Acid Reflux And Pregnancy

Q: My husband and I have been talking about trying for a baby and I went off the pill in January. We're not really trying very hard yet, no temp charting or anything. Anyway, I have acid reflux and take Zantac (dose of 150 each day) -- I feel fine as long as I'm taking it and don't have caffeine etc. A couple days ago I started having a sharp ache in my right side -- my husband helpfully suggested appendicitis. It last a couple days and seems to have subsized. The problem is that its been replaced by one of the worst flare-ups of the acid reflux that I have had in years. My chest and back are killing me. I also feel like I am going to start my period but I'm only on day 16 of my cycle -- I should still have a week to go. So, my guestion is -- could a pregnancy affect the acid reflux problem this badly and this quickly? Can the Zantac hurt baby if I turn out to be pregnant? I'm afraid not to take it because I'm in so much pain now, I hate to imagine what it would be like without it. Does anyone out there have a similiar acid reflux problem and went through a pregnancy with it who could give some moral support? I'm worried It could be something else entirely upsetting it of course. How early can I try a pregnancy test?

A:Well if I was you I would see my doctor. I have incredible reflux and take losec because of my hiatel hernia and am 21 weeks pregnant. The amount of stomach acid your produce does increase with pregnancy and that is why my doctor and I decided to stay on my losec. We had the pills checked and there is no reporting of side effects on the baby. I have to admitt that I am having

more pain with my hernia now that I am pregnant then before I was pregnant and I would never have a baby again without this stomach problem being fixed via an operation. Oh yah my doctor says the hernia attacks and the reflux do not hurt the baby so dont worry about that, they just hurt you. Anyways you most definately should have the pain in your side checked out as there are many different things it can be. Before I had my endoscope my old doctors thought for sure I had gall stones and and had my gall bladder removed and it was the hernia all along. Please see your doctor and ask him/her to do a pregnancy test and ask about the pain in your side and the increase in your reflux.