If you are pregnant and experiencing heartburn or indigestion, you may be wondering if it is safe to take Rolaids. Heartburn and indigestion are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that can affect the digestive system. Rolaids is a popular antacid medication used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about taking Rolaids during pregnancy.
Table of Contents
- Why do Pregnant Women Experience Heartburn and Indigestion?
- Is it Safe to Take Rolaids During Pregnancy?
- What are the Risks of Taking Rolaids During Pregnancy?
- What are the Alternatives to Rolaids During Pregnancy?
- Tips for Managing Heartburn and Indigestion During Pregnancy
- When to Seek Medical Help for Heartburn and Indigestion During Pregnancy?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Rolaids is an antacid medication used to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. The active ingredients in Rolaids are calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, which work by neutralizing stomach acid. Rolaids are available over-the-counter and come in chewable tablets, soft chews, and liquid form.
Why do Pregnant Women Experience Heartburn and Indigestion?
The main reason that causes heartburn or indigestion in women changes during pregnancy. When the large fetus grows along with the uterus, which causes pressure on the stomach, and as result, acid returns to the esophagus. Another option is progesterone, which fires the muscles that control the esophagus and stomach and eases the flow of acid.
Is it Safe to Take Rolaids During Pregnancy?
Yes, It is safe to use Rolaids during pregnancy, and even the opinion of obstetricians and gynecologists of the American College is the same because the compounds of antacids containing calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, Rolaids are not dangerous for the mother and the baby if they are consumed during pregnancy. But it is always a safe option to consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
What are the Risks of Taking Rolaids During Pregnancy?
Considering that it is said that the use of Rolaids during pregnancy is safe, there are some risks, knowing which makes you use it more carefully. Because Rolaids contain calcium, they can interfere with the absorption of iron in your body, which is very important for the body to eat and absorb essential nutrients during pregnancy. Also, some Rolaids tablets contain aspirin, which is prohibited to use during pregnancy.
What are the Alternatives to Rolaids During Pregnancy?
Aside from this medication, you have several other options for heartburn and indigestion relief, including:
- Tums (calcium carbonate)
- Maalox (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide)
- Mylanta (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide)
- Gaviscon (alginic acid, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium carbonate)
- Zantac (ranitidine)
But again, we emphasize that you should consult your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy.
Tips for Managing Heartburn and Indigestion During Pregnancy
Apart from medicine, you can use several other methods to relieve heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy, which include:
- Eating small, frequent meals
- Avoiding spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding lying down after eating
- Elevating the head of the bed
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing
- Practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation
When to Seek Medical Help for Heartburn and Indigestion During Pregnancy?
Considering that one of the most common problems during pregnancy is heartburn or indigestion, but sometimes these symptoms can be a sign of a disease, so if you see any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
- Severe or persistent heartburn or indigestion
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
The above symptoms can be signs of serious diseases such as gastric reflux or pre-eclampsia, which require medical care.
FAQs
No, taking Rolaids during pregnancy is not dangerous for you, but be sure to consult your doctor before taking it.
This drug can disrupt the process of absorbing iron and nutrients needed by the body, and also some doctor contain aspirin, which is not recommended to eat during pregnancy.
Your answer is yes, methods such as drinking plenty of water during the day or reducing the amount of food or antacids such as Tums and Maalox are alternatives to Rolaids to solve digestive problems.
If you experience severe or persistent symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood or coffee-like substances, chest pain or pressure, and shortness of breath, see a doctor immediately.
Heartburn or indigestion is not dangerous for the fetus in the mother’s stomach, but if it is continuous and severe, it can be a sign of a serious disease for which you should see a doctor.
Conclusion
One of the most common pregnancy problems is hormonal changes, which for some mothers have heartburn or indigestion, and taking Rolaids is a safe and low-risk way to solve this problem. But in any case, you must consult your doctor before taking medicine, because these types of medicines are not completely safe. But apart from taking medicine, you can solve the problem of indigestion and heartburn with alternative ways such as reducing the amount of food and increasing the number of meals or drinking plenty of water.
- American Pregnancy Association. (2020). Heartburn During Pregnancy. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/heartburn-during-pregnancy/
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Pregnancy and Heartburn: What’s the Connection? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047208#:~:text=Heartburn.,and%20spicy%20or%20fried%20foods.
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2017). Heartburn, Indigestion, and Acid Reflux in Pregnancy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4562453/
- Rolaids. (n.d.). Product Information. https://www.rolaids.com/en-us/antacids
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2015). Nutrition During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy#:~:text=During%20the%20first%20trimester%20with,%2C%20yogurt%2C%20and%20fresh%20fruit.
- US Food and Drug Administration. (2015). Antacids for Heartburn During Pregnancy. https://www.fda.gov/industry/prescription-drug-user-fee-amendments/us-food-and-drug-administration-statement-impact-februarys-inclement-weather-prescription-drug-user
- WebMD. (2020). Pregnancy and Heartburn. https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/heartburn-during-pregnancy
