What Can You Take For Allergies When Your Pregnant

Treating Asthma During Pregnancy

How to Treat Allergies While Pregnant

Asthma and other conditions that affect your breathing can harm your baby. If you are not getting enough oxygen, your baby is not getting enough oxygen either.

This means you cant leave your asthma untreated.

Weigh Your Options

Most inhalers are entirely safe for use when pregnant, so if you need medication to control your asthma, using inhalers is a great option.

If you can get by without pills, it is best to stop taking them because of the risks. But if you need them to control your asthma, then you have to carry on taking them.

Always check with your doctor before stopping a medication you regularly took before getting pregnant.

Editor’s Note:

Can Pregnancy Affect Allergies

Allergies can go either way when youre pregnant.

A third of women with allergies experience relief from their symptoms during pregnancy.

Unfortunately, one-fifth to a quarter of women experience allergies during pregnancy. And of those with allergies, one-third will experience worse symptoms than usual.

Because of how pregnancy affects your body, you may feel as though your allergy symptoms are worse. Symptoms may also feel worse because they are combined with pregnancy symptoms.

Choosing An Allergy Medication

Once you know which medications are safe to take, youll have to figure out which one will work the best for you. If your allergies are chronic or environmental , you may want to find an antihistamine you can take every day, such as Claritin or Zyrtec.

Seasonal allergies can also be treated this way, but if your symptoms are very infrequent, Benadryl is a good, super-safe choice.

Benadryl can make you excessively drowsy, so be careful of when you take it if youre not sure how it will affect you, dont take a dose before driving. If it makes you sleepy, save your dose for the evening hours, before bedtime.

If you suffer from sinus pain or pressure during allergies, one of the nasal steroid sprays can be a good option. Pregnant women often end up with excess nasal congestion anyway, thanks to an increase in fluid and blood volume a nasal steroid can help relieve some of these additional symptoms.

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Home Remedies For Cold And Flu During Pregnancy

  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Gargle with warm salt water if you have a sore throat or cough.
    • saline nasal drops and sprays to loosen nasal mucus and soothe inflamed nasal tissue
    • breathing warm, humid air to help ease congestion a facial steamer, hot-mist vaporizer, or even a hot shower can work
    • chicken soup to help relieve inflammation and soothe congestion
    • adding honey or lemon to a warm cup of decaffeinated tea to relieve a sore throat
    • using hot and cold packs to alleviate sinus pain

    How Might Allergies Affect Your Pregnancy And Baby

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    If you have allergies, you can definitely have a safe, healthy pregnancy. In fact, your baby likely won’t notice a thing in there, even if you’re feeling pretty lousy.

    Tell your doctor about your symptoms, and always check before using any medication even those you were regularly taking before conceiving. Some are considered safe during pregnancy, while others won’t get the green light.

    Also, try as best as you can to steer clear of known allergy triggers when possible .

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    Safe Medications For The Flu During Pregnancy

    While many of the medications you used to reach for before you became pregnant are off-limits now, there are still some meds that are safe to take to relieve symptoms of the flu during pregnancy:

    • Antivirals. Tamiflu and other antivirals are safe if prescribed by a practitioner who has diagnosed you with the flu.Trusted SourceFood & Drug AdministrationTamifluSee All Sources
    • Acetaminophen. If youre running a fever or suffering from nasty body aches or headaches, its generally considered safe to take products containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol. Just talk to your doctor about the proper dosing.
    • Cough remedies. Expectorants as well as cough suppressants as well as most cough drops are considered safe during pregnancy, but ask your practitioner about whether theyre okay for you and about dosing.
    • Some nasal sprays. Most steroid-containing nasal sprays are fine to use during pregnancy, but check with your doctor about brands and dosing. Plain saline drops and sprays are always safe to take when youre expecting and can help clear and moisturize a stuffy nose.
    • Some antihistamines. Benadryl and Claritin often get the green light during pregnancy, but be sure to check with your practitioner before taking them. Some doctors will advise staying away from those medications in the first trimester.

    Remember: Never take any medication without consulting with a doctor who knows youre expecting.

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    If I Have Allergies During Pregnancy Will The Baby Have Allergies

    Allergy symptoms during pregnancy are not believed to have any impact on whether your baby develops allergies. Genetics, however, are a major factor in the development of allergies in children. If a child has a parent or a sibling with allergies, then they are at increased risk of getting allergies, too.

    An expectant mothers diet during pregnancy may be a factor in whether a child develops allergic rhinitis, food allergies, asthma or eczema. One study found that expectant moms who ate plenty of food-based vitamin D reduced their childs risk of getting allergic rhinitis. Foods with a lot of vitamin D include dairy products, cereals, fish, eggs and mushrooms. Learn more about the allergic march.

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    Can Allergy Medications Safely Be Used During Pregnancy

    Antihistamines may be useful during pregnancy to treat the nasal and eye symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, the itching of urticaria or eczema, and as an adjunct to the treatment of serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis . With the exception of life-threatening anaphylaxis, the benefits from their use must be weighed against any risk to the fetus. Because symptoms may be of such severity to affect maternal eating, sleeping or emotional well-being, and because uncontrolled rhinitis may pre-dispose to sinusitis or may worsen asthma, antihistamines may provide definite benefit during pregnancy.

    Chlorpheniramine , and diphenhydramine have been used for many years during pregnancy with reassuring animal studies. Generally, chlorpheniramine would be the preferred choice, but a major drawback of these medications is drowsiness and performance impairment in some patients.. Two of the newer less sedating antihistamines loratadine , and cetirizine have reassuring animal and human study data and are currently recommended when indicated for use during pregnancy.

    When women with asthma and allergies get pregnant, one-third find their asthma and allergies improved, one-third find they worsen and one-third remain unchanged.

    Allergist James Sublett, MD

    Dosage Of Benadryl Pregnancy Second Trimester

    What Medications Can You Take While Pregnant?

    Later in the second trimester, you need to moderate the dose to less than 25 mg. Benadryl while pregnant 2nd trimester is also not going to harm your baby. Now you need to have a lower dose not crossing the lower limit.

    During the second trimester, your body is less prone to allergies. The immune system weakens maximum during the first trimester. You may need it for sedative effects to relieve sciatica pain or hip pain.

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    Nutritional Recommendations For People With Allergies

    Before answering the question what allergy medicine can I take while pregnant? it is best to work on your diet to prevent allergies. Here are some suggestions:

    • Strengthen the immune system with foods containing antioxidants
    • You can use sources such as wheat germ, vegetable oils, walnuts, etc.
    • Avoid eating fruits susceptible to seasonal allergies, such as apples, carrots, celery, tomatoes, hazelnuts, melons, bananas, cherries, apricots, greengage, and peaches
    • Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids in fish is effective in relieving symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties
    • Consumption of fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and nuts, balances beneficial gut bacteria that help prevent seasonal allergies
    • Consumption of yogurt also reduces symptoms
    • Green tea has anti-allergic properties due to its methyl epigallocatechin gallate
    • Avoid consuming too many nuts during pregnancy, as it increases the risk of allergies to nuts in children
    • If you are allergic to certain foods, avoid eating them, read the food label carefully. Because some of the compounds you are sensitive to are secretly present in substances, you do not expect.

    It’s Easy To Get The Care You Need

    See a Premier Physician Network provider near you.

    Sail through your pregnancy with ease, even with asthma or allergies.

    For starters, be sure to tell your doctor if you have allergies or asthma. Your symptoms during pregnancy can vary. Some women find that their symptoms are worse. For others, they will remain unchanged, or actually improve.

    While its important to control asthma and allergies at all times, its especially important when youre pregnant and breathing for two. Its also possible to develop allergies for the first time while pregnant.

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    Can I Have Honey While Pregnant

    Fortunately, honey does not carry the same risks as many other uncooked or unpasteurized foods. In general, honey is a safe sweet treat for you during pregnancy. So if you want to swirl some honey in your tea, use it to sweeten your baked goods, or take a spoonful to soothe a sore throat, feel free.

    What Is Safe And Not Safe

    emilyyoungdesigns: Allergy Nasal Spray During Pregnancy

    It is always best to weigh the risks and the benefits of any medication.

    If you are suffering enough that you need medication, it is safe to use the following:

    • Medicated nasal sprays like Nasonex or Flonase are safe to use.
    • Antihistamines like Claritin and Zyrtec are considered safe.
    • If you have been getting allergy shots, it is safe to continue, but do not begin them during pregnancy.
    • Benadryl and ChlorTrimeton are considered safe.

    Avoid the following:

    • If the medication includes a D in the name, like Claritin D, this is to be avoided.

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    Is It Safe To Take Benadryl When Pregnant

    Benadryl is a class B drug according to FDA. Just like other antihistamines such as Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec you can safely take Benadryl during pregnancy.

    Benadryl chemically is Diphenhydramine, but market versions include combinations with other drugs. You must read the exact composition of Benadryl you are taking while pregnant. There are variants such Total Benadryl for allergy and sinus which have pseudoephedrine.

    The decongestant for relief from the stuffy nose in higher dose is a stimulant. Drugs with stimulating effect lead to developmental defects in the fetus.

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    Testing For Allergies During Pregnancy

    Skin testing is usually the go-to for doctors to test for allergies, but they dont typically do it when youre pregnant because of the theoretical risk for an allergic reaction, Kleva says. Instead, your doctor will give you a blood test, which Kleva says is almost as good as a skin test. If youre struggling with shortness of breath or asthma symptoms, your doctor may also recommend a breathing test called spirometry or pulmonary function tests , Parikh says.

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    Does A Stuffy Nose During Pregnancy Mean I Have Allergies

    Pregnant women often develop stuffy noses. Nasal congestion usually starts sometime in the second trimester causing mucus membranes to swell and soften. Your doctor may refer to this as pregnancy rhinitis.

    Pregnancy rhinitis can make you as stuffed up as if you had a cold or an allergy. It can result in nosebleeds during pregnancy and/or post nasal drip that may make you cough or even gag at night.

    The good news is that pregnancy rhinitis typically goes away soon after pregnancy ends.

    How can you tell the difference between allergies and a bad case of pregnancy congestion? If you have allergies, youll most likely experience symptoms such as congestion, coughing, sneezing and itchy eyes. If noticeable itchiness and sneezing arent plaguing you, it could be hormone-related congestion of pregnancy. If youre not sure, talk to your doctor.

    Are My Allergies A Risk To My Baby

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    Allergies can affect your baby, but rarely directly. Because the placenta works like a filter, your blood never enters your babys body.

    This is good news because it means your baby will not get your allergy this way, will likely not be affected if you eat something they are allergic to, and will not be affected by all the white blood cells racing around your body.

    Eating certain foods during pregnancy will not increase your childs risk of an allergy. The idea that eating peanuts will give your baby a peanut allergy isnt just an old wives tale its the opposite of the truth .

    Eating a varied diet during pregnancy, including common allergy triggers, reduces your babys chance of allergies.

    Some people maintain overeating of a food type during pregnancy could cause a food aversion or intolerance, but this has not been confirmed. If you are in doubt or worried your baby will not be able to handle some of your favorite foods after birth, just remember to eat a varied diet.

    When it comes to allergic reactions, these can absolutely affect your baby, though. If you suffer an anaphylactic shock, the lack of oxygen can affect your baby as well as you. The same goes for asthma and other breathing reactions .

    IMPORTANT

    If you suffer a food reaction, the loss of water and nutrients could hurt your baby. Vomiting, diarrhea, and just plain discomfort could all be a sign you are not digesting foods well.

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    Can You Take Allergy Medications When Pregnant

    Check with your practitioner to see what medications you can safely take during pregnancy. That goes even if you were already regularly taking prescription, over-the-counter or homeopathic medications: Don’t continue to use any of them until you get the go-ahead from a practitioner, who should be the first and final word on any allergy treatments you use.

    That said, there are some general do’s and don’ts about allergy medications during pregnancy:Trusted SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma & ImmunologyPregnancy and AllergiesSee All Sources

    How Often Should You Take Vitamin D Supplements

    Unlike other nutrients, our bodies store vitamin D in fat cells, which allow them to release it when needed. Many supplements with higher doses of vitamin D are not designed to be taken each day since there likely already is some stored in the body. Taking too much vitamin D can result in stomach discomfort, weight loss and kidney issues. A lower vitamin D supplement is considered safe, particularly if you’re deficient in vitamin D.

    The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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    Can I Get Allergy Shots During Pregnancy

    Pregnant women can continue with allergy shots they started before they were pregnant. They should stay at the current dose through pregnancy do not increase dosage. If theres any reactivity, the doctor may reduce the dosage of the shot.

    Its not recommended to start allergy shots during pregnancy. This can trigger changes in an already-fluctuating immune system and may cause a systemic reaction.

    Can You Get Allergy Shots During Pregnancy

    Can I Take Allergy Medications While Pregnant? â Maryland State Doulas

    Allergy shots are considered safe for pregnant women, but only for those who had been on the receiving end for a while before conceiving. Most allergists say it’s not a good idea to start allergy shots during pregnancy, because they trigger changes in your already-fluctuating immune system and may cause unexpected reactions.

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    Will Claritin Dry Up Breast Milk

    Yes, Claritin can dry up a persons milk supply, if they take it alongside a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine.

    Claritin can also into the milk, so a person should exercise caution if they take loratadine while nursing. They should take low doses over short periods.

    However, researchers consider Claritin safe, and it does not appear to cause adverse effects in infants.

    Allergy Medications For Pregnancy And Children

    Choosing the safest allergy relief medication can be overwhelming, especially if youâre pregnant or looking for the best allergy medicine for kids.

    Here youâll find answers to your questions about allergy pills and common allergy medicines, including if you can take allergy medications during pregnancy and which allergy medications are safe for children.

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    How To Safely Treat Allergies During Pregnancy

    While it would be best to avoid allergens that bother you, thats not always a possibility. Many pregnant women and their providers prefer to start with a non-pharmaceutical treatment plan whenever possible. Dr. Janelle Luk, medical director and co-founder of Generation Next Fertility in New York City, suggests an over-the-counter saline nasal spray.

    Dr. Luk also recommends physical activity to reduce nasal inflammation. In addition, she says patients with a stuffy nose might be able to sleep better if they elevate the head of the bed by 30 to 45 degrees during sleep.

    However, sometimes those non-pharmaceutical options just dont do the trick, and you need something stronger to ease your misery. In that case, there are several options that are safe to try.

    For moderate to severe allergies, your physician may recommend a nonprescription corticosteroid spray or an oral antihistamine, Dr. Luk says. Some nasal spray options include Rhinocort Allergy, Flonase, and Nasonex.

    For oral antihistamines, Staunton says she recommends Claritin or Zyrtec because of their good safety history. Both are rated pregnancy category B by the FDA. This means that controlled studies in animals have shown no adverse effects to the developing fetus.

    Benadryl is considered fairly safe during pregnancy, according to the CDC. However, Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion is not safe for pregnant women because it contains phenylephrine.

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