The Use of Nexium During Pregnancy
Nexium is a pill prescribed for people who have acid reflux disease, also known as GERD. It turns off some of the acid-making cells in your stomach. By reducing the amount of acid you produce, Nexium helps alleviate heartburn and also heals the damage the acid reflux has already done to your esophagus. Pregnancy can worsen (or create) acid reflux symptoms.
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Identification
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Nexium is considered a Category B pregnancy drug.
Category B
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A category B drug means that animal studies have shown that there was no harm to the fetus, or that there were no risks discovered during controlled first trimester trials with women.
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Effects
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Nexium can produce side effects similar to some pregnancy symptoms, including headaches, nausea, diarrhea, gas and constipation.
Misconceptions
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Nexium is not for simple heartburn associated with pregnancy, but is only for those who are already being treated for GERD.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
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Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). According to the FDA, PPIs are the most effective way to treat acid reflux. If Nexium will not work for you, ask your doctor about another PPI that might.
Considerations
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Your obstetrician and gastroenterologist are the best people to help you make the decision about whether Nexium is right for you during your pregnancy.
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