34wks and severe reflux and can't eat

[BurkeyBabyNo1]

Hi ladies,

Just wondering at what point I should call midwife or Dr. I am 34 wks with severe heartburn/reflux so much so I havent been able to anything down since yesterday. Can drink a little so baby is getting fluids. It's got so bad I can't sleep coz the heartburn makes me sick. Sick real bad twice today. Just feel dreadful. Any tips?

Have you been given anything for it? If not go to your gp and get omeprazole. Perfectly safe to take in pregnancy and has really helped me. Not totally removed the heartburn but stopped me from being sick and the horrible retching. Nothing else I tried came close to working so this has been a god send!

Short term - If you've not already got some, gaviscon liquid.

But then, if it's that bad you need to go to your GP and ask for ranitidine or olmeprazole. Both are very safe in pregnancy. You can get both over the counter in any chemist or supermarket, but it's best to check with your GP or midwife first in case you have any reasons you shouldn't take them.

Heartburn/reflux is very common in pregnancy, I've had it since start of 2nd trimester (I'm 33 weeks now and it's worse than ever!) I really sympathise, it's horrible when it's making you vomit. I always get heartburn and vomit if I drink too much liquid, so I stick to tiny sips and avoid liquid with meals. Also avoid lying down after meals and steer clear of sugary or acidic foods.

Try taking Ranitidine tablets (available off the shelf and safe in pregnancy) I take 2x 75mg a day which helps as it suppresses acid production. Gaviscon and Peptac also help some people, though I don't like the taste of these. I also chew Rennies when the burning gets bad. If these self-help treatments don't work ask your doctor for Omeprazole, a stronger reflux medication available on prescription.

Hope you feel better soon

Thank you ladies. Very helpful. I've got renitidine 75mg x twice a day over the counter. Can I take gaviscon or Rennie as well then?

Yes you can take Gaviscon or Rennies as well, they work in a different way to Ranitidine (Ranitidine stops acid building up, Rennies and gaviscon help neutralise it). When it's really burning I find Rennies are the only thing that give instant relief.

Have you tried peppermint tea? It's amazing x

You can also try taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water three times a day if you want a natural remedy. Supposedly it alkalinises the system but haven't tried at 34 weeks pregnant I'm afraid!