Pregnancy is a pretty crucial time in the life of any woman. There are moments of joy and certain difficulties. The fact is that pregnancy can be accompanied by some complications for the health of the mother, and subsequently for the unborn child. In addition, a woman at this time can take far from all drugs. In this review, we will try to answer the question of whether it is possible to take Gastal during pregnancy.
Heartburn during pregnancy
How often does it happen? Quite often, pregnant women face a problem such as heartburn and stomach discomfort. In a normal situation, just taking an antacid drug is enough. But women in position should pay special attention to the choice of medicines. Many qualified doctors prescribe Gastal for heartburn. During pregnancy, this drug can also be used. Will taking this remedy bring any unpleasant consequences? Let's try to figure it out.
Symptoms
About three quarters of pregnant women are constantly faced with such an unpleasant problem as heartburn. It is characterized by a burning sensation and pain in the abdomen and throat, sour taste in the mouth and a general significant malaise. Here are just some indications of heartburn. What is the reason for this condition? Our digestive system has a special element - the cardiac sphincter, which prevents the ingestion of processed hydrochloric acid from esophagus. For a number of reasons, it may stop fulfilling its task. During pregnancy, heartburn is quite common. In most cases it is. However, there are a number of fairly serious violations in the digestive tract, which can also be accompanied by heartburn.
Causes
Let's dwell on this in more detail. If a woman has never had digestive problems before, then feeling unwell after a meal will certainly cause concern. Why did the problem appear during pregnancy?
There are several possible reasons:
- Disorders in the hormonal background. The stomach and esophagus are separated by a special partition, the purpose of which is to prevent the return of food. A large amount of progesterone produced by the female body after conception promotes muscle relaxation. This is conceived by nature in such a way as to protect the uterus from excessive stress and ensure the fetus normal development. In fact, the cardiac sphincter and rectum can relax. For this reason, the performance of these organs can noticeably deteriorate.
- Changes in the position of internal organs. In the later stages, heartburn can occur due to an increase in the volume of the uterus. Most organs have to change their normal location. As a result, the pressure on the walls of the stomach and esophagus increases significantly. This can lead to hydrochloric acid emissions.
- Wrong diet. Heartburn can also be caused by overeating and a sedentary lifestyle. If a pregnant woman’s diet consists mainly of smoked and fried foods, this can lead to serious heartburn attacks lasting several hours.
- Violations of the gastrointestinal tract. Heartburn can also be caused by chronic diseases such as gastritis, gallstone disease, or pancreatitis. In this case, nausea, vomiting, and severe pain may also occur.
Similar diseases
Heartburn can be similar to other ailments. Recognizing them at home is not always possible. The correct diagnosis can only be made by a doctor. There are a number of signs by which it can be understood that the observed condition is indeed heartburn.
Namely:
- Unpleasant sensations appear only after eating. They last from 5 to 30 minutes.
- Heartburn pain can increase with a change in body position.
- Hard food is difficult to swallow.
- Attacks are accompanied by nausea, and in rare cases, even vomiting.
- The patient constantly feels a lump in his throat.
- A strong aftertaste remains in the mouth, which is difficult to get rid of.
The doctor can diagnose heartburn in the patient only by the results of the examination and a description of the condition.
What to take
Today there is absolutely no need to endure incredible discomfort. Synthetic preparations will not cause any harm to the fetus. Many are interested in whether Gastal can be used during pregnancy. Experienced doctors recommend using this tool to relieve unpleasant symptoms of heartburn. If you do not take anything at all to eliminate unpleasant sensations, it will only get worse. Heartburn can cause sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, and contribute to the development of a depressive state. In addition, regular emissions of hydrochloric acid destroy the mucous membrane of the internal organs. This can result in severe inflammation or even an ulcer.
During the period of gestation, it is forbidden to use a large number of drugs that neutralize the abnormal acidity level. However, there are quite safe remedies that help get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of heartburn. Gastal also belongs to such medicines. But is it really harmless to the baby?
Arguments
So, "Gastal" during pregnancy is possible or not? The instructions for the drug indicate that it has a local effect on the level of hydrochloric acid. Gastal is not actively absorbed into the blood. Its active components are salts of magnesium and aluminum. In the process of neutralizing hydrochloric acid, they interact with it. As a result, insoluble compounds appear that do not penetrate the intestinal wall. They are excreted along with feces. The active ingredients of the drug simply do not have time to get to the baby. Unlike most other antacid medicines, Gastal does not cause constipation. On the contrary, it facilitates the passage of feces through the intestines.
The opinion of gynecologists
But in reality, everything is not so rosy. Reputable obstetrician-gynecologists believe that "Gastal" from heartburn during pregnancy should not be taken. In their opinion, this is as dangerous a tool as the rest. The main danger to the fetus is aluminum salts. They are present in all drugs with this principle of action. For this reason, you can take "Gastal" only under strict medical supervision and in case of urgent need.
Possible complications
This issue should be given special attention. Regular administration of the drug in large doses can facilitate the penetration of aluminum salts into the blood.
As a result, the following complications may occur:
- Washing out calcium from the body: negatively affects the formation of fetal bones, and also worsens the condition of the mother’s bone tissue.
- Decreased immunity.
- Slowing down the absorption of iron: leads to a drop in hemoglobin and anemia.
- The appearance of pathologies in the development of the child.
At high concentrations, aluminum salts can cause miscarriage or premature birth in the third trimester in the first months.
Manufacturer opinion
Can I take Gastal during pregnancy? The manufacturer's instructions do not contain information about contraindications during the period of gestation. The manufacturer claims that the studies did not reveal possible teratogenic effects.
So far, not a single case of fetotoxic effects on the fetus caused by the use of the drug "Gastal" has been detected. Use during pregnancy in the gestational period should be carried out only as prescribed by the attending physician and only if the benefit of the drug is significantly higher than the possible risk of developing pathologies.
Instruction manual
Many women in the situation are interested in whether "Gastal" is possible during pregnancy from heartburn. This is a combination drug that is used to treat various diseases associated with impaired acidity. Its main pharmacological effect is the neutralization of hydrochloric acid and the removal of discomfort during heartburn.
Typically, the drug is used in the form of tablets, the main components of which are:
- Magnesium hydroxide: neutralizes hydrochloric and bile acid, has a laxative effect.
- Aluminum hydroxide-magnesium carbonate: used as a buffer adsorbing pepsins of hydrochloric acid.
Does Gastal help well during pregnancy? The therapeutic effect of the drug lasts a couple of hours. When ingested, salts become insoluble and excreted along with feces.
Indications
Who can I take Gastal?
Instructions for use during pregnancy include the following indications:
- heartburn;
- belching with acid;
- epigastric pain;
- diaphragmatic hernia;
- gastritis;
- stomach ulcers;
- reflux esophagitis.
Contraindications
What do you need to know about them? Like all medications, Gastal has contraindications.
It is unacceptable to take medicine in case of:
- individual intolerance to one of its components;
- renal failure;
- hypophosphatemia;
- with lactase deficiency (an enzyme that breaks down lactose);
- Alzheimer's disease;
- acute diarrhea;
- chronic constipation;
- pain syndrome of unknown origin.
Admission Rules
What you should pay attention to? Experts recommend taking Gastal an hour after eating. Tablets should be slowly absorbed in the oral cavity, without chewing or swallowing. In an acute attack of heartburn, you can take them, regardless of the period of time elapsed since the ingestion of food. "Gastal" during pregnancy does not require dose adjustment. The dosage regimen depends on the weight of the patient. For women weighing up to 50 kg, the maximum dosage per day is 4 tablets. With a mass of more than 50 kg, you can use the drug 4-6 times a day for 1-2 pieces per dose. The course of treatment lasts 14 days.
Side effects
Can Gastal be pregnant? Patients in an interesting position tolerate the drug in recommended doses. However, sometimes during treatment there are a number of side effects. These include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, an allergic rash, or hives. In rare cases, anaphylactic shock can occur. In patients suffering from renal failure, Gastal can cause osteoporosis, anemia, encephalopathy, hypermagnemia and hyperaluminemia.
Reviews
Does Gastal help with heartburn during pregnancy? Reviews of expectant mothers confirm the effectiveness of the drug. Typically, these symptoms appear in the second trimester. "Gastal" perfectly helps get rid of discomfort. A sense of relief comes almost immediately after taking the drug. The tablets taste quite pleasant, have a slight mint flavor. Gastal helps eliminate burning sensation after eating. This drug is optimal even in late pregnancy. It can also be used to treat unpleasant burping and frequent hiccups. Many expectant mothers note the effectiveness of "Gastal" in comparison with other drugs. It helps to quickly achieve the desired result.
Conclusion
During pregnancy, many expectant mothers face such an unpleasant symptom as heartburn. It is due to physiological changes in the body of a woman. At the first sign of heartburn, it is necessary to review the diet. However, if the discomfort in the stomach will seriously interfere with the normal life of the pregnant woman, it is worth considering the use of pharmaceuticals. "Gastal" during pregnancy can be taken only under the supervision of the attending physician. Be sure to follow the instructions for use and do not exceed the recommended dosage of the drug. Take care of yourself and the health of your future baby.