Can You Take TUMS While Pregnant?

That stomach acid is making its way up your esophagus and seems to want out.

You reach for the antacids but then you stop yourself—is it okay to take TUMS while pregnant?

Don’t worry, mama.

While we can’t magically take away that heartburn, we can give you the lowdown on taking TUMS while pregnant.

What’s the story with TUMS and pregnancy?

In this article: 📝

Can I take TUMS while pregnant?

Heard of GERD?

That’s Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, a condition that goes hand in hand with pregnancy.

And its most common symptoms? Heartburn and acid reflux.

In fact, it can crop up in around 80% of pregnancies.

Your expanding uterus is putting pressure on your stomach, and that sometimes causes acid to be pushed right up your esophagus.

While GERD during pregnancy is generally not dangerous, it can be very uncomfortable.

It’s no wonder you’re seeking some sort of relief.

So can you take TUMS while pregnant to treat GERD and its symptoms?

Can I take TUMS while pregnant for heartburn?

So now for the burning question: Is TUMS safe to take during pregnancy?

You’ll be pleased to know that the answer is yes, TUMS are considered a pregnancy-safe antacid.

Phew!

TUMS works by neutralizing the acid in your stomach so that it doesn’t cause you discomfort.

And guess what? They have an added bonus.

They also add calcium to your diet, which you’re in extra need of right now. Win-win.

During pregnancy, you need at least 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium a day.

Each TUMS tablet contains 200mg, making it that much easier to reach your quota.

What can help with pregnancy heartburn?

So what can I take for heartburn while pregnant besides TUMS?

Here are a few other things you can try if the TUMS aren’t cutting it:

• Avoid spicy or greasy foods, which can cause or exacerbate heartburn.
• Eat smaller meals more often ‒ not big meals less often.
• Take your time to eat, chewing thoroughly.
• Try not to lie down after meals or drinks.
• Chewing gum can help treat heartburn pangs and nausea (sometimes!).
• Try a ginger-based tea ‒ don’t forget to stay sitting or standing upright for a while afterward.

What class is TUMS in for pregnancy?

Interestingly enough, TUMS doesn’t have a specific category as a pregnancy medication or drug according to the US FDA.

This is because it’s not known to cause any abnormalities to the mother or baby if taken while pregnant.

But if you’re not sure whether you should take TUMS while pregnant, particularly if you’ve had gastrointestinal issues before, it’s worth checking with your doctor.

What antacids are safe during pregnancy?

Antacids that are calcium-carbonate-based (like TUMS) are safe to take.

But antacids that are sodium-bicarbonate-based are not a good idea.

That’s because they have the potential to cause fluid buildup.

Also, steer clear of antacids that contain magnesium trisilicate, as these can be harmful to your baby.

Next question: How many TUMS can I take while pregnant?

Do TUMS help with morning sickness?

Now, you might have heard of TUMS as a morning sickness cure.

Why? Well, as embryologist Navya Muralidhar explains, "it's because GERD causes nausea and vomiting, which is similar to what happens with morning sickness".

There’s good news here ‒ if you have “mild” morning sickness (or pregnancy nausea, because it can strike at any time), TUMS could provide some relief.

Stick with the recommended dosage and see if it helps curb some of your nausea.

How many TUMS are safe while pregnant?

So how many TUMS can I take while pregnant?

The recommended TUMS pregnancy dosage is 10 regular-strength tablets in 24 hours—that’s according to TUMS themselves.

(For the full set of their dosage guidelines, head here.)

A good guideline is to take two regular strength TUMS every four to six hours when you need them.

(Best-case scenario is to consult with your doctor to work out the exact dosage that will be right for you.)

According to the Mayo Clinic, if you're taking iron supplements, space them out from your TUMS intake so you get the maximum benefit from both.

How many extra-strength TUMS can I take while pregnant?

Extra-strength TUMS are… well, stronger than normal TUMS.

So the TUMS manufacturers recommend that pregnant people only take up to 5 extra-strength TUMS per day.

Can you take TUMS Chewy Bites during pregnancy?

Yes, you can take TUMS Chewy Bites while pregnant.

If crunchy TUMS aren’t your thing, the Chewy Bites are generally fine to take while pregnant.

Just be sure to stick to the recommended dosage of up to 6 tablets every 24 hours.

How often can you take TUMS while pregnant?

For regular-strength TUMS, the recommended dosage for pregnant people is up to 10 per day, which can work out as about 2 every 4-6 hours.

For extra-strength TUMS, the recommended dosage for pregnant people is up to 5 per day, so that’s about 2 every 6-8 hours.

And for the TUMS Chewy Bites, the recommended dosage for pregnant people is up to 6 per day, which is about 2 every 6-8 hours.

Do TUMS help nausea during pregnancy?

And sometimes that stomach acid gets really ambitious and does more than cause heartburn.

Enter pregnancy nausea.

As it turns out, TUMS can come to the rescue here too.

As this medical review of multiple studies tells us, antacids are a good first line of defense.

That being said, if you’re really struggling with your symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider for advice.

You don’t have to just battle through this alone.

What can I take for heartburn while pregnant besides TUMS?

If TUMS don’t work for you, there are other options.

Acid reducers such as Zantac should be safe to use during pregnancy.

Proton pump inhibitors might also be appropriate, particularly if you are suffering from very frequent heartburn.

It’s always worth talking to your doctor about which option will be best for you.

Other things that can help with heartburn while you’re pregnant?

• Minimize your intake of foods that are high in acid, like citrus fruits and vinegar.
• Keep the coffee and chocolate to a minimum.
• Try to avoid overly processed, highly seasoned, and very fatty foods.
• Ditch the chewing gum, particularly just after eating.
• Leave a gap between dinner and bedtime.

What happens if you take TUMS while pregnant?

When taken at the correct dosage (the recommended dosage as set by the TUMS manufacturers), TUMS is totally safe to take while pregnant.

So usually if you take TUMS while pregnant, it will neutralize your stomach acid and add a touch more calcium to your nutrients.

However, sometimes, taking TUMS while pregnant simply doesn’t work to treat heartburn ‒ although this is rare, it may be that another type of antacid or heartburn treatment could work better for you.

If you’re still searching for the best heartburn treatment while pregnant, have a chat with your doctor ‒ there is help available.

Can too many TUMS hurt the baby during pregnancy?

So what happens if you take too many TUMS while pregnant?

It is possible to overdose on TUMS while pregnant, so it’s worth sticking with the recommended dosage for pregnant people.

But if you do take too many, you may have any of the following side effects:

• Constipation
• Kidney stones
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nausea (ironic, right?)
• Dehydration
• Kidney failure

Any of these can potentially be harmful to you and baby, so it’s worth sticking with the recommended dosage for pregnant people.

If you think you have taken too many TUMS while pregnant (or at any other time in your life), keep track of how you’re feeling, or if you’ve taken a lot over the recommended dosage, call your doctor as soon as possible.

So are TUMS safe to take while pregnant?

Generally speaking, yes, as long as you follow the recommended dosage for pregnant people.

We hope you get some relief, mama. ❤️

And if you're after some advice from other moms-to-be about what works for them with reflux and heartburn, why not ask our Peanut Community?

You'll find your answer there.