Understanding Allergies During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Safe Treatments

If you're experiencing sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes for the first time during pregnancy, you might wonder whether your bloating has triggered seasonal allergies. If you already have a known allergy, you may be concerned about how your pregnancy will affect your symptoms and how to manage them. These are common questions pregnant women have when they experience flu-like symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about the causes of nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes, as well as safe allergy treatments during pregnancy.

Can You Have Allergies During Pregnancy?

Yes, you can develop allergies during pregnancy, even if you’ve never had them before. Allergies are quite common during pregnancy, and not all women who experience them will suffer for an extended period. Many women who don’t have a history of allergies will only notice symptoms while pregnant.

How Can Allergies Affect Your Pregnancy and Baby?

If you have allergies, you can still have a healthy and safe pregnancy. In fact, your baby is unlikely to be affected by your allergy symptoms. However, it’s important to inform your doctor about any symptoms you’re experiencing, and always check with them before taking any medications, even those you may have regularly taken before pregnancy. Some medications are safe during pregnancy, while others are not. Try to avoid known allergens as much as possible, though it can be challenging, especially if pollen or grass is the culprit during allergy season.

Do Allergies Worsen During Pregnancy?

While about a third of pregnant women with allergies experience temporary relief from symptoms during pregnancy, another third find that their symptoms worsen. The remaining third experience no change in symptoms. The fluctuations in symptoms may depend on changes in your immune system during pregnancy and external allergens.

Symptoms of Allergies During Pregnancy

If you suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis), you may experience the following symptoms:

• Frequent sneezing

• Runny nose

• Headaches

• Itchy eyes, skin, and/or mouth
  These symptoms are typically worse in early spring and late summer or early fall but can occur at any time depending on the allergens affecting you. Other triggers like mold, dust, and pet dander can cause allergic reactions at various times of the year.

Allergies vs. Nasal Congestion During Pregnancy

Unfortunately, many pregnant women experience nasal congestion. This typically begins during the second trimester due to increased estrogen and progesterone levels, which increase blood flow, including to the nasal passages. This causes the mucous membranes in the nose to swell and soften, resulting in nasal congestion similar to a cold or allergy symptoms. It can also lead to nosebleeds and post-nasal drip, which may cause nighttime coughing.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Pregnancy-Induced Congestion and Allergies?

• Allergy Symptoms: If you're experiencing sneezing, itchy eyes, or other common allergy symptoms along with congestion, you may be dealing with allergies.

• Pregnancy-Induced Congestion: If you’re only dealing with nasal stuffiness and no significant itching or sneezing, it could be due to pregnancy-related hormonal changes.

If you're unsure, it's always best to consult with your doctor.

Can You Take Allergy Medications During Pregnancy?

Consult your doctor to determine which allergy medications are safe to take during pregnancy. This applies even to over-the-counter or homeopathic remedies you may have used before pregnancy. Some medications are considered safe, while others are not. Here are some general guidelines:

• Antihistamines: Many antihistamines are considered safe during pregnancy. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is commonly recommended. Claritin (loratadine) is also generally safe, though some doctors prefer other alternatives, especially during the first trimester. Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine) and Triprolidine may be allowed in moderation, but some doctors suggest looking for other alternatives.

• Decongestants: It’s best to avoid over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (like Sudafed, Claritin-D, or DayQuil) during the first trimester. Some doctors may allow limited use later in pregnancy, but frequent use could affect blood flow to the placenta.

• Nasal Steroid Sprays: Nasal steroid sprays are generally safe for pregnant women, but you should check with your doctor for specific brands and dosages. Saline nasal sprays and strips are always safe.

• Non-Steroidal Nasal Sprays: Avoid sprays like Afrin (oxymetazoline) unless your doctor gives explicit approval.

Can You Get Allergy Shots During Pregnancy?

Allergy shots are generally safe for pregnant women who have been receiving them before pregnancy. However, most allergists recommend against starting allergy shots during pregnancy because they can trigger immune system changes that may lead to unexpected reactions.

Other Tips for Managing Allergies During Pregnancy

Aside from medications, here are some preventive tips to help manage allergies during pregnancy:

• Avoid Smoking: Secondhand smoke can worsen allergy symptoms and is harmful to both you and your baby.

• Stay Indoors: If you're allergic to pollen, try to stay indoors on high pollen days. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, and wash your hands and face after being outdoors to remove pollen.

• Use HEPA Filters: Vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and keep your home free from dust and mold.

• Clean Your Home: Regular cleaning, using wet mopping and microfiber cloths instead of dusters, will help reduce dust and allergens.

• Talk to Pet Owners: If you’re allergic to pets, inform friends or family members who have pets so they can make accommodations. If your own pet is causing allergic reactions, create an allergen-free zone in your home.

Food Allergies During Pregnancy

As for food allergies, the latest research suggests that eating peanuts during pregnancy does not cause peanut allergies in your baby, and may even prevent it. This is also true for dairy and other highly allergenic foods, as long as you don’t have a known allergy. However, if you’ve had food allergies in the past, consult with your doctor and allergist before making any dietary changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnant women don’t need to avoid common food allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, milk, or wheat unless they have a known allergy to them. Studies show that eating foods like peanuts, milk, and wheat during the first and second trimesters may reduce the risk of your baby developing allergies like peanut allergy, hay fever, or asthma.

Doctors recommend that pregnant women eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and vitamin D to reduce the risk of their baby developing allergic conditions.

In Conclusion, allergies during pregnancy can be a challenge, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can manage them safely. Always consult with your doctor before taking any medications, and try to avoid allergens as much as possible. Following these tips can help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy while managing allergy symptoms effectively.