Safe Antacids During Pregnancy: What’s OK & What to Avoid

Tums, Gaviscon, and Pepcid are generally safe antacids during pregnancy. Avoid Alka-Seltzer and anything with aluminum or high sodium. Use these only as directed, and always consult your doctor. Learn safer options, common questions, and long-term solutions inside.

 

Pregnancy changes everything, including how your body handles acid. 

If you're here, you're likely wondering what antacids are actually safe to take when you’re pregnant. Let’s clear that up.

 

Quick Answers, Doctor-Backed:

 

• Tums, Gaviscon, and Pepcid are generally safe during pregnancy, use only as directed.
• Avoid antacids with aspirin, aluminum, or high sodium like Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, or baking soda.
• Antacids can interfere with iron and prenatal absorption, timing matters.
• Heartburn remedies should be non-systemic, fast, and safe for both you and your baby.
• Refluxter by Nutritist is a safe, natural, and non-systemic alternative formulated by an M.D. for pregnancy reflux.

 

We created Refluxter as a capsule-based sodium alginate supplement that acts fast, without suppressing acid or interfering with digestion. 

 

It forms a natural foam barrier that blocks acid, works instantly, and has no known side effects. It’s sugar-free, sweetener-free, and safe to use throughout pregnancy.

 

Our sodium alginate complex is the most concentrated on the U.S. market, offering 4x to 8x more active ingredient per dose than leading competitors.

 

If you like to understand why something works, and what to absolutely avoid, read on. We’ll walk you through the science, the risks, and your best options, step by step.

 

Why Heartburn Happens When You’re Pregnant

 

Pregnancy heartburn isn’t just frustrating, it’s biological. As your body shifts to support the baby, several things make reflux more likely.

 

• Hormones Relax the LES: Progesterone loosens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that usually keeps stomach acid where it belongs. Once it’s relaxed, acid can more easily creep up the esophagus.
• Digestion Slows Down: Your digestive system naturally slows to absorb more nutrients for the baby, but this delay can cause food and acid to linger longer in the stomach.
• Growing Belly = More Pressure: As the uterus expands, it pushes the stomach upward. That pressure increases the chances of acid rising after meals, especially if you're reclining or sleeping.

 

This isn’t something you can "push through", you need options that work with your body, not against it.

 

Safe Antacids to Use During Pregnancy (With Doctor OK)

 

Not all antacids are created equal, especially when you’re pregnant. Here’s what you can reach for when heartburn hits:

 

Tums (Calcium Carbonate)

 

• Acts fast and also provides calcium
• Safe in moderation, stick to under five tablets per day
• Take away from iron or prenatal vitamins to avoid blocking absorption

 

Pepcid (Famotidine)

 

• H2 blocker that reduces acid production
• Slower to act than Tums, but longer-lasting
• Safe in all trimesters when prescribed or approved by your provider

 

Gaviscon (Alginic Acid + Antacid Combo)

 

• Creates a “foam raft” that sits on stomach contents
• Prevents acid from rising without suppressing acid production
• Non-systemic, which makes it safer for long-term use
• The Gaviscon sold in the USA has a minimal amount of Alginic Acid and does not work nearly as well as the European version of Gaviscon Advance in terms of forming an alginate raft to suppress acid reflux

 

Refluxter (High-Dose Sodium Alginate)

 

• Non-systemic barrier therapy, no acid suppression
• Capsule form, no sweeteners, preservatives, or aluminum
• Safe throughout pregnancy and won’t interfere with prenatal nutrients

 

So, how much is safe?

 

• For chewables like Tums: no more than 5 per day
• For H2 blockers: follow your doctor’s guidance
• For alginate-based options like Refluxter: 2 capsules after your largest meal or before bed

 

Is it safe to take Tums every day? Yes, in moderation. But if you’re taking them daily for weeks, that’s a sign you need a better long-term plan.

 

Antacids to Avoid While Pregnant

 

Now let’s look at what not to use. These may be fine for the general population, but not for someone growing a human.

 

❌ Alka-Seltzer

 

• Contains aspirin, which can cause bleeding issues
• Also high in sodium, which leads to fluid retention and swelling

 

❌ Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids

 

• Often contain aluminum hydroxide
• Aluminum has been linked to constipation and, if used chronically, bone demineralization

 

❌ Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

 

• Seems harmless, but delivers a hefty sodium load
• Can lead to alkalosis and high blood pressure during pregnancy

 

Lesser-Known Safe Remedies Backed by Science

 

Some of the best solutions don’t live on the pharmacy shelf.

 

Sodium Alginate Therapy (Refluxter)

 

Refluxter doesn’t reduce acid, it blocks it from rising. When the sodium alginate hits your stomach acid, it creates a physical foam barrier that floats on top of the stomach contents.

 

• No systemic absorption
• No impact on digestion
• No side effects, even at high doses

 

Why It Works So Well in Pregnancy

 

You don’t want a drug that tampers with acid production when your body’s trying to absorb iron, calcium, and B12. Refluxter lets digestion continue normally while keeping acid where it belongs.

 

Other products contain sugar, preservatives, aluminum, or weak dosages. Ours doesn’t. Just 2 capsules = hours of relief.

 

The Problem with PPIs and Long-Term Medications

 

Here’s where most advice fails pregnant women. You’ll often hear, “Just take omeprazole.” But PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) were never meant for pregnancy-long use.

 

Risks Associated with PPIs

 

• Kidney issues
• Magnesium deficiency
• Nutrient malabsorption
• Increased risk of infections
• Possible link to dementia and preterm labor

 

Yes, they’re effective. But they also suppress all acid production, damaging digestion, immunity, and gut balance. Worse, they take days to work.

 

With pregnancy, you don’t have time to wait, and you shouldn’t have to choose between heartburn relief and long-term health. That’s why we built something better.

 

Step-by-Step: What to Do When Heartburn Strikes

 

You don’t need to guess or panic every time acid creeps up your throat. Here’s a methodical approach that keeps you in control.

 

1. Spot the Triggers

 

Start with a food diary. Common culprits include:

 

• Citrus
• Coffee
• Tomatoes
• Fried foods
• Carbonated drinks

 

Even “healthy” foods like garlic and onions can set it off. Track what you eat and how you feel within the next hour.

 

2. Adjust Your Habits

 

• Eat smaller meals more frequently
• Don’t lie down right after eating
• Sleep with your upper body elevated
• Wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t compress your abdomen

 

These changes aren’t glamorous, but they work.

 

3. Choose Safe Relief

 

• Use calcium-based antacids sparingly
• Try Pepcid if your provider recommends it
• Choose alginate-based therapy like Refluxter if you want fast, drug-free relief that won’t interfere with digestion

 

4. Talk to Your Doctor

 

If you need daily antacids or still feel symptoms despite changes, don’t wait. Your OB-GYN can evaluate whether it’s time to adjust your treatment plan.

 

5. Consider Switching to Refluxter

 

If traditional options haven’t worked, or you want to avoid calcium/magnesium interactions, Refluxter provides a safer long-term solution. It’s backed by research, used in European maternal care, and built to protect your digestion during pregnancy.

 

Relief Without Risk

 

 

Pregnancy doesn’t have to mean suffering through heartburn with limited options or risky trade-offs.

 

We created Nutritist because we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between safety and effectiveness. 

 

Refluxter exists for people like you, those who want science-backed relief without adding another pill to their growing list. It’s safe. It’s clean. And it works fast.

 

So whether this is your first baby or your third time battling reflux through pregnancy, know that you have better tools today than ever before.

 

We’re here to help you feel better, not just temporarily, but with a solution you can trust through every trimester.

 

FAQs

 

Will antacids hurt my baby? No, when used correctly. Calcium-based, alginate, and H2 blockers are all considered safe. The problem arises when people overuse unsafe ingredients or delay seeking help.

 

Do they block vitamin or iron absorption? Yes, calcium and magnesium can interfere with iron. That’s why we recommend spacing antacids at least 2 hours away from prenatals, or choosing a low-calcium option like Refluxter.

 

Can I take antacids daily in the third trimester? Yes, but monitor the type. Avoid magnesium-based ones near labor as they can relax uterine muscles. Sodium alginate remains safe to the end.

 

Should I stop antacids before delivery? Only if they contain magnesium or sodium bicarbonate. Talk to your provider. Alginate-based options like Refluxter are fine even the night before delivery.

 

What if my reflux is triggered by morning sickness? Vomiting worsens esophageal irritation. Sodium alginate can protect your throat and esophagus from additional acid injury during bouts of nausea.

 

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This article does not constitute the formation of a patient-physician relationship. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Refluxter is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your physician for medical advice.