Allergy During Pregnancy Period – Is It Risky?

If you started sneezing, sniffling, or had itchy eyes for the first time while pregnant, you might be wondering if pregnancy triggered seasonal allergies. For one thing, nasal congestion caused by pregnancy, rather than allergies, could be the source of all the stuffiness and sneezes. But how do you know which is which? Here's everything you must know on allergies while pregnant, including which treatments and allergy testing are safe to take.

Is it possible to develop allergies when pregnant?

Yes, allergies can develop during pregnancy. Allergies are frequent during pregnancy, but not all women who have them are long-term sufferers. Many women who have never had allergies before complain about the symptoms during pregnancy.

What impact might allergies have on your pregnancy and your baby?

You can have a safe and healthy pregnancy even if you have allergies. In fact, even if you're sick, your kid is unlikely to see anything in there.

Ask doctor about the symptoms, and check with your doctor before taking any prescription, even if you were taking it regularly before getting pregnant (certain medications are deemed safe during pregnancy, while others aren't).

Also, try to stay away from known allergy triggers as much as possible.

Is it true that allergies are worsened during pregnancy?

Though around a third of lucky expectant allergy patients experience a short respite from the symptoms in pregnancy, another one experiences a worsening of their symptoms and the last third experience no change in their symptoms.

Allergy symptoms during pregnancy

If you have a hay fever (rhinitis) allergy, you will most likely encounter the following symptoms:

• Sneezing is a common symptom of allergies.

• You have a headache.

• A stuffy nose

• Itchy skin, eyes, and/or mouth

Hay fever is most common around the beginning of the spring season, as well as later in the summer and early fall. However, because it is dependent on the precise environmental allergens producing your sensitivity, it does not usually follow a predictable pattern.

Mold, dust, and pet dander, for example, can produce allergy reactions at any time of the year.

Is it safe to take antihistamines when pregnant?

Consult your doctor about which medications are safe to take during pregnancy. This is true even if you were previously taking prescription, over-the-counter, or homeopathic drugs on a regular basis: Don't use any of these again until you have permission from a doctor, who should have the last say on any allergy therapies you use.

How to Avoid Allergies While Pregnant

Do you have any other options for treating allergies during pregnancy than taking medication? A solid offense, in general, is the best defense. While you're expecting, try these methods to avoid or reduce allergy symptoms:

• Keep a safe distance from smokers. Smoke can aggravate allergies, and secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy is harmful to both you and your baby.

• If you're allergic to pollen, remain inside where the air is filtered and cooled. If you must go outside, wraparound sunglasses are recommended to keep pollen away from eyes. When you return inside, remove your shoes, clean the hands and face, and change your clothes (putting the ones you were wearing in the wash) to avoid bringing pollen home with you. Showering and cleaning your hair before going to bed can also help you sleep better.

• If you're allergic to dust, use this as an excuse to hire someone to clean for you! To avoid stirring up dust, use a vacuum cleaner, a wet mop, or a sweeper. A microfiber cloth is preferable than a standard feather duster. Also avoid damp areas such as attics, basements, and other damp areas.

See us at OKOA for allergy testing. You may need us in OKC for further treatments such as sinus, pediatric allergy and more.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.