call your doctor if you have a fever 100.4 F or greater, or if symptoms persist or worsen. The obstetrics specialists at Northeast Georgia Physicians group offer the full range of pregnancy and delivery services including prenatal screening, genetic counseling, midwifery, genetic counseling, high-risk pregnancy care and more. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 770-219-9300 or fill out the form to the right of this page.

If you are pregnant

  • Not Recommended:
  • If you are nursing

  • Precaution: INSUFFICIENT DATA AVAILABLE; DRUG DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ABSORBED BY GI TRACT
  • If you are an adult over 60

  • management or monitoring precaution: Gastrointestinal-Use caution in patients with chronic constipation. Monitor for new onset or worsening constipation.
  • Pediatric use

  • Severe Precaution: Not recommended as an antacid age < 2 years.
  • Calcium carbonate / simethicone is also known as: Alka-Seltzer Heartburn + Gas, Alka-Seltzer Heartburn + Gas ReliefChews, Children's Mylicon, Gas-X with Maalox, Gas-X with Maalox Extra Strength, Maalox Advanced Maximum Strength Chewable, Maalox Junior Relief Chewable, Maalox Max Quick Dissolve, Phazyme Gas & Acid, Rolaids Extra Strength Plus Gas Relief Softchews, Titralac Plus, Titralac Plus Liquid, Tums Chewy Bites with Gas Relief (Lemon & Strawberry), Tums Plus

    Calcium carbonate / simethicone Pregnancy Warnings

    Based on years of use, the malformative risk with calcium carbonate is unlikely in humans. In some patients, hypercalcemia has resulted in milk-alkali syndrome and other adverse events on the fetus. Animal studies using simethicone have not been reported. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

    Benefit should outweigh risk.

    US FDA pregnancy category: Not formally assigned to a pregnancy category.

    Comments:
    -Simethicone is not orally absorbed.
    -Patients should limit their daily intake of calcium.

    See references

    Calcium carbonate / simethicone Breastfeeding Warnings

    Calcium is normally excreted in human milk.

    The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding use during lactation.

    Excreted into human milk: Yes

    Comments:
    -Simethicone is not orally absorbed.
    -Both drugs have been used without apparent harmful effects in the nursing infant.

    See references

    References for pregnancy information

    1. Briggs GG, Freeman RK. "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health (2015):
    2. "Product Information. Tums with Gas Relief Chewy Bites (calcium carbonate-simethicone)." GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings (US) LLC (2019):

    References for breastfeeding information

    1. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
    2. Briggs GG, Freeman RK. "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health (2015):
    3. "Product Information. Tums with Gas Relief Chewy Bites (calcium carbonate-simethicone)." GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings (US) LLC (2019):

    Further information

    Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

    Heartburn is a common discomfort experienced during pregnancy. However, many women experience heartburn for the first time after getting pregnant. Generally, it is harmless but it can be uncomfortable. This common concern raises the question, is it safe to take TUMS during pregnancy?

    Is it Safe to Take TUMS During Pregnancy?

    Heartburn (also called acid indigestion or acid reflux) is a burning sensation that often extends from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat. It is caused by hormonal and physical changes in your body. During pregnancy, the placenta produces the hormone progesterone. Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus,  but it also relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. This allows gastric acids to seep back up, which causes the unpleasant burning sensation.

    Most people know antacids can provide fast, safe relief for heartburn. The question you have is whether or not it is safe to take TUMS during pregnancy? TUMS provides safe heartburn relief for women who are pregnant. TUMS also adds calcium to your body. When you are pregnant, your body may need between 1,000 mg and 1,300 mg of elemental calcium per day.

    Be sure to take TUMS at a different time than you take iron supplements. It is recommended to space doses of these antacids and iron supplements one to two hours apart, to get the full benefit from each medicine or dietary supplement. You should consult with your healthcare provider before taking any antacids containing sodium bicarbonate.

    How to prevent heartburn during pregnancy

    Altering your diet or adjusting your lifestyle should be the first thing you try when looking to manage your pregnancy heartburn. If you pay attention, you will probably notice certain foods are more likely to trigger heartburn. Here are some steps you can take:

    • Avoid food and beverages that cause you gastrointestinal distress – For example caffeine; chocolate; acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard, and vinegar; processed meats; mint products; and spicy, highly seasoned, fried, or fatty foods.
    • Do not eat big meals. Instead, eat several small meals throughout the day. Take your time eating and chew thoroughly.
    • Avoid drinking large quantities of fluids during meals — you don’t want to distend your stomach. (It’s important to drink eight to ten glasses of water daily during pregnancy, but sip it between meals.)
    • Try chewing gum after eating – Chewing gum stimulates your salivary glands, and saliva can help neutralize the acid.
    • Do not eat close to bedtime – Give yourself two to three hours to digest your food before you lie down.

    Keep in mind the majority of pregnant women experience heartburn during pregnancy, take TUMS for relief and go on to have a normal and healthy pregnancy. Another product similar to TUMS, called Tame the Flame, is provided by Healthy Mama.

    Want to Know More?

    • Nightfoods Nighttime Ice Cream: the official ice cream of American Pregnancy Association and deliciously pregnancy friendly

    Compiled using information from the following sources:

    1. Mayo Clinic. (2004).Mayo Clinic Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy. United States of America: Harper Collins.

    2. Barbieri, Robert L., and Reecce, E. Albert. (2010Obstetrics and Gynecology The Essentials of Clinical Care. Berlin, Germany: Thieme Publishing Group.

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