Understanding How Many Tums You Can Take While Pregnant

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Heartburn affects up to 45% of pregnant women, and Tums is a common remedy for this uncomfortable symptom. Understanding how to use Tums safely while pregnant is important, as moderation is key to avoiding potential side effects. This article provides general information and important safety considerations for expectant mothers.

Quick Summary

This guide offers general information on using Tums during pregnancy for heartburn relief, highlighting important precautions and potential side effects from overuse. It also discusses alternative methods for managing heartburn symptoms effectively.

Key Points

Moderate Use Only: Tums are generally considered safe during pregnancy for occasional use and within recommended guidelines.
Dosage Varies by Strength: The appropriate amount depends on the specific Tums product strength.
Beware of Overuse: Taking excessive amounts of Tums can lead to side effects like constipation, kidney stones, and interfere with iron absorption.
Lifestyle Changes are Key: Simple adjustments like avoiding trigger foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals can effectively manage heartburn.
Avoid Certain Ingredients: Do not take antacids containing sodium bicarbonate, magnesium trisilicate, or aspirin while pregnant.
Consult Your Doctor: If heartburn persists or becomes severe, speak with a healthcare provider about alternative treatment options like H2 blockers or PPIs.

Navigating Heartburn Relief During Pregnancy

Heartburn is a common complaint during pregnancy, often becoming more frequent or severe in the later stages due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus pushing on the stomach. The active ingredient in Tums, calcium carbonate, works by neutralizing stomach acid to provide fast relief. Because it is not absorbed systemically in high amounts, it is generally considered safe for occasional use during pregnancy when taken as directed. However, it is vital to adhere to recommended guidelines and consult a healthcare provider, especially for persistent symptoms or if other medications are being used.

General Considerations for Tums Use During Pregnancy

When considering using Tums during pregnancy, it is important to be aware of the product's strength and follow the guidance of a healthcare professional. Always read the product label before use. Exceeding recommended limits can increase the risk of side effects.


Tums Product Type	Primary Active Ingredient	General Use	Important Consideration During Pregnancy
Regular Strength	Calcium Carbonate	Temporary heartburn relief	Use as directed by a healthcare professional or product label
Extra Strength	Calcium Carbonate	Temporary heartburn relief	Adhere to recommended usage guidelines
Ultra Strength	Calcium Carbonate	Temporary heartburn relief	Follow product instructions and medical advice
Chewy Delights	Calcium Carbonate	Temporary heartburn relief	Consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate use
Chewy Bites	Calcium Carbonate	Temporary heartburn relief	Do not exceed recommended amounts

Potential Risks of Excessive Tums Intake

While Tums are a source of calcium, consuming excessive amounts can be harmful, especially during pregnancy. The body's recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium is typically within a specific range for pregnant individuals, with an upper limit to consider. Taking excessive amounts of Tums can push total calcium intake beyond these limits, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Potential side effects associated with high intake of Tums include:

Constipation: A common side effect of calcium carbonate, which can be exacerbated during pregnancy.
Interference with iron absorption: Tums can inhibit the body's ability to absorb iron. If you take an iron supplement, it is recommended to space it at least two hours apart from taking Tums.
Kidney stones: Chronic overuse may increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
Hypercalcemia and milk-alkali syndrome: Extremely high intake of calcium carbonate can lead to a dangerous buildup of calcium in the body, which can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus. In rare cases, this has been linked to seizures in newborns.

Lifestyle Adjustments and Alternative Remedies

Before reaching for medication, many pregnant women can find relief through simple lifestyle changes. These non-drug therapies can often provide symptomatic relief without the risk of side effects associated with medication.

Dietary modifications: Avoid common heartburn triggers such as spicy, fatty, acidic, and fried foods.
Smaller, more frequent meals: Eating five or six small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones can help prevent your stomach from becoming overly full.
Remain upright after eating: Avoid lying down for at least one to three hours after eating to allow gravity to help keep stomach acid where it belongs.
Elevate your head during sleep: Propping up your head and upper body with pillows or a wedge can help prevent nighttime reflux.
Chew gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can stimulate saliva production, which can neutralize stomach acid.
Wear loose clothing: Tight-fitting clothing can put pressure on your stomach, increasing the likelihood of reflux.

Important Antacids to Avoid During Pregnancy

Not all antacids are suitable for use during pregnancy. Some contain ingredients that can pose a risk to the expectant mother or the baby. Always check the active ingredients list and avoid those containing:

Sodium bicarbonate and sodium citrate: The high sodium content can cause fluid retention and swelling, which is already common during pregnancy.
Magnesium trisilicate: Chronic, high-dose use of this ingredient may be harmful to the fetus and is not recommended.
Aspirin: Some heartburn remedies, like Alka-Seltzer, contain aspirin, which is generally considered unsafe during the later stages of pregnancy and should be avoided.

Seeking Professional Guidance

If lifestyle changes and moderate Tums use do not provide sufficient relief, or if symptoms persist, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. A doctor may recommend alternative medications, such as H2 blockers (like famotidine) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These are often considered safe for use during pregnancy under medical supervision.

Conclusion

For most pregnant individuals, Tums can be an option for occasional heartburn relief when used appropriately. Excessive intake, however, can lead to side effects such as constipation, interference with iron absorption, and in rare cases, more serious complications. Always prioritize lifestyle and dietary adjustments, and if medication is necessary, adhere to the guidance of a healthcare professional. For persistent or severe heartburn, a consultation with your healthcare provider is the best course of action to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.

For more detailed information on calcium intake and pregnancy, refer to resources such as information from reliable health organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Tums are generally considered safe for occasional use during pregnancy to relieve heartburn, as their active ingredient, calcium carbonate, is not systemically absorbed in large amounts. Always follow the product's instructions and consult a healthcare provider.

Yes, Tums can interfere with iron absorption. If you take both, you should space them out by at least two hours to ensure your body properly absorbs the iron.

Exceeding recommended amounts of Tums can cause side effects such as constipation, kidney stones, and, in severe cases, a buildup of calcium in the body called hypercalcemia.

Pregnant women should generally avoid antacids containing sodium bicarbonate (which can cause swelling) and aspirin. Long-term, high-dose use of magnesium trisilicate is also not recommended.

You can try eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods (spicy, acidic, fatty), staying upright after eating, and elevating your head and chest while sleeping.

Yes, you should continue taking your prenatal vitamins. Tums can provide calcium, but it is not a replacement for comprehensive prenatal nutrition. Discuss all medications and supplements with your healthcare provider.

The frequency at which you can take Tums depends on the product and should be guided by the label instructions or a healthcare professional. Avoid taking more often than recommended.