Is gestid safe in pregnancy? Can a pregnant woman take gestid for ulcer treatment and heartburn?
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Heartburn and peptic ulcer disease are a common complication of pregnancy that makes pregnancy in itself distressing especially if the symptoms are severe.
What is an ulcer?
An ulcer is a breach or erosion or a wound in the lining of the of the stomach or duodenum. The causative organism of stomach ulcer is helicobacter pylori. In stomach ulcer, there is excess stomach acid whichay reflux (backflow) into the esophagus leading to retrosternal chest pain described as heartburns that is also referred to the central back.
Why Heartburn is common in pregnancy
Aside the reduced immunity in pregnancy, pregnancy hormones like progesterone relaxes all the sphincters in the body especially the gastrointestinal tract leading to backflow of acid to the esophagus. Additionally, the distended or big womb presses on the stomach reducing the size of the stomach, causing indigestion and causing backflow of acid into the esophagus leading to heartburns.
Symptoms of ulcer in pregnancy
Upper abdominal pain that may be triggered by hunger – pains wakes you up at night
Heartburns that is relieved by antacids
Indigestion
Vomiting
Passing of black stools
Waterbrash – gathering of saliva in
Antacids like gestid and moko mist mag is used to treat heartburns and stomach ulcer in pregnant women….
Is gestid safe in pregnancy? Can a pregnant woman take gestid for ulcer treatment and heartburn burn?
Yes. Gestid is safe in pregnancy and pregnant women with heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, gas and bloating get good relief from Gestid Suspension.
No clinical trials have shown Gestid to be unsafe in pregnancy ….so this antacids is used by preggos with heartburns for symptomatic relief and it works for most of them….
A dose of 10mls of gestid taken by a pregnant woman twice a day helps with her indigestion, ulcer pains and heartburns.
If symptoms persist or you notice symptoms like vomiting of blood, or coffee ground substance, passage of dark tarry stool, please go straight to the hospital. Those are signs of a bleeding stomach or duodenal ulcer.
Lifestyle modifications that helps with heartburn during pregnancy
1. Avoid any food or drink that triggers your symptoms
2. Don’t lie down immediately after eating
3. Sleep on your sides
4. No smoking
5. No alcohol intake
6. Avoid chocolates
7. Eat more often to avoid stomach ulcer pains
8. Yogurt helps
9. Eat foods rich in vegetables
10. No caffeine containing drinks
Read more on Gestid Suspension here
