From the Guidelines
Tums (calcium carbonate) is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy for occasional heartburn or indigestion, with a recommended dosage of 500-1000 mg as needed, not exceeding 2000 mg per day, as supported by recent guidelines 1.
Key Considerations
- The dosage of calcium supplements is crucial, and the WHO recommends 1.5-2.0 g elemental calcium per day, but a lower dose of 1.0 g elemental calcium per day may be sufficient and more feasible for pregnant women in low-income countries 1.
- Calcium supplementation has been shown to prevent preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal mortality globally, and is a low-risk, relatively inexpensive preventive intervention suitable for widespread implementation in community-based and primary-care settings 1.
- Tums works by neutralizing stomach acid and providing quick relief, and its calcium content is beneficial for both mother and developing baby.
Administration and Side Effects
- Take Tums by chewing the tablets thoroughly before swallowing, and follow with a glass of water.
- For best results, take it 1-3 hours after meals when experiencing symptoms.
- Be aware that Tums can cause constipation as a side effect, so ensure adequate fluid intake and discuss with your doctor if this becomes problematic.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Lifestyle modifications like eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, and not lying down immediately after eating can help reduce the need for medication.
- If you find yourself needing Tums frequently (more than twice a week), consult your healthcare provider as persistent heartburn might require different treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Tums in Pregnancy
There is no direct information available in the provided studies regarding the use of Tums in pregnancy.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Treatment
- The treatment options for GERD include lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery 2, 3, 4.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most common treatment for GERD, but long-term use has raised concerns about potential adverse effects 2, 3.
- Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and smoking cessation can be useful in managing GERD symptoms 3, 4.
- Surgical options like laparoscopic fundoplication are available for select patients, particularly those who are young and healthy 3, 4.
Pathophysiology of GERD
- The pathogenesis of GERD involves an interplay of chemical, mechanical, psychologic, and neurologic mechanisms 5.
- GERD should be approached as a disorder beyond acid, considering the complex factors that contribute to symptom presentation, diagnosis, and treatment 5.