Your tummy is home to gastric acids; these acids help digest the foods you eat. These are quite harsh and acidic – their hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) level ranges in between 1.2 to 3.1. Without these acids, you may find it difficult to process foods in your gastric system. Quantum of acids in your digestive system is determined by the orders your brain gives. A spike in acid levels may cause ulcers in your stomach. Proton pump inhibitors – such as omeprazole – are used for treating acidic conditions. But is omeprazole safe during pregnancy? It is useful to know more.
Excessive acids may cause ulcers in the intestines – especially at your small intestines; in some cases, the bottom portion of esophagus (food pipe) may also develop ulcerous conditions. Acid reflux (also known as GERD) is triggered when added amounts of acids are made. This may show up as loss of tooth / teeth, pain in your chest region, heartburn and stomach pains. If extra acids are left untreated, acid reflux can result in swelling of your food-pipe / esophagus and rupture of inner linings of stomach.
When you take meals – especially heavy meals, your brain ‘tells’ your gastric system to make more acids. In such cases, overabundance of acids can cause problems deep inside your gastric system. Meds belonging to a genre called proton pump inhibitors enable acid levels to come down. Such meds are rated as most-essential meds by WHO.
Proton pump inhibitors form the first-line of treatment for acid reflux / GERD. These meds can also treat peptic ulcers, stress-triggered conditions like gastritis, etc. A few PPIs are sold as OTC drugs. However, taking these drugs for long is not a good practice.
So, what is a proton pump inhibitor?
Proton pump inhibiting drug blocks pumps in the tummy from making acids. These are also known as proton-pumps; quantum of acids your system makes is directly dependent on these pumps. Decreased production of acids enables treatment of acid reflux / heartburn; it also helps treating pains caused by ulcers.
Caveat: an overdose of PPI drugs may reduce acid levels sizably. This may cause another condition known as hypochlorhydria, and also as achlorhydria. Several intestinal conditions - triggered by strands like Helicobacter pylori – are treated with PPIs. Drugs enhance acidic content of gastric juices to arrest microbial growth.
What is omeprazole?
Omeprazole is one of the drugs available to treat ulcers, acid reflux, infections of Helicobacter pylori, swelling of esophagus, etc. Chemicals used in omeprazole work to decrease acid levels in the gastric system. As omeprazole is made in its generic from, it can help save on dollars. This med is available in the capsule form and also as tablets.
In a few nations, omeprazole is made as tablet that orally disintegrates. You also get omeprazole with a delayed-release way of working. It keeps it intact i.e., even amid extreme levels of acidity inside your stomach.
Is omeprazole safe during pregnancy?
PPI-med omeprazole can be given to women who are pregnant, only if benefits outdo risks. Research on this med show absence of greater risks during pregnancy. But breastfeeding women are advised to keep away from it; its essential chemicals can reach breastmilk and are unsafe to infants. Infants who had mothers’ milk - with traces of omeprazole - can turn restless and sleepless.
Women who are pregnant must stay aware of possible adverse outcomes. Inform your physician upon having headaches, flatulence, dizziness, etc. These side effects may go off soon; but if they persist for long, call your treating doctor with no further delay.
During pregnancy, using omeprazole for a fairly longer timespan is harmful. Frequent or regular use can trigger inflammation of your renal system, cause inadequacy of vitamins like B12 and also weaken your bones. It is advised to talk to your caregiver about - is omeprazole safe during pregnancy prior to using it.
Many women get tummy problems when they get pregnant. This can be from the baby pushing on their stomach or from changes in hormones. Some women feel burning in their chest after eating. Some feel sick in the morning. Others have too much acid in the belly. That’s when doctors sometimes give a pill called omeprazole.
Find your way to the drive, whether omeprazole are safe in pregnancy. A very good question to think about. Some physicians say yes-but not always. Then you have to look at how bad the problem bothers the person. If the acid really is hurting the mother, if food will not stay down, then the doctor may go ahead and give her omeprazole!
Can I take omeprazole while pregnant?
Well, it depends. Some doctors say omeprazole during pregnancy is okay for short time use. It helps stop the acid from burning your food pipe. If you only take it for a little while and not every day, it might be safe. But you should always talk to your doctor first. Don’t just go to the store and buy it on your own.
What can happen if you take too much omeprazole in pregnancy?
Congratulations. You finally got a stamp: another chemical drug, thought to cure what ails you, the opposite in fact; it can actually exacerbate a whole lot of other stuff if Acruzo is taken for too long and too often. The sooner you tell your doctor about this additional complicating factor, the better, because then you might as well ask him to check on his patient for vitamin B12 depletion.
That vitamin is important for nerves and blood. It might make your bones weak. Some doctors say it could hurt the kidneys. That is also why omeprazole while pregnant must be taken only when needed.
What about other options?
If you have just a little heartburn, probably you will not even need to take omeprazole. Try something simple. For example:
- Eat small meals
- Don't eat food near bedtime
- Avoid spicy or fried foods
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping
Some women take antacids, the chewable kind, but not too much. Excess calcium can also be harmful. Again, it is better to consult the doctor.
So, is omeprazole safe or unsafe in pregnancy?
The doctors say that omeprazole during pregnancy is not super dangerous when taken correctly. In most instances, it doesn't seem to harm the baby. But it shouldn't become your daily medication just because you're feeling a little burp or burn. It really is a strong medication. Strong things should be used only in necessary cases, particularly when you are expecting.
What if I had already taken omeprazole before knowing I was pregnant?
Don't panic. Lots of women have done that. So far, studies have not demonstrated the possibility of it causing birth defects when taken early.
Still, it is good to inform the doctor. Perhaps he/she may have the baby monitored more or keep an eye on your health.
Final words about omeprazole and pregnancy
When you're birthing a baby, your body behaves all sorts of funky. Occasionally, you feel extra acid in the belly, which makes you so uncomfortable with that odd pain or burning sensation. Omeprazole helps but it is not some candy. You cannot just pop it without a second thought. Always go to your doctor if you are pregnant and thinking of using omeprazole.
And that little caption on the box saying it's safe and over the counter doesn't mean it is safe for pregnant women. Every belly is different. Every baby is different too. When in doubt, don't put it on Google; just call your doctor.
To stay safe, remember to:
- Take omeprazole only when your doctor instructs you to
- In case side effects show up for you, like headache or gas, inform your doctor
- Try eating light
- Try eating slow
- Try avoiding any foods that worsen your tummy.
Being careful now helps keep both you and your baby happy and healthy. So next time you wonder about omeprazole while pregnant, just stop and ask someone who knows. Your body and baby will thank you later.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.