What causes heartburn during pregnancy?

When you're pregnant, your body’s hormone levels experience changes. Some may act as a muscle relaxant that helps to prepare your body for childbirth. The downside? The increase of some hormones may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. That's the valve responsible for keeping stomach acid from moving up into the esophagus, where it doesn't belong. If the acid moves into that area, it can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn.2 As your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows, there may be more pressure on your stomach. This too can push the acid in your stomach past the LES and back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. The good news is that heartburn will likely stop for most women after they give birth. If you have heartburn while pregnant, however, you may be at an increased risk of having heartburn later in life.

Is TUMS safe during pregnancy?

If you experience heartburn during pregnancy, there are treatments your doctor can prescribe or recommend. TUMS is effective for occasional heartburn and TUMS is the #1 OB/GYN recommended brand of antacid . Ask your doctor if TUMS and other options are appropriate for you.

Can I Take TUMS While Pregnant?

Pregnant women may experience heartburn for the first time.

We know there are many surprises along the road to motherhood — like heartburn. More than 50% of all pregnant women report symptoms of heartburn, particularly during their second and third trimesters. Pregnant women may experience heartburn because of changes to diet, fluctuating hormone levels, and crowding of the abdomen.¹

Can I Take TUMS while pregnant?

If you experience heartburn during pregnancy, there are treatments your doctor can prescribe or recommend. TUMS is effective for occasional heartburn and TUMS is the #1 OB/GYN recommended brand of antacid. Ask your doctor if TUMS and other options are appropriate for you.
What causes heartburn during pregnancy?

When you're pregnant, your body’s hormone levels experience changes. Some may act as a muscle relaxant that helps to prepare your body for childbirth. The downside? The increase of some hormones may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. That's the valve responsible for keeping stomach acid from moving up into the esophagus, where it doesn't belong. If the acid moves into that area, it can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn.²

As your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows, there may be more pressure on your stomach. This too can push the acid in your stomach past the LES and back into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

The good news is that heartburn will likely stop for most women after they give birth. If you have heartburn while pregnant, however, you may be at an increased risk of having heartburn later in life.
Is TUMS safe during pregnancy?

You should always check with your health care provider to determine the best individual remedy for your type of heartburn. TUMS is effective in the fight against heartburn—yet another reason it's the #1 OB/GYN recommended brand. Ask your doctor if TUMS is an option for you.

Show References

Todd, Nivin. “Heartburn During Pregnancy.” WebMD, 8 Sept. 2016, www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/heartburn-during-pregnancy.
“Heartburn During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment.” American Pregnancy Association, 6 June 2017, americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/heartburn-during-pregnancy/.

Learn More About Heartburn

Explore these sections for more about identifying and treating heartburn.

Pregnant woman holding chest — Is Heartburn an Early Pregnancy Sign?

Young pregnant woman taking medicine. — Probiotics During Pregnancy

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Can I Take TUMS While Pregnant?