Antacids in Pregnancy: Safe Choices and What to Avoid
When you're pregnant, heartburn isn't just annoying—it can feel like a constant fire in your chest. That’s where antacids in pregnancy, over-the-counter medications that neutralize stomach acid to relieve heartburn and indigestion. Also known as acid reducers, they’re one of the most common remedies used by expectant mothers. But not all antacids are created equal. Some contain ingredients that could affect your baby or your own health, especially if taken often or in high doses. You need to know what’s truly safe, what to limit, and when to skip them entirely.
Many antacids, medications that work by neutralizing stomach acid to reduce discomfort include aluminum, magnesium, calcium, or sodium. Calcium-based antacids like Tums are often recommended because they’re effective and double as a calcium supplement—something most pregnant women need more of. Magnesium-based options are also generally safe, but too much can cause diarrhea or even affect uterine contractions in late pregnancy. Aluminum-containing antacids are okay occasionally, but long-term use may lead to constipation or reduced phosphate levels, which isn’t ideal when your body’s already working overtime. And never use antacids with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)—they can cause fluid overload and affect your baby’s pH balance.
What about acid reflux pregnancy, a common condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing burning pain? It’s not just about popping pills. Lifestyle changes matter just as much. Eating smaller meals, staying upright after eating, and avoiding spicy or fatty foods can cut heartburn by half. If you still need relief, antacids are your best first-line defense—but only if you pick the right ones. And if your heartburn won’t quit even after antacids, it’s time to talk to your provider about H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors, which are also considered low-risk in pregnancy when used appropriately.
You’ll find real patient stories and pharmacist-backed advice below on which brands work best, which ingredients to watch out for, and how to use antacids without side effects. Whether you’re in your first trimester and just starting to feel the burn, or in your third trimester and struggling to sleep because of acid reflux, the posts here give you the facts without the fluff. No guesses. No marketing hype. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what your body really needs right now.
Learn which heartburn medications are safe during pregnancy, including Tums, Pepcid, and Prilosec. Discover what to avoid, how to use them properly, and simple lifestyle changes that help reduce symptoms.
Dec, 4 2025