Picot is a popular antacid, known for its quick relief in heartburn and stomach discomforts. Pregnant women often experience these symptoms, which can be quite bothersome.
If you’re looking to use picot to treat such symptoms while pregnant, then it’s important to understand its safety, how it works and some alternatives before taking the final decision.
This article will delve into it.
Can I drink picot while pregnant?
Yes, you can safely drink picot while pregnant. Its major ingredient, which is sodium bicarbonate, is also considered safe for both yourself and your little muffin.
But there are a few precautions; Even though it is safe to use, its sodium content can lead to water retention and a rise in blood pressure.
Hence, if you’re already managing high blood pressure or preeclampsia, it’s particularly necessary to check with your OB-GYN first, before using it.
Additionally, while there isn’t any rule against the use of sodium bicarbonate in pregnancy, most experts rather advice taking antacids that contain aluminium or calcium against those that contain bicarbonate or bismuth.
This is because current findings suggest that these sodium bicarbonate compounds may have some neonatal effects on your baby when taken for a long time.
Regardless, you can safely take picot while pregnant but be sure to communicate with your doctor and make him or her aware first.
How long does picot take to work?
Picot acts quickly to balance stomach acid. While results may vary for everyone, most antacids, especially ones based on sodium bicarbonate like picot starts working within 5 to 15 minutes of consumption.
These antacids directly neutralize the acid in the stomach, which offers immediate relief. However, it is vital to remember that the relief might be temporary because antacids do not treat the main cause of acid production.
If you frequently use picot and the symptoms persist, discuss with your doctor to investigate the cause of this recurring discomfort.
How do you get rid of heartburn completely during pregnancy?
Getting rid of heartburn during pregnancy can be a challenge. Of course you can minimize the symptoms with picot, but these are some other steps you can follow to shrink it completely.
- Dietary and Lifestyle Changes: Adjusting your diet and lifestyle can both prevent and reduce heartburn symptoms. This can include things like eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, and not lying down immediately after eating.
- Natural Remedies: Some natural remedies may also provide relief. For example, eating pineapple or papaya can sometimes help because these fruits contain enzymes that help digestion. Ginger is good for settling an upset stomach too.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: For many pregnant women, over-the-counter heartburn medications can provide relief. But before you go get them, it’s important to chat with your doctor first.
- Avoid Certain Foods: You should also avoid foods and drinks that can trigger heartburn, such as coffee, chocolate, or alcohol.
Which antacids are safe during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, some antacids are considered safe to use, while others should be avoided. Some safe antacids for pregnant women include:
- Tums (calcium carbonate): Tums is a safe antacid option that’s usually recommended by health care providers. In addition to providing relief from heartburn, it can also serve as a calcium supplement. I usually recommend it the most for my patients.
- Antacids containing aluminum salts
- Antacids containing magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide
- Magnesium carbonate (Gavison)
- Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
- Other antacids with calcium carbonate/magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate, Example; Titralac.
What antacids should be avoided during pregnancy?
Antacids that contain aluminium hydroxide might not be the best choice during pregnancy. When taken in larger doses, you’re likely to get constipation and other pregnancy complications. These antacids include:
- Maalox
- Mylanta
- Rolaids
Does picot have aspirin?
Picot does not contain aspirin but there is some amount of it in Picot Plus along with other ingredients like citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. This mix, (Picot Plus), can help with stomach discomfort but should not be taken when pregnant, because of the aspirin.
But remember, even though it’s over-the-counter, always “listen” to your doctor before trying new medicines or treatments especially while pregnant.
Can you eat picot without water?
It is not recommended to consume Picot without water. It is specifically made to dissolve in water and become fizzy, which will then quickly soothe discomfort like acid indigestion, heartburn and sour stomach.
So, it’s probably a good idea to take Picot with water, like it was intended. You get to avoid possible problems, and also derive the most out of it when you include water in its intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can take tums to manage symptoms of heartburn in pregnancy, regardless of the trimester.
Of course, too much of everything is bad. As such you must take tums as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Pepto bismol is usually taken to treat symptoms of indigestion but it is not recommended to be taken by pregnant women. Indigestion in pregnancy is normal, and it usually resolves itself, especially when you resort to staying hydrated often, and eating smaller meal sizes at regular intervals.
Alka seltzer contains aspirin which is bad for pregnant women. Therefore, if it happens that you accidentally took it while pregnant, reach out to your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can safely take picot while pregnant but remember it contains licorice root, which can make your blood pressure go up if you drink too much.
So just as discussed, you should drink in moderation. Also if you’re unsure or have any questions, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor as they can help you make the best choices during pregnancy.
Sources:
National Institute of Health (Sal De Uvas Picot), Healthtap.com (Is Picot safe during pregnancy?), Babycenter.com (Which Heartburn medicines are safe during pregnancy?)
