Is it possible to drink soda for heartburn during pregnancy: a possible danger

Pregnant girls experience a lot of discomfort for nine months. Nausea, heartburn in the first trimester are signs of toxicosis. Burning sensation in the esophagus in the second half of pregnancy, it occurs due to hormonal changes in the body and an enlarged uterus pressing on the organs. Many expectant mothers, considering soda as an alternative and safe remedy for heartburn, resort to a prescription without realizing what the consequences may be.

How does baking soda work with a burning sensation in the esophagus?

Baking soda is the household name for sodium bicarbonate. Alkaline, reacting with stomach acid, neutralizes the latter. Substances that are safe for health are formed - water, sodium salt and carbon dioxide. The chemical reaction takes place instantly, the symptom disappears after a couple of minutes. But the effect is short-lived. The symptom comes back again due to carbon dioxide acting on the parietal cells of the stomach. Strong stimulation of the acid-producing cells causes them to produce more acid. As a result, the burning sensation returns. The described effect is called "acid rebound".

Advantages and disadvantages of the method

Baking soda for heartburn during pregnancy is quite effective, the solution perfectly neutralizes acid, the condition of the pregnant woman quickly normalizes. But the remedy is not able to overcome the cause of the symptom, if you do not normalize the diet and lifestyle, the unpleasant sensations will return.

The product is absolutely harmless to the mother and fetus, but still the method does not exclude negative consequences.

The advantage of the tool is availability. Every housewife has a powder, if there is no necessary medicine, and there is no strength to endure heartburn, soda will become a lifesaver.

Disadvantages of the method

Regular use of baking soda during pregnancy for heartburn can negatively affect a girl's health. Consequences of frequent intake of soda solutions:

• Stool disorders.
• By reducing acidity, a woman can provoke gastritis.
• Sodium bicarbonate reduces gastric acid levels, which can lead to flatulence and bloating.
• Lack of gastric juice provokes the spread of microorganisms.
• Sodium retains fluid, leading to edema, which is especially dangerous at the end of pregnancy.
• With frequent use, dizziness, nausea, and headaches occur.

The powder itself is not harmful, but its effect on the body of a pregnant woman is negative. The consequences of taking it can affect the health of a woman, and the unborn child suffers from pathological processes in the mother's body.

Safe application

You cannot endure a burning sensation, it can lead to diseases and negative consequences in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

A common method of treatment, but not the safest, is water and soda taken in one gulp. Soda is often quenched with vinegar or citric acid. A pregnant woman cannot extinguish the powder. A solution of sodium bicarbonate with water is unpleasant, and the taste in a woman suffering from toxicosis can provoke a gag reflex.

It is possible to use soda during pregnancy without risk to health, following well-known rules. Sodium bicarbonate is best diluted in a glass of warm milk. Such a solution will quickly and gently eliminate the symptom. You need to use the product slowly, then take a sitting position until the sensations disappear.

It is recommended to drink the solution on an empty stomach no more than twice a day. With frequent use, the effectiveness of the product decreases. Subsequently, to eliminate the symptom, a large dosage of powder will be required, which is fraught with undesirable consequences.

Recommendations

Treatment of heartburn with sodium bicarbonate is simple, but the recommendations must be followed so that instead of the desired result, you do not cause more harm to the body.

Recommended:

• If the solution is prepared with water, monitor the temperature of the liquid. The powder will not dissolve in cold water, the liquid should be at the temperature of a human body.
• Cold solution can cause intestinal upset. You need to use the product warm, in small sips.
• Do not drink sodium bicarbonate after eating.
• 100 ml of liquid requires no more than half a teaspoon of powder.

If you follow the recommendations, the remedy will work in 10 minutes, you will not have to wait longer.

Overdose

Sodium bicarbonate can only be taken as a last resort: if the medicines recommended by the attending physician are not available, and there is no way to purchase. In this case, it is important to observe the dosage. For a quick result, women try to add an extra spoonful of powder, not realizing that an overdose has consequences. Symptoms that occur when the permissible dose is exceeded:

• Nausea, vomiting.
• Violation of acid-base balance.
• An acid-base imbalance disrupts respiratory and other functions.
• An overdose of sodium bicarbonate can negatively affect a woman's cardiovascular system.

Contraindications

The expectant mother should understand that soda is not a medicine. She temporarily eliminates the symptom, improving the woman's condition, but is unable to cure heartburn. In addition, the remedy has contraindications and side effects.

Soda for heartburn cannot be used during pregnancy if the expectant mother has pathological processes in the body, including:

• Diseases of the digestive system.
• Postponed surgical intervention on the gastrointestinal tract.
• Intestinal infection.
• Disruption of the normal functioning of the heart.
• Kidney pathology.
• Inflammation of the pancreas.
• Swelling.

With an ulcer, gastritis, you cannot drink the solution. The remedy is not recommended for women with individual intolerance.

When using it, it is worth looking at the shelf life of sodium bicarbonate. Expired product is unacceptable to use.

Alternative options

Heartburn requires elimination as soon as possible, but the funds must be safe for the health of the expectant mother. In addition to antacids, presented in a wide range in pharmacies, simple folk recipes are known that can help girls fight discomfort. The problem is well eliminated with freshly squeezed carrot juice. It is supposed to drink the drink in small sips, so as not to irritate the stomach.

A handful of pumpkin or sunflower seeds normalizes a woman's condition.

Doctors do not recommend resorting to the soda method for girls in position. It is better to prevent the onset of symptoms by adjusting the diet. Exclude spicy, fatty dishes from the menu. Refuse coffee and strong tea. Include dairy products in the diet. Eat fractionally and often. Do not eat before bed.

Soda is a great helper in the absence of medications. But treatment with this remedy cannot be permanent, sodium bicarbonate has side effects and can cause serious harm to the health of a pregnant woman if used unwisely. With frequent heartburn, it is necessary to consult a doctor and find a safe drug intended for pregnant girls.