[earthknitter]

Does anyone know of ANY remedies for acid/gnawing stomach pain/indigestion? My doctor told me to try zantac but it doesn't help much anymore. He said since this was my 4th baby I was going to feel symptoms earlier and more intensely. I am really struggling! I am so thankful for this new life but I am scared this will get worse and worse....I am 10wks6days now. Thank you in advance!

 

[MamaFern]

you could try chewable papaya enzymes..they work really well for heartburn in pregnancy.. you should be able to find them at a pharmacy or health food store <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up"><br>
the only other thing i can think of is slippery elm powder. it coats the stomach lining and esophagus and protects it from the stomach acid. i have used it when i had an ulcer and it helped right away and helped me heal up quickly.<br>
i cant see why it wouldnt be safe in pregnancy, but i would research it a bit first anyways.<br><br>
hope you find something natural that helps <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug">

 

[~Demeter~]

Many people have good luck with a small shot of ACV <b>before</b> eating. I've also heard almonds are good and papaya enzymes but you have to watch with those that they aren't mostly sugar (a lot are) because that can make it worse.

 

[MamaFern]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>~Demeter~</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15369750"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Many people have good luck with a small shot of ACV <b>before</b> eating. I've also heard almonds are good and papaya enzymes but you have to watch with those that they aren't mostly sugar (a lot are) because that can make it worse.</div>
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I second almonds..organic, raw and soaked overnight first.<br>
good point with the papaya enzymes. i always get the same brand and they are not full of sugar. i didnt really think of that.<br><br>
and ACV (apple cider vinegar) is really great for so SO many things.. it would be worth a try!

 

[madis81]

Raw, unfiltered ACV, Raw almonds, papaya enzymes, sipping peppermint tea at meals instead of chugging water or other liquids.... pretty much what other have said.

 

[my kidlets and me]

I'm in the same boat as you, earthknitter. I am doing the almond thing (which really works! Just make sure to eat them slowly, and chew very thoroughly before swallowing), drinking milk, and Tums or Gaviscon if I'm really desperate (both are safe during pregnancy). Once the 2nd trimester is well and truly here, I will probably ask for a prescription for ranitadine (generic version of Zantac - way cheaper). It didn't work for my last pregnancy, but it might for this one. I also took Nexium in my 3rd trimester last pregnancy, because the heartburn was so bad it felt like I was having a heart attack. I might have to resort to it this pregnancy as well.<br><br>
The papaya enzyme didn't work for me....tried that last time. I'll try stocking up on some mint tea, now that I'm not nursing anymore, though.

 

[GeekyGreenie]

Oh no <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"><br>
Is aloe vera safe for pregnancy? When I was having horrible heartburn issues (stupid emergency room gave me steroids and insisted I take them right then even though I hadn't eaten in hours, and ripped my stomach apart), eating about 1 square inch of aloe a day helped coat my stomach and heal it. I'd ask a naturopath before starting it, though, just in case.<br>
Feel better soon!

 

[earthknitter]

Thanks for the replies!<br><br>
I looked up slippery elm, acv while I was waiting for responses....nothing much for acv but lots of warnings about the slippery elm causing miscarriages. There has to be something besides zantac. I don't want to have to keep taking it through the whole pregnancy.<br><br>
I'll call my OB and ask about the remedy ideas you thoughtful women have given me!

 

[MamaFern]

funny, my research on slippery elm says differently.. <b><br><br>
"Slippery Elm Bark</b> - (when the inner bark is used orally in amounts used in foods) Used to help relieve nausea, heartburn, and vaginal irritations"<br>
from this page<br><a href="http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/naturalherbsvitamins.html" target="_blank">http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pre...svitamins.html</a><br><br>
i will talk to my midwife.. she knows so much about herbs and what is good & safe and what is not.

 

[Stitches]

One non-medication method is to raise the head of your bed with some bricks. It's old school, but it helps keep the acid down at night. My m/w always recommends papaya enzymes too.