WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Pregnancy and Allergies Essentials

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
Pregnancy and Allergies Essentials
Key Facts
You may wonder about the relevance of allergies during pregnancy.
Allergies can indeed emerge for the first time during this period.
It's crucial for you as an expecting mother to understand this issue, as it affects a significant number of women. Allergies prior to pregnancy are also common.
What's That?
Allergies are immune responses to substances that are usually harmless.
Symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, and sinus congestion.
It's key to differentiate these from other pregnancy-related conditions.
Diagnosis
Determining if you have allergies during pregnancy involves observing specific symptoms. These include congestion, coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
If these symptoms are accompanied by itchiness and sneezing, it's likely allergies.
Otherwise, it could be pregnancy-related congestion. Consulting your doctor is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Management and Treatment
Managing allergies during pregnancy involves several steps:
  • Avoid Allergy Triggers: Identify and steer clear of substances that trigger your allergies.
  • Non-Medication Strategies: Consider using saline nasal sprays, nasal irrigation, or nasal strips.
  • Medications: Oral antihistamines like Loratadine and Cetirizine are generally safe post-first trimester. However, avoid antihistamines combined with decongestants.
  • Nasal Sprays: Corticosteroid nasal sprays are mostly safe; however, decongestant nasal sprays and antihistamine nasal sprays should be used cautiously.
Always consult your doctor before starting any medication.
Pregnancy and Allergies: An In-Depth Look
Understanding Allergies in Pregnancy
You might experience allergies for the first time during pregnancy or notice changes in pre-existing allergies. This is a common occurrence. It's essential to understand that one-third of women report worsening symptoms, while another third find no change, and the remaining third experience improvement.
The Reality of Allergy Symptoms
Your allergy symptoms during pregnancy are similar to those outside pregnancy. You might face:
  • Eye Discomfort: Including itchy and watery eyes.
  • Nasal Issues: Such as sneezing, a runny nose, and sinus congestion.
  • Throat Irritation: Indicated by soreness or itchiness.
Distinguishing Pregnancy Rhinitis from Allergies
Pregnancy rhinitis is a common condition, characterized by a stuffy nose starting in the second trimester. It's important to distinguish this from allergies, which include additional symptoms like itchiness and sneezing.
Medications During Pregnancy
When considering medication for allergies during pregnancy, it's vital to consult your doctor. Oral antihistamines are often safe after the first trimester. However, avoid antihistamines with decongestants, as their safety is still under research.
Safe Use of Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays can be a safe option for allergy relief. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are generally safe, but decongestant nasal sprays might pose risks, especially in the first trimester.
Allergy Shots and Pregnancy
If you're already on allergy shots, you can continue them during pregnancy but avoid increasing the dosage. It's not advised to start allergy shots during pregnancy due to potential immune system reactions.
Managing Anaphylaxis
In case of anaphylaxis, you can use an epinephrine auto-injector during pregnancy. It's treated similarly to non-pregnant individuals.
Breastfeeding and Allergy Medications
Breastfeeding while on allergy medications is generally safe. The medicines used during pregnancy can continue during breastfeeding, as the baby receives less medication through breast milk.
Impact on Baby's Allergy Development
Your allergies during pregnancy don't directly impact your baby's risk of developing allergies. However, genetics play a significant role, and your diet may influence the child's allergy risks.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Allergy Management
To manage allergies without medications, consider:
  • Avoiding Smoke: Stay away from cigarette smoke.
  • Pollen Exposure: Limit outdoor time during high pollen seasons and take precautions like wearing sunglasses.
  • Dust Allergies: Keep your home clean, using HEPA filters and avoiding dusty areas.
  • Pet Allergies: Create a pet-free zone in your home if necessary.
Dietary Considerations
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that avoidance diets during pregnancy don't prevent allergic diseases. A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and vitamin D, may reduce your child's risk of developing allergies. Always consult your doctor before making dietary changes during pregnancy.
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A
Alyssa
7 Dec 2023

Does anyone’s allergies constantly act up during pregnancy or is it just mines??

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
K
Kissten2gmailcom
Mines acting up ast minute
27 Mar 2024

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A
Alyssa
This is the worst part
27 Mar 2024

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A
Allissa
18 Nov 2023

6 weeks and I’m congested and stuffy nose is that part of pregnancy or just allergies??

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
5 comments
A
Ariella
I had that pretty bad I got a lot of drainage and sneezing and had to blow my nose and I even had a few nose bleeds so I think it's normal cause I mentioned it on my check up and they said it was all fine
27 Mar 2024

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Shermeka
It could be both I’m suffering now to .
27 Mar 2024

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Nicole
28 Jun 2023

So is anyone else extremely stuffy and allergies are awful during pregnancy??!? Because mine are horrible and I don’t really know what I can take or do! Blowing my nose only relieves me for about ten seconds!!

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
10 comments
r
riah
Not allergies but have a cold and my nose is stuffy now
27 Mar 2024

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r
riah
I got a list from my doctor for what’s safe to take
27 Mar 2024

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Melanie
20 May 2023

Did anyone get allergies after being pregnant? I was eating cherries and now my tongue feels fuzzy and is burning like a mf

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
L
Leila
Yes lol ! This happened to me with kiwis
27 Mar 2024

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Dawn
17 May 2023

For those of us with allergies what do y’all take while pregnant? Im literally suffering. Stuffy nose sneezing every min watery eyes and itchy throat. #allergies #help

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
10 comments
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Dawn
I feel like I need more than that Caz even when I’m outside it’s non stop.
27 Mar 2024

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Miciala
I was told I could take Benadryl but I don't because it makes me sleepy and I already have 2 little ones at home. So I just sit and suffer
27 Mar 2024

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Natalia
12 May 2023

Question!! Who else took Claritin during pregnancy everyday and had a healthy baby!? I have horrible allergies 🤧 year round. Its always worse when I’m pregnant. With my first I suffered through didn’t take any medication but with my second it’s even worse so I can’t but to take Claritin. My doc said it is safe and I searched it says it’s safe but I’m still scared. It’s a medication after all and not just a vitamin. I talk about allergies and pregnancy and my Facebook had an add it talked about “talking Claritin and now a child with autism” it was an add bout that scared me 🙄.

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
2 comments
C
Carla
it’s safe i used to take Benadryl because I would get covered in hives for weeks
27 Mar 2024

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Natalia
Glad to hear it’s safe from another mom!! Cuz it’s hard to trust google and many docs
27 Mar 2024

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V
Vanessa
28 Mar 2023

Has anyone got random allergies to food while pregnant? I ate cashews last night and woke up this morning with my tongue hurting and numb.. I’ve always ate cashews before pregnancy and now I’m nervous I’m having an allergic reaction to them 😭

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
S
Shan
You could be call your dr explain what happen and what you can take. Allergies to food can happen randomly at any point in time. My dad used to get my baby brother and I cashews all the time when he stopped at the gas station. We both ate them in the car on the way home (this is going way back to the early 90’s). One day Mom was up at the hospital with her mom ( she had another heart attack). Well Dad got us home and Bri was all busted out in hives, tongue swollen, complaining about breathing issues. He called the hospital had mom meet him outside and we went around the corner to a bigger hospital for treatment for him. He hasn’t touched a nut since
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ashley
Also... how many did you have? My thinking is the salt can make your tongue feel weird even the next day. But also... as the previous person stated they can happen any age I was 25 when I developed a allergy to whey protein, never had it before that!
27 Mar 2024

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Vanessa
15 Mar 2023

Hi mommas I’m 10 weeks pregnant this is my first baby and I have really bad allergies but I’m scared to take anything What is safe to take when you have allergies? Please help

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
5 comments
V
Vanessa
Thank you ! I appreciate it so much
27 Mar 2024

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r
renee
I know you can take benedril
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sandy
18 Nov 2022

Did anyone take allergy meds during pregnancy? Like Zyrtec or Flonase? I have terrible allergies and although my doctor said it’s ok to use, I’d like to hear testimonials from people that have used it during pregnancy and their babies are healthy. Any feedback is greatly appreciated

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
4 comments
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Crystal
I had really bad allergies also and my doctor said it was fine I used it here and there and it helped and baby is fine
27 Mar 2024

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Kasey
Currently 8 weeks pregnant but I take allergy meds (singulair and rhinocort). I’m sure the baby will be fine. 😊
27 Mar 2024

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Ashley
1 Sep 2022

Is pregnancy cold such a thing my allergies are killing me stuffy nose and everything third trimester sorta kicking ass lol

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
19 comments
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Ashley
I’ve been wondering the same because my nose get so stuff then I’m sneezing all the time and people keep saying pregnancy cold I’m like is that a thing lol
27 Mar 2024

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Ashley
Ik loll I didn’t even think it would be a thing glad to know you have the same symptoms girl ugh it has been rough feels like a bad cold loll
27 Mar 2024

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