If you’re a woman and you have children, you’re likely to agree that acid reflux is no stranger during pregnancy. There are a number of drugs on the market to help treat this disease. However, it’s wise to consult your health care provider before taking any drugs. Many drugs that treat acid reflux still need time for their safety rating to be fully established.

Pregnancy and Acid Reflux

Women will experience acid reflux during pregnancy for a number of reasons. There is a valve located at the bottom of the esophagus which is loosened during pregnancy. This allows acid to escape from the stomach back up into the food pipe. This causes the pain, and if left untreated, may cause permanent damage to the windpipe. Nexium works by helping reduce the amount of acid that’s produced by the stomach. The acid-producing cells found in the stomach’s lining are placed in check with respect to the amount of acid they can produce.

Safety During Pregnancy

To date, there’s no strong evidence that Nexium (a popular drug used to fight acid reflux during pregnancy) has any harmful effects on an unborn child. While still unproven, it’s best to consult with your health care provider before using the drug. There are a number of risks and benefits that warrant balancing. Your doctor may suggest taking the drug if your esophagus is under assault from a strong case of acid reflux. If you’re breast feeding your child, your doctor may advise caution. It’s still not known if the drug is able to pass through breast milk.

Remedies

While there no guaranteed way to rid yourself of heartburn In general, there are a few simple precautions you can take to keep heartburn at bay. There are several foods that can cause heartburn while you’re pregnant. Avoid drinks like, coffee, tea, colas or alcohol beverages. These types of drinks will cause the valve located at the bottom of the esophagus to open, allowing acid to seep back into the stomach. You should also avoid eating large meals. It’s better to eat smaller meals several times a day. Take your time while eating and chew your food thoroughly before swallowing. Drink water as needed.

Good Sleeping Habits

If you’re pregnant, it’s just commons sense to pay close attention to how you sleep. Always make sure your head is elevated higher than your stomach. Nighttime acid reflux can be a serious problem that keeps you up at night. During the day, you should find a comfortable chair to sit in.

Nexium can be of great help during pregnancy. Always consult with your health care provider about the benefits or risks that may be involved. Ask your doctor about any weight gains of concern. And keep in mind that a pregnancy doesn’t mean you have to change your lifestyle because of heartburn.