While I have done a fair amount of research on this topic, I still am undecided on what to do when I get pregnant. I take 30 MG of Prevacid daily and I know it is a Category B drug that is deemed safe during pregnancy. However, I am also aware that there is limited information on this matter and would never want to harm the fetus. Is there any additional information on this topic? What is the safest and most recommended solution? Thanks!
Hi Junegirl13,
There are some folks having good luck with curbing the acid reflux with natural methods. Dr Todd Eisner talks about Papaya, Pineapple and Chickory Root in this sharepost. Jan Gambino recommends a book in this sharepost called "Healthy Digestion the Natural Way: Preventing and Healing Heartburn, Constipation, Gas, Diarrhea, Inflammatory Bowel and Gall Bladder Diseases, Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and More" By D. Lindsey Berkson. You might also read some of the posts that pertain to infant GER which might offer some natural relief. Also remember to follow some of the advice of the experts with regard to diet, and sleep position. I have cut and pasted that advice below. Tracy Davenport has some great tips in this sharepost.
Sometips:
-Eat your big meal at lunch instead of at dinnertime.
-Eat at least two to three hours before lying down. Eliminate late-night snacking.
-Avoid foods that are known to lead to heartburn.
-Sleep with your head and shoulder on an incline.
-Make sure your bed clothes are loose-fitting.
-Sleep on your left side. Studies have shown that this position aids digestion and helps with the removal of stomach acid. -Sleeping on the right side has been shown to worsen heartburn.
Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!
Vicki M
I lived through 2 pregnancies with reflux being my nightmare. My 1st was difficult because I was scared to take medication and I had not seen a Gastro, I lived on Tums and took Pepsid when it was unbearable. By my 2nd I consulted a Gastro who advised Zantac 2x daily was safe. This pregnacy was definitely more pleasant. I have 2 beautiful children, no complications.
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Hello!
It is a good idea to plan ahead. You probably need to coordinate your care with the baby doctor (OB/GYN) and the gastro doctor for this questions and for other concerns about reflux during pregnancy.
I normallly do not have GERD but each pregnancy brought on painful bouts of heartburn. This is very common. So, it is possible that your reflux will be the same or worse, especially toward the end of your pregnancy when the baby puts added pressure on your stomach and hiatal hernia.
A recent study showed an association between mother's intake of reflux medication and an increased risk of childhood asthma. Be sure to ask your doctor about how to approach your care. You and the doctor will need to weigh the risks of untreated reflux vs. the risk of side effects. Perhaps your doctor could try a different medication or a lower dose during pregnancy. I know some doctors tell patients to take reflux meds only as needed rather than daily to reduce overall intake.
Before you are pregnant, maybe you could experiment with some lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, sleep positioning.
Keep in mind that many moms face your dilemma. Moms with seizures certainly don't just stop taking their seizure medication during pregnancy. By talking to the doctors and developing a plan, you will figure out a way to protect both your health and your baby's health.
Good luck! Jan