A woman’s body experiences many changes when pregnant. Some women may develop allergies during pregnancy. It’s more common for women to already have allergies before conception.
Can allergies worsen during pregnancy?
About one-third of moms-to-be find their allergy symptoms get worse during pregnancy. The same number of women said their allergies stayed the same. Another one-third found their symptoms actually improved during pregnancy.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms are basically the same for those not pregnant which includes: itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; sore or itchy throat; runny nose and sinus congestion.
Stuffy Nose
Many pregnant women can develop stuffy noses. Nasal congestion normally starts in the second trimester cause mucus membranes to swell and soften. Some doctors call it pregnancy rhinitis.
Pregnancy rhinitis can feel like a cold or an allergy. It can also cause nosebleeds during pregnancy and even a post nasal drip that can cause coughing and even gag at nighttime. Typically, pregnancy rhinitis goes away after the pregnancy ends.
What is the difference between allergies and pregnancy rhinitis? For those who have allergies, symptoms experienced included congestion, coughing, sneezing and itchy eyes. If itchiness and sneezing isn’t causing issues, it could be hormone-related pregnancy congestion. Discuss any issues you are having with your doctor.
Allergy Medicines for Pregnant Women
Women need to be very careful taking any medications during pregnancy and most importantly during the first trimester. It’s important to discuss any allergy medications with your doctor. Reducing allergens in the home without using medications could be a first line of defense for the mom-to-be. Allergy proofing the home, avoiding allergy triggers and trying a saline nasal spray, nasal irrigation or nasal strips.
After the first trimester – oral antihistamines treat nasal and eye allergy symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Considered safe for pregnancy according to multiple studies – Loratadine and cetirizine are second-generation antihistamines. These drugs do not cause drowsiness like first-generation oral antihistamines do – chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine and tripelennamine.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays are mostly safe and can be prescribed to pregnant women with moderate to severe allergy symptoms that last more than a few days. Budesonide is considered the safest. Mometasone and fluticasone are also considered safe.
Decongestant nasal sprays can cause issues. Some studies point to a risk of birth defects when pregnant women use these products. They are not recommended during pregnancy especially in the first trimester.
Pregnant women should avoid any antihistamine nasal sprays since there is not enough research to prove their safety.
Always discuss which nasal spray might be right and any medication risks to the pregnant woman and her baby with her physician.
Allergy Shots during Pregnancy
Women can continue allergy shots that began before they were pregnant. They should stay at the current dose during pregnancy and if there are any reactions, the allergist may reduce allergy shot dosage. Generally, it is best not to begin allergy shots during pregnancy which can trigger changes in an already-changing immune system and may cause a systemic reaction.
Anaphylaxis treatment is the same during pregnancy as for non-pregnant women with food, insect venom or latex allergy. Use epinephrine at the first sign of symptoms.
Breastfeeding and Allergy Medications
Medications used during pregnancy can be continued while nursing. The baby gets less medicine through the breast mile than in the womb. Your allergist can discuss the best medications for nursing moms to use.
Do Allergies Cross Over to the Baby while Pregnant?
Allergy symptoms experienced by the mom during pregnancy are not believed to have an impact on the baby and developing allergies. Genetics play a major factor in developing allergies. For children with a parent or sibling with allergies, they have an increased risk of getting allergies.
A pregnant mother’s diet can be a factor in developing the child’s allergic rhinitis, food allergies, asthma or eczema. One study found that moms who ate plenty of food-based vitamin D reduced the child’s risk of developing allergic rhinitis. Foods with lots of vitamin D include dairy products, cereals, fish, eggs and mushrooms.
Reducing Allergy Symptoms without Taking Medications
Stay away from people who are smoking which can make allergies worse. Plus, secondhand smoke is not good for mom or her baby.
Pollen Allergies – stay inside as much as possible. Try wearing wrap-around sunglasses to keep pollen out of the eyes. Coming back inside, take off shoes, washing hands and face and changing clothes will help keep the pollen off. Put clothes in the wash. Shower and wash hair before bedtime to reduce nighttime symptoms.
Dust allergies – have someone clean the home regularly (if possible) and use a HEPA filter vacuum. A wet mop and a sweeper can help avoid stirring up the dust. Microfiber is better than a duster to trap the dust.
Pet allergies – for those allergic to their own pets, try to make one room that is pet-free.
Avoidance diets do not prevent allergic disease according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This means that pregnant women shouldn’t worry about avoiding common food allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk or wheat. Studies have shown that consuming peanuts, milk and wheat in the first and second trimesters can reduce the risk of a child developing a peanut allergy, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Unfortunately, no specific diet or food can prevent allergic disease.
Always discuss with your doctor before making any changes in diet during pregnancy.