Is Gaviscon safe during pregnancy?

What does the evidence say about Gaviscon during pregnancy?

1. Gaviscon works differently than a typical antacid: its alginate forms a foamy gel that floats on your stomach contents and physically blocks acid from splashing up, instead of just neutralizing the acid the way calcium or magnesium antacids do. 1
2. In a 150-woman pregnancy study, about 9 in 10 rated Gaviscon Advance good or very good for heartburn relief, and researchers found no safety concerns for mother or baby. 2
3. A separate study of 144 pregnant women taking Liquid Gaviscon found similar results: around 90 percent symptom improvement, very few side effects, and sodium levels that stayed steady the whole time. 3
4. For heartburn in pregnancy, the standard approach starts with diet and lifestyle changes plus an antacid like Gaviscon first, adding a medication such as an H2 blocker only if that first step isn't enough. 4
5. If Gaviscon isn't the right fit for you, plain calcium-carbonate antacids like Tums are a different type of antacid that hasn't been linked to a higher risk of birth defects when used at labeled amounts. 5

Is Gaviscon safe in each trimester?

• First trimester. Heartburn is less common early on, when nausea usually takes the lead, but if reflux does show up, Gaviscon's raft-forming action can calm it quickly. It's fine to use as needed at this stage.
• Second trimester. Reflux tends to ramp up in the second trimester as your growing belly puts more pressure on your stomach. Many people find taking Gaviscon after meals and at bedtime keeps symptoms in check.
• Third trimester. Heartburn often peaks in the third trimester, so daily use of Gaviscon is common at this stage. If it stops being enough on its own, ask your provider about adding an H2 blocker like famotidine.