[noi'mnot]

Hi all,

I'm 32 weeks, and I've had a bit of mild heartburn for awhile now - easily managed with Rennie.

But, I've come down with a cold/sore throat/cough over the last few days and the coughing in particular is making my heartburn AWFUL. I'm coughing a lot and I keep on straining a muscle on the side of my stomach, which whilst a bit uncomfortable isn't a big deal. But when I have a decent coughing fit I am so close to vomiting it's ridiculous.

I don't see much point in seeing a doctor - I'm getting slowly better, there's nothing that they can give me for the coughing as I presume it's just viral. I will, of course, see a doctor if it goes for much longer and gets worse though.

So what are good remedies for heartburn in pregnancy? Rennie just isn't cutting it any more. I'd normally go to the pharmacy and ask but I can't be bothered, I'd prefer to get my partner to pick something up on his way home from work.

Any suggestions are most welcome - including ones for natural remedies and such, I'm at a bit of a loss here. And uncomfortable.

[ednaboo]

Zantac - over the counter or in supermarkets. It is sensational!

[noi'mnot]

Any particular Zantac? Does it last longer than Rennie? I'm chewing through those little buggers so quickly at the moment!

[Escapin]

I really would get to your GP or OB. You're only 32 weeks, that means 2 months more and it's only going to get worse.

You can learn from my lack of action, I ended up just not eating much. When DD was born I was skin and bones. It hurt to sit down, it hurt to pick DD up out of her cot and I was still too scared to put anything in my mouth. Don't do it to yourself!!!

Oh and avoid tomatoes and citrus, and anything else acidic/vinegary.

[Lickety Split]

Is Zantac safe to take during pregnancy? Cos that stuff rocks and if so, I'm getting some!

[noi'mnot]

Golly Escapin, that's awful! I certainly don't plan on leaving it if it persists.

I kind of presumed that it won't get worse, though, because I think it's really bad because I'm coughing so much, which is putting more pressure on my stomach and pushing things up? Well, it's much worse after/during a coughing fit than it is at other times.

I'm due to see my midwife next Monday anyway so if it's still awful then I'll definitely get something sorted then.

In the meantime, I'll see about my partner getting Zantac. Thanks for the tip on acidic foods, I really am clueless about this, it seriously hasn't been much of a problem previously!

Is Zantac safe to take during pregnancy? Cos that stuff rocks and if so, I'm getting some!

A particular type of Zantac, I presume. Good to see another person loves it, I'm looking for some decent relief!

[ednaboo]

My GP said it was OK. It is category b1 which is:

Category B1
Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed.

Studies in animals have not shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage.

It's been around along time as opposed to some of the newer reflux drugs.

[noi'mnot]

Thanks for that Ednaboo! Texting my partner now, hopefully relief will be on its way soon!

[Escapin]

And for dinner - green vegies, potatoes and meat with no fat. (The fat makes it worse too). Good luck!!

[Paddlepop]

I had heartburn/reflux prior to pregnancy and it got worse once I was pregnant. I was on 300mg daily (2 x 150mg tabs) of Zantac prescribed by my doctor. I'm still on it now (DD is 3yo) and probably will be forever. All of the women in my family tend to get heartburn constantly.

My best remedy apart from Zantac was Dual Action Gaviscon in the pink bottle. Sooo good! I bought it from Woolworths but have seen it in pharmacies too. After taking it, stay upright for at least 20 to 30 minutes for it to work properly. It used to include this on the instructions but don't anymore. It has two parts to it: it neutralises the acidity and it also forms a floating layer over the top of the stomach contents to keep them down.

I took so much Gaviscon and also Mylanta tablets that I swear that my DD came out the womb liking mint flavours. She loved it when she got her first taste of toothpaste, and still prefers to try to eat it than brush with it.

Other things: avoid any bending, no tight waistbands, sleep with your head elevated (I ended up using 3 pillows) and no acidic/spicy/rich foods. Tomatoes, juice, citrus fruit, etc like a PP said.

Good luck!