This post is sponsored by Reflux Gourmet, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only feature brands we genuinely love.
I’ve Had Two Kids—This Is the Symptom Reliever I Wish Had During My Pregnancies
Pregnancy has a funny way of introducing you to symptoms nothing can truly prepare you for. Sure, people tell you about the weird cravings, swollen ankles that kind of resemble hockey pucks, and morning sickness that makes you plead with the powers above. But the one I didn’t expect was the raging waves of heartburn all because you had the audacity to lie down. Or drink water. Or exist. During both of my pregnancies, reflux became my most loyal companion, showing up morning, noon, and especially at night. I slept propped up on three pillows just to keep the acid at bay and spent more time than I’d like to admit clutching an emesis bag.
By the time I was pregnant with my second, I’d accepted my fate as the person who permanently kept a bottle of thick, chalky antacids on my nightstand, another in my purse, and one in my car just in case. Looking back now, I wish I’d known there were other options. It wasn’t until recently that I learned about Reflux Gourmet, an all-natural supplement for reflux relief–and I wish it had been part of my pregnancy survival kit from day one.
Source: Patty Schepel
The problem with traditional antacids (and why we deserve better)
When you’re pregnant, you become beyond hyper-aware of everything you’re putting into your body. Every medication, every ingredient, every label gets a second look because you want to make the best choices for both you and your baby. But when reflux is making you actually miserable, it’s easy to reach for whatever just promises real relief.
The problem is that traditional antacids have always felt like chewing on flavored drywall, and the relief never seemed to last very long. On top of that, so many conventional antacids work by interfering with your stomach’s natural acid production, which can also impact nutrient absorption—a pretty important consideration during pregnancy when your body is working overtime to nourish a growing baby. Had I known that back then, I definitely would’ve spent more time looking for an option that worked with my body instead of against it.
The natural reflux relief I wish I would’ve had during pregnancy
What makes Reflux Gourmet different is that it doesn’t try to shut down your stomach acid altogether. Instead, it uses alginates—which are naturally made from kelp, AKA brown seaweed, and have been safely used in foods for well over a century. Here’s the simplified science:
Once you take it, this specially formulated alginate product reacts with your stomach contents to create a protective “raft” that floats on top of everything you’ve eaten. Instead of acid splashing back into your esophagus, that barrier helps keep everything where it’s supposed to be. This means your body naturally digests it like food. And because it doesn’t enter your bloodstream, it has no known drug interactions or impact on nutrient absorption (which, as I mentioned, is a non-negotiable during pregnancy).*
For me, that’s the exact solution I wish I’d known existed. Instead of wondering whether I was taking the “right” antacid every day, I could’ve reached for something that gave me one less thing to worry about. Reflux Gourmet’s acid relief options are also nothing like the chalky chewables most of us grew up taking. Instead, they come in several formats, from a syrup-like gel to on-the-go gum packets.
*Editor’s note: Because Reflux Gourmet works locally in the stomach rather than systemically and is made with clean, naturally derived ingredients, it’s considered safe for use during pregnancy and while nursing.
The lineup: your new prenatal (and postnatal) antacids
One of the things I appreciate most about Reflux Gourmet is their different options depending on what kind of day you’re having. Whether you’re settling in after dinner, heading to bed, or running errands with kids in tow, there’s an easy way to keep reflux from taking over.
For the post-dinner/pre-bedtime flare-ups
The Rescue gels are designed to be consumed after meals or right before bed—basically whenever reflux usually likes to make its grand entrance. The texture is definitely different than a traditional antacid. It’s more of a thick syrup or paste, and they come in two tasty flavors: Vanilla Caramel Rescue and Mint Chocolate Rescue.
Anytime I eat something that doesn’t particularly agree with my stomach, I swallow a spoonful afterwards and notice relief in only a few minutes. That’s roughly half the time I’d usually wait for regular antacids to kick in. The Rescue gels come in both full-size squeeze tubes for home and travel packets that are easy to toss in your purse or diaper bag, so you don’t have to be caught without relief when you’re out and about.
If I could go back and hand one product to my first-trimester self, it would be the Soothe gum. It’s super easy to toss in your purse, pop in after a meal, and move on with your day. Unlike traditional chewable antacids, it isn’t chalky, doesn’t stick to your teeth, and the flavor isn’t overwhelming. It gets you through the day by increasing saliva production (which is the body’s natural antacid), and helps you swallow more often to return reflux to the stomach naturally. Soothe gum comes in two flavors: Berry Soothe and Tropical Soothe.
The best part, though, is the added ginger. During both pregnancies, I practically lived on ginger ale because it helped settle my stomach, but stronger ginger candies made my nausea worse. Having a gum that both coats your throat for reflux relief and includes ginger for nausea feels like such a smart combination. It’s a lifesaver during those first and third trimesters when you’re somehow dealing with both symptoms at once.
Pregnancy changes your body in ways you can’t fully predict, and reflux is one of those symptoms that can practically take over your daily life. And while you can’t control whether it shows up, you can control how you manage it. Looking back, I wish I’d had a solution that didn’t taste like tangy cardboard, didn’t leave me questioning every ingredient, and didn’t make me feel like plain oatmeal was my only safe food.
The other thing I wish someone had told me? Reflux doesn’t always disappear after pregnancy. Mine certainly didn’t. Years later, I still have to think twice before ordering garlicky pasta or my favorite Tex-Mex dinner (and no, I’m still not giving up a spicy margarita either). Some nights, reflux still tries to hijack the little bit of quiet time I get after my kids go to bed, leaving me propped up on the couch instead of actually relaxing.
That’s exactly why I’m so glad I found Reflux Gourmet. Whether you’re pregnant right now, newly postpartum, or simply dealing with reflux in your day-to-day, it’s one of those products you’ll always want on deck.
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
McKenna Pringle, Assistant Editor of Branded Content
As the Branded Content Editorial Assistant, McKenna collaborates with our sales team by creating both written and social media content, collecting and analyzing performance data to report back to our partners, and assisting our editors with their everyday tasks to ensure a smooth and productive process.
This post is sponsored by Reflux Gourmet, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only feature brands we genuinely love.
