Heartburn, acidity, and indigestion are common discomforts women face during pregnancy. Eno is a popular antacid that provides immediate relief from heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. However, many pregnant women are concerned about the safety of taking Eno during pregnancy. “Can pregnant woman drink Eno?” is a common query in many forums. Pregnant women have to be extra careful about what medicines they consume. While Eno is generally considered safe in moderate amounts for relieving mild acidity, it’s essential to ask the doctor before using it regularly during pregnancy. There are some safe remedies one can try to deal with acidity and indigestion caused by pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss is eno safe during pregnancy, its benefits, and alternatives, as well as other details. Let’s get started!
Video Of Taking ENO During Pregnancy?
What is Eno?
Before we delve into further details about whether I can drink Eno during pregnancy or not, let us first find out what Eno is. Eno is a branded antacid. Due to good advertising, it has become synonymous with acidity and heartburn cures.
Eno contains sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid. It works by neutralizing the acids in the stomach and providing relief from heartburn, acidity, etc. Eno is usually mixed with water for consumption. Upon mixing, it produces a fizzy drink, which helps to provide relief.
Is Eno Safe in Pregnancy?
Whether you can take eno during pregnancy depends on your individual situation and how your pregnancy is progressing. Do not take Eno on your own. Talk to your doctor first before consuming any antacid during pregnancy, as like all medicines, antacids could also affect your fetus. In general, you can have Eno but only rarely and in moderate quantities during pregnancy. If acidity and heartburn are recurring symptoms, a pregnant woman should try and manage these symptoms by making lifestyle changes like having small frequent meals, avoiding spicy food, etc. (1)
How to Consume Eno During Pregnancy?
When can pregnant woman drink eno? When gastric symptoms occur, pregnant women can drink Eno instantly. Acidity and heartburn cause irritation in pregnant women. To get quick relief from symptoms, get a sachet of Eno, empty it into the glass and pour water. Mix to dissolve the powder completely and drink it up.
Eno contains sodium bicarbonate, which acts as a laxative. It helps to reduce gastric reflux and soften stool so it passes quickly.
4 Benefits of Having Eno During Pregnancy
While it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement during pregnancy, here are some potential benefits of using Eno during pregnancy:
1. Relieves Heartburn and Indigestion
Pregnancy hormones, especially progesterone, can relax the muscles in the digestive tract, which can cause heartburn and indigestion. Eno, being an antacid, can help neutralize stomach acids, providing relief from these common discomforts.
2. Alleviates Bloating
Bloating and gas are common during pregnancy, particularly as the uterus expands and puts pressure on the digestive system. Eno can help reduce bloating and gas buildup by improving digestion and neutralizing excess acid.
3. Provides Quick and Effective Relief
Eno is known for providing fast relief, which can be particularly helpful during pregnancy when digestive issues may cause significant discomfort.
4. May Help to Alliviate Constipation
Eno during pregnancy may help to relieve constipation. Sodium bicarbonate present in it helps to soften stool so it passes easily. But before taking any antacid such as Eno, it is crucial to consult with the doctor.
[Read : Constipation During Pregnancy]
Risks Associated With Eno During Pregnancy
While Eno can provide relief for indigestion or heartburn, there are a few risks associated with taking it during pregnancy, and it’s essential to be cautious. Here are some potential risks:
1. Excess Sodium Intake
Eno contains sodium bicarbonate, which can increase sodium levels in the body. Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention, high blood pressure, or swelling, which might complicate pregnancy, particularly for those with conditions like gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.
2. Alkalosis
Overuse of sodium bicarbonate can lead to a condition called alkalosis, where the blood becomes too alkaline. This can affect the body’s acid-base balance, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, and confusion.
3. May Result In Excessive Calcium Intake
Some types of Eno contain calcium carbonate. It’s important to be mindful of your eno consumption, as excessive intake can lead to an increased level of calcium in your diet. Excessive calcium intake during pregnancy can lead to kidney stones, constipation, or a condition known as hypercalcemia, which can have negative effects on both you and your baby.
4. Risk Of Interaction with Other Medications
Eno can interact with certain medications, including those prescribed during pregnancy, such as iron supplements or antibiotics. The alkaline nature of Eno may alter the absorption of these medications, reducing their effectiveness.
5. May Aggravate Pre-Existing Health Conditions
If you have a pre-existing condition, like kidney disease, heart problems, or high blood pressure, the ingredients in Eno (such as sodium or calcium) could worsen these conditions. If you are at risk for conditions like high blood pressure or preeclampsia, it’s especially important to be cautious about the sodium content in Eno. Excessive sodium can exacerbate these conditions.
6. Risk of Overuse
Taking Eno too frequently can mask the symptoms of underlying digestive issues, potentially leading to overuse and dependence on the medication.
Precautions While Having Eno During Pregnancy
If you do need to take Eno during pregnancy, it’s important to follow certain precautions to minimize potential risks to you and your baby.
Here are some key precautions to consider:
- Although Eno is safe to take during an emergency, one should not exceed the prescribed dosage. Having Eno in more quantities can lead to adverse effects such as dehydration and diarrhea (2), which is not good during pregnancy.
- Also, do not take Eno without consulting the doctor first. In case one is taking certain medications or has an underlying medical condition, then it’s very important not to take them without talking to the doctor first.
- If you are using Eno, make sure to drink plenty of water. The sodium in Eno can cause fluid retention, so staying well-hydrated can help balance this effect.
- Eno should only be used for short-term relief of indigestion or heartburn. If you find yourself needing it frequently, speak with your doctor about other safer ways to manage your digestive issues during pregnancy.
- If you are already taking other antacids or medications for digestive issues, consult your healthcare provider before using Eno to avoid potential interactions or overuse of antacid medications.
- In case of any unusual symptoms or side effects after using Eno, immediately stop its consumption and consult the doctor.
When is the Best Time to Take Eno?
“When can I take eno in pregnancy?” may be a question lingering in your mind. Well, the ideal time to take Eno is when you are experiencing indigestion and heartburn. If you need more clarification about the recommended dosage, follow the instructions mentioned on the sachet, or consult the doctor for better guidance. Expert guidance will help you know if Eno is the right choice. They may also provide some alternatives that are better for dealing with digestion issues during pregnancy.
What Are Some Alternatives to Eno?
Eno is effective in relieving digestive problems during pregnancy. But it can’t be taken regularly during pregnancy and that too only after consulting with the doctor. However, there are some alternatives to consuming Eno which are effective in dealing with gastric problems and are safe during pregnancy. These are-
1. Ginger Water
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. (3). It helps to alleviate vomiting and nausea. Taking a small amount of ginger water helps avoid digestive issues during pregnancy. Alternatively, you can add ginger to vegetables.
2. Take Small Frequent Meals
To fight off symptoms of acidity and heartburn, one should take small meals at frequent intervals. Having small amounts of food helps to keep the digestive system healthy by maintaining a steady supply of food in the stomach for acids to work upon. This prevents acidity.
3. Avoid Lying Down After Eating
One should not lie down immediately after eating a meal. Doing so can cause reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. This will lead to acidity and heartburn.
4. Drink Water
Drink plenty of water as it will help to neutralize the stomach acids and keep acidity at bay.
5. Avoid Spicy Food
Avoid spicy and oily food as it leads to digestive issues.
[Read: Spicy Foods During Pregnancy]
6. Increase Fiber Intake
High fiber intake increases gas buildup for a short time. But over time, fiber is very helpful in reducing constipation which is the prime reason for intestinal gas. Fiber helps soften stool, so it easily passes through the body, giving less time for gas buildup.
7. Avoid Carbonated Drinks
One should avoid drinks that contain carbon dioxide and artificial sweeteners. Most of the soft drinks will fall into this category. These carbonated drinks can cause intestinal gas and also cause acidity. Moreover, avoid beverages that contain high doses of caffeine. It can also result in gastric issues.
So, to recap, Eno is a safe and effective way to deal with digestive issues like indigestion, heartburn, and bloating. But be sure not to take it without talking to the doctor first. And, do not exceed the recommended dosage and don’t consume it frequently. If the symptoms become worse or you don’t get relief after taking Eno, it is important to consult with the doctor. For long-term relief, make lifestyle changes instead of relying on antacids. Have a happy and safe pregnancy!
[Read : Soft And Fizzy Drinks In Pregnancy]
FAQ’s
1. Who Should Not Take Eno?
Pregnant women who already experience gastric problems and are on prolonged medication should avoid taking Eno without consultation with a doctor. Also, in case of high BP, one should avoid taking Eno.
2. Does Eno Decrease Acidity?
Eno contains sodium bicarbonate that helps to neutralize the acid in the stomach, thereby decreasing acidity.
Read Also: Pudin Hara During Pregnancy: Benefits and Risks
Reference
- Law R, Maltepe C, Bozzo P, Einarson A. Treatment of heartburn and acid reflux associated with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. 2010 Feb;56(2):143-4- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2821234/
- Medically reviewed by Ira Daniel Breite, MD, a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist- https://www.everydayhealth.com/antacids/guide/
- Ballester P, Cerdá B, Arcusa R, Marhuenda J, Yamedjeu K, Zafrilla P. Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases. Molecules. 2022 Oct 25;27(21):7223 – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9654013/
