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Heartburn

Has anyone ever been given the okay to take Pepto Bismol during pregnancy or Nexium or Pepcid?  I know I can take TUMS.  I have severe heartburn and need some relief.  TUMS is just not working.  Please help.  Thanks.
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Avatar universal
Thanks Kenziesmon I will def. try the probiotics.  I have heard of them but never tried it.  I am the same way - bathroom after every meal and sometimes in between - although with this pregnancy it seems to be less (I guess thats my form of constipation-LOL).  Thanks for the tip
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Avatar universal
I agree that what works for one may not work for another.  I have also had IBS for over 10 years, as well as a hiatal hernia for 3 years.  If you want to try it, my IBS is totally under control because of taking probiotic supplements.  I used to go to the bathroom after every meal and was tired all of the time from lack of protein/dehydration.  Probiotics have been a Godsend.  I am very regulated now and only have occasional boughts of the runs.  Nothing else worked for me.  I noticed you said you have erosions in your esophagus.  I am sorry to hear that.  I don't have erosions of the esophagus, so I'm thinking maybe I might know a little of what I am talking about as well.  Maybe "my little remedy" might be something to look into.  Good luck to you.
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Avatar universal
Hi Kenziesmom - i'm just telling you what my gastroenterologist told me.  he's the one who says that the h2o makes acid rise - think about it, it makes sense.  You're lucky if water works for you.  I have had GERD and irritable bowl for 10 years now and i'm only 27.  I have had endoscopy and colonoscopy and I know what i'm talking about. I'm sure everyone has their own little rememdy and we all need to find what works for us.
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Avatar universal
Milk may help relieve the symptoms BUT you need to find out what is triggering the heartburn.  I have a hiatal hernia and manage heartburn without any OTC or prescription medications.  Water has worked for me (as well as the ac vinegar.) I don't think water makes acid rise closer to the esophagus.  Laying down flat after eating a meal makes the acid rise.  Try to avoid lying down until 3-4 hours after eating.  Invest in a wedge pillow, if you can.  They are great.  Many products like TUMS feel like they are relieving the symptoms, but the symptoms always return.  Your body may be producing too much acid.  TUMS may be killing the acid temporarily, but more will be produced.  I believe getting the food not to rise into the throat is the key here.  It happens a lot with pregnancy, because the stomach is pushed up.  Aloe juice is also great for heartburn.  It soothes the throat without overkilling the acid.  Remember, your goal is not to kill all of the acid, because your body will produce more of what you killed.
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Avatar universal
Do Not drink a lot of water when you are having heartburn.  Water dilutes the acid and makes it rise closer to the esophagus.  Milk is great.  It is the calcium that controls the heartburn.  Think about it, what are tums - calcium. Def try milk.  I have Gastro Esophogeal Reflux Disease and am 17 weeks pg with #2.  I have erosions in my esophagus from heartburn, its horrible.  Since I have started drinking a glass of milk with each meal, and sometimes in between I have actually been taking less tums.  Good Luck.
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Avatar universal
Milk, zantac and gaviscon are all great choices. If you're taking gaviscon, it usually helps if you take it BEFORE eating. I had wicked heartburn with both my pregnancies. Good luck.
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164559 tn?1233708018
Pepto contains a chemical that is harmful to the unborn.  I was prescribed Zantac when I was pregnant as I had reflux.  But I would recommend not taking anything without taking to the doctor.

Milk does help.
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Avatar universal
Drinking a lot of water can help with heartburn.  Also, try putting a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and drink, whenever you feel the symptoms coming on.  Another product called acid ease is wonderful.  It is a natural supplement, but you may want to check the label to make sure it is okay for pregnant women.  Good luck.
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for all of your comments.  I do wake up around 3 and 4 a.m. and drink a glass of milk and it does help a little.  I guess I will continue to do that and wait until my physician's appt. to discuss with them.  Thanks
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131073 tn?1252450852
I have tried TUMS, Mylanta, and ZANTAC 150 (once a day).....the only thing that really works for me is the TUMS (very very short relief)....I go through a bottle every week-week and a half. The Zantac I take at night right before bed, and without fail at about 4:30 in the morning I wake up and have to take some TUMS....it is just rediculous. The Mylanta is horrible tasting (to me anyway) and I can't really stomach it. I am not a big milk drinking, but if I put alittle chocolate syrup in there, a huge glass goes down like nothing, and yes, it helps! Good luck to you. Hope you find something that works.
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134578 tn?1693250592
COMMUNITY LEADER
Liquid Mylanta, and ginger snaps, worked for me.
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127529 tn?1331840780
Try Gaviscon, that works for me. Also try eating a handful of almonds, I also find they help.
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Avatar universal
Pepto is usually a big no-no in pregnancy.  I was told Zantac was okay , but taht was because my insurance would not cover any prescriptions for heartburn caused by pregnancy.  Cruel I know.  I would call your Dr. and ask them, they might be able to call in a prescription too that could be covered by your insurance and may be cheaper than otc.  I was also told Pepcid was okay, but I cwould call first and ask your Dr.  At some point the milk stopped working for me too and I needed some help, you can only eat so many Tums a day....
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Avatar universal
Try drinkin some milk.
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Avatar universal
When I was preg. all i took was tums, but something that worked great for me was a big cup of milk. Some say it makes it worse but it cured me every time. Sorry I don't know the anserew
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