Tums is an over-the-counter antacid that is often used to relieve heartburn or indigestion. Even pregnant women take it as a go-to for heartburn, especially during the third trimester. But is it safe to have tums during pregnancy? Show
Heartburn during pregnancy is fairly common. But it needs to be treated with proper advice from the doctor to avoid any underlying complications (1). Read on to know about the safety of using Tums while pregnant, the necessary precaution to take while having it, and its potential side effects. What Is Tums?Tums is an antacid comprising sucrose (sugar) and calcium carbonate. It is the brand name for a specific variety of antacid that is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. The drug is available over-the-counter (OTC) at most retail stores in the US. Tums is known to provide quick and effective relief from heartburn, indigestion, gas, acid reflux, bloating and stomach upset. The medication is available in the form of chewable tablets, which come in a variety of flavors (2). Related: Bloating During Ovulation: Causes And Management Tips Is It Safe To Take Tums When Pregnant?Yes, Tums is safe for pregnant women, but only when its potential benefits outweigh the possible risks. The US FDA has classified the medicine under category C drugs, which means animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus but the drug has not been tested on humans (3). Side Effects Of Tums During PregnancyUnlike a few other medications, Tums is likely to cause specific potential side effects during pregnancy. They are:
You need to be cautious, and keep a few things in mind when taking Tums during pregnancy.
Related: Hydronephrosis In Pregnancy: What It Is, Causes & Treatment Ideal Dosage Of Tums During Pregnancy
 Image: Shutterstock You may take two to four tablets of Tums every two hours to get the needed relief from heartburn (5). However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking any antacid. Also, always maintain a gap of at least two hours between taking an antacid and iron supplements to derive maximum benefits from both the medicines (6). Related: Heartburn During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment How Does Tums Help You During Pregnancy?
Image: Shutterstock The doctor might allow you to take the medicine for quick relief from heartburn caused by acidity. Usually, antacids that contain calcium and magnesium are used as the first-line treatment for treating heartburn during pregnancy (7). Since Tums is a good source of calcium, taking them for heartburn will also increase your calcium intake and help you get the ideal amount of the nutrient during pregnancy. The right amount of calcium in your diet prevents lead absorption in bones and may also lower the risk of hypertensive disorders and preeclampsia (8) (9). Over usage of the medicine, however, could have adverse effects on you. Next, we address some commonly asked questions about Tums during pregnancy. Frequently Asked Questions1. Can I take Eno Tums while pregnant? Yes, you can use Eno Tums, which is just another brand of the antacid that has similar effects. 2. Besides Tums, what else can I take for heartburn during pregnancy? You may consider taking other antacids such as Rolaids, Maalox, Pepcid and Mylanta (10). However, check with your healthcare provider before using any of these medications. Besides medication, eating smaller meals, avoiding acidic and spicy foods, drinking lots of water, unsweetened coconut water, and mint tea can also provide relief from heartburn. 3. Can I take Tums and Zofran together? Yes, Tums and Zofran can be taken together, since there are no studies to show that their interaction is negative. While Tums is for heartburn, Zofran treats nausea and morning sickness. 4. Can I take Tums for nausea while pregnant? Yes, Tums might help in relieving nausea, which is likely to occur alongside heartburn or an upset stomach. 5. Can too many Tums hurt the baby during pregnancy? Yes, excessive intake of Tums can increase calcium levels in the body (hypercalcemia), which is known to cause maternal, fetal and neonatal complications. (11) Tums is a popular OTC antacid. The medication is quick-acting and available in different flavors as chewable tablets. It can help deal with common pregnancy problems, such as heartburn and indigestion. However, there is not enough research done to establish the safety of Tums during pregnancy. The doctor will prescribe it only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Avoid over intake as it may hamper the absorption of the essential vitamins. The best advice is to stay away from spicy and fattening food that would lead to heartburn. Can too many Tums hurt the baby during pregnancy?Are Tums and other antacids safe during pregnancy? You'll be happy to know that calcium carbonate (Tums) antacids are safe to take while you're pregnant. As a bonus, calcium carbonate antacids also add extra calcium to your diet. This may help you meet your higher calcium goal of about 1,000 mg to 1,300 mg per day.
How many Tums a day is safe when pregnant?As with most things, moderation is key. The manufacturer advises pregnant people to limit themselves to a maximum of 15 TUMS Regular Strength 500 within any 24-hour period.
How many 750 mg Tums can a pregnant woman take?When using this product: Do not take more than 10 tablets in 24 hours. If pregnant, do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours. Do not use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks except under the advice and supervision of a doctor. Keep out of reach of children.
Can I take Tums at the same time as prenatal?Interactions between your drugs
Using calcium carbonate together with multivitamin, prenatal may decrease the effects of multivitamin, prenatal.
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How many tums can i take when pregnant
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