Pregnancy heartburn is experienced by most women.  It’s caused by a relaxing of the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. The increase of the hormone progesterone causes the relaxation, thus gastric acids seep into the esophagus causing a burning sensation.^[1]http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/heartburn-during-pregnancy.aspx^[2]http://www.babycenter.com/0_heartburn-during-pregnancy_242.bc

There are many natural methods for preventing and soothing pregnancy heartburn.  

Natural methods for preventing and soothing pregnancy heartburn

1.  Chew a lot, eat slowly:  Masticating our food thoroughly before swallowing creates less work for our stomach and increases production of digestive juices. ^[3]http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/heartburn-during-pregnancy.aspx
2. Eat small meals:  Don’t eat three big meals a day. Eat about six smaller meals so that your stomach always has food and is never too full. ^[4]http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/heartburn-during-pregnancy.aspx^[5]http://www.babycenter.com/0_heartburn-during-pregnancy_242.bc
3. Eat almonds:  If you feel heartburn, eating almonds can give you natural relief.^[6]http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/heartburn-during-pregnancy.aspx  Almonds are also good for preventing morning/all day sickness.
4. Avoid spicy, acidic, and fried food.^[7]http://www.babycenter.com/0_heartburn-during-pregnancy_242.bc
5. Drink pepperming or ginger tea to relieve heartburn symptoms.^[8]http://www.mamanatural.com/pregnancy-heartburn/ 
6. Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes that put more pressure on your abdomen.^[9]http://www.mamanatural.com/pregnancy-heartburn/
7. Hydrate.  Drink lots of small amounts of water and coconut water throughout the day rather than in large doses.  ^[10]http://www.mamanatural.com/pregnancy-heartburn/

Heartburn Medication and Asthma in Babies

There may be another reason to prevent pregnancy heartburn other than the discomfort, as well as only treat it with natural remedies. Research has found an association between heartburn medication and asthma in babies.  

According to the New York Times:

The analysis, in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, combined data from eight studies that included more than 1.6 million patients. Follow-up ranged from five to 14 years.

Researchers found that H2 blockers, such as Pepcid or Tagamet, were associated with a 46 percent increased risk for childhood asthma. Taking proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec or Nexium, was linked to a 30 percent increase in risk.^[11] … Continue reading

Researchers did not find a causal link, and the reasons are unclear. They suspect the heartburn medication may interfere with the mother’s digestion.  Undigested food allergens are then passed through the placenta to the baby.  

A correlation between asthma in babies and heartburn medications should be discussed between doctors and their patients who are pregnant.  Mothers should understand the potential risks.