Many expectant mothers experience heartburn. Recent research may make them more cautious about what they use to treat it. A University of Edinburgh study has found that women who use heartburn medication in pregnancy were more likely to have children who developed asthma. The reason for this effect is unclear, but some think that the drugs interfere with digestion, resulting in undigested food allergens being passed on to the fetus. Other sources say heartburn medications are to be avoided during first trimester, but are safe during second and third trimesters.

ISSUE: Is it safe for women to use acid blockers during pregnancy?

AHHA strives to maintain a neutral position on issues. For those interested in this matter, the following Pro and Con articles were selected to get you started on your research.

PRO
Prilosec and Pregnancy
by Jennifer Barton
Parents

Heartburn During Pregnancy: What to Do (2/5/17)
by Nicole Galan
Medical News Today

Asthma in Children: Symptoms and Risk Factors
WebMD

CON
Heartburn drugs during pregnancy may increase child’s risk of asthma (1/9/17)
by Amy Wallace
UPI

Heartburn Drugs in Pregnancy Tied to Asthma in Babies (1/10/17)
by Nicholas Bakalar
The New York Times

Want Your Kid to Have Asthma? Take Acid Blockers! (1/24/17)
Alliance for Natural Health USA

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