Can pregnant women take omeprazole?  - Your Health

Can pregnant women take omeprazole? – Your Health

Pregnancy

Pregnant women can take omeprazole as long as it has been recommended by their obstetrician and only in cases where the symptoms of heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux are difficult to control without the use of medication.

This is because there are no scientific studies on pregnant women that prove that omeprazole does not harm the baby. Therefore, its use should only be done after the obstetrician has assessed the benefits of the treatment for the woman and the risks for the baby.

The best way to control heartburn or reflux during pregnancy is to make changes to your diet or use home remedies, since during pregnancy, any type of medication should only be used if it is really necessary and always with the guidance of your obstetrician. See all guidance on using medicines during pregnancy.

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Can omeprazole be used during pregnancy?

Omeprazole can be used during pregnancy when changes in diet and lifestyle were not enough to alleviate symptoms of heartburn or reflux. See the main causes of heartburn during pregnancy.

Therefore, pregnant women can take omeprazole, but it should only be used if indicated by the obstetrician, and in the doses and duration of treatment recommended by the doctor.

If you have symptoms of heartburn or reflux during pregnancy, make an appointment with an obstetrician in the nearest region:

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Are there any risks for the baby?

Some epidemiological studies have shown that There is no evidence that omeprazole can cause serious risks to the baby, such as malformations or birth defects..

Additionally, omeprazole does not appear to increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight.

However, although omeprazole is considered safe in pregnancy, most clinical studies have been carried out in rats, and there are still no adequate studies in pregnant women. Therefore, its use should only be done under the guidance of an obstetrician.

Which omeprazole can a pregnant woman take?

Pregnant women can take omeprazole in the form of capsules and the dose varies according to the obstetrician’s recommendation.

Natural remedies for heartburn during pregnancy

Natural remedies for heartburn during pregnancy are a great option to avoid and alleviate discomfort and include:

  • Drink cold drinks like lemonade or coconut water;
  • Eat an apple or pear with the skin;
  • Eat salt and water biscuits;
  • Drink ginger tea.

Furthermore, eating a small piece of dry bread helps to absorb the acidic contents of the stomach, reducing pain and discomfort, being effective in a few minutes and has no contraindications. Check out other natural remedy options to relieve heartburn during pregnancy.

Care to avoid heartburn during pregnancy

In addition to natural remedies, there are some dietary and lifestyle precautions that are also important to treat or prevent heartburn from recurring so frequently, such as:

  • Chew food well;
  • Eat small portions and at shorter intervals;
  • Avoid drinking liquids during meals;
  • Do not lie down 30 minutes after eating;
  • Raise the head of the bed, approximately 15 cm;
  • Avoid eating chocolate or drinking coffee;
  • Avoid spicy or very fatty foods.

In addition, you should be aware of what causes or worsens heartburn to avoid discomfort and have a calmer pregnancy.

To avoid complications, it is important that women only take medications under the guidance of their obstetrician, including those that are normally indicated and can be obtained without a prescription. This way, it is possible to avoid malformations in the baby, premature birth and miscarriage.

See the video below for more tips on how to avoid heartburn during pregnancy:

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Mastologist and gynecologist graduated from the Federal University of Pernambuco in 2008 with professional registration in CRM PE 17459.

We regularly update our content with the latest scientific information, so that it maintains an exceptional level of quality.

Bibliography
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  • ATUWAIJRI, M. Evidence-based treatment recommendations for gastroesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy: A review. Medicine (Baltimore). 101. 35; e30487, 2022
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  • VAZQUEZ, Juan C. Heartburn in pregnancy. BMJ Clin Evid. 1411. 1-8, 2015
  • DRUGS.COM. Omeprazole Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings from Drugs.com. Available at: <https://www.drugs.com/>. Accessed on November 13, 2020