Can a pregnant woman take some medications to treat her allergies, which can sometimes cause discomfort during pregnancy? Some women experience allergies during pregnancy. To learn more about allergy medications and pregnancy, continue reading.
We provide you with all the information you need to know about allergy medications and pregnancy in order to treat allergies, which can be challenging, especially during pregnancy when you do not want to consume or use anything that could harm your unborn child:
Allergy and pregnancy medications
When possible, it is best to avoid taking medications while pregnant, but your doctor may prescribe some allergy medications that are safe to take to treat symptoms, most notably:
1. Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines are safe to use to relieve allergy symptoms during pregnancy, such as: seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis. Among the most popular substances:
- Fexofenadine.
- Diphenhydramine.
- Cetirizine.
- Loratadine.
- Chlorphenamine.
- Dexchlorpheniramine.
- Hydroxyzine.
2. Medicated nasal sprays
Due to their safety, steroid nasal sprays like Budesonide, Mometasone, and Fluticasone are used to treat some pregnant women's severe congestion.
3. Immunotherapy
Although it is typically advised against using allergy shots while pregnant, it is possible in severe cases. Often the dose of allergy shots is not increased but reduced to 50% to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction to the injection.
Immunotherapy is typically advised not to begin during pregnancy because some doctors may have to stop it if the risks outweigh the benefits.
Allergy medications to avoid during pregnancy
Learn about the drugs that should be avoided during pregnancy after learning about allergy and pregnancy drugs:
1. Decongestants
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine, which should never be used in the first trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects of the abdominal wall in newborns, should be avoided during pregnancy. In some people, it may also raise blood pressure.
2. Antihistamine nasal sprays
Nasal antihistamines like Azelastine and Olopatadine should be avoided during pregnancy.
3. Other medicines
Pregnant women should be aware of the ingredients in allergy medications that may also be harmful to unborn babies, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antitussives, or expectorants.
Advice about allergy medications and pregnancy
Here are some important tips about allergy medications and pregnancy:
1. Consult a doctor
Because the goal of treatment during pregnancy is to preserve both the mother and the unborn child's health, caution must be exercised because not all medications are safe to take while pregnant. In particular, if the symptoms are mild, the doctor may recommend alternative therapies.
Therefore, before using anything, talk to your doctor to discuss and weigh the advantages and disadvantages.
2. Stay away from allergens
Environmental allergens, such as mould, pollen, and animal dander, should be avoided because they aggravate allergy symptoms.
3. An air purifier
Pollutants and allergens in the air can be reduced with the aid of an air purifier.
4. Use a moisturizer
Dry, irritated nasal passages can be moisturised with specific moisturisers.
5. Saline nasal solution
Saline nasal solution works as a calming spray for the sinus passages and is safe to use as often as needed during pregnancy.
6. Nose strips
Over-the-counter nasal strips can help keep nasal passages open.
7. Physical activity
Doing exercise and increasing physical activity helps reduce rhinitis.