How to Treat Allergies When Pregnant

Whether allergies are indoor or outdoor, seasonal or constant, pregnancy usually effects a woman's symptoms. Some women find that their allergies get worse, while others are luck and discover that theirs get better. There are various ways to get much needed allergy relief without causing harm to an unborn baby.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers
• HEPA filter vacuum

1. Keep allergens out by keeping windows closed, taking shoes off when entering the house and shower before going to bed.

2. Reduce allergens. Put hypoallergenic covers on mattresses and pillows, and wash them in hot water. If possible, get rid of carpeting and install hardwood or tile. If that isn't an option, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

3. Use safe medications. Drugs are categorized from level A (completely safe to the fetus) to level E (extremely dangerous to the fetus). There are some medications like Benadryl and Chloritrimeton that are considered Category B, which means that they are fairly safe to use in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before taking any medication.

4. Avoid irritants that can worsen allergies. Tobacco smoke, noxious fumes like those from paint and cleaning chemicals, environmental pollutants like smog and drugs like beta-blockers can worsen allergy symptoms.

5. Talk to your allergist and obstetrician. They will have insights into your specific conditions and symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Many doctors will recommend that you wait until after the first trimester to use any kind of medication.
• Don't forget to make sure you get enough folic acid. A recent study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center (Johns Hopkins, April 30, 2009) shows that folic acid may suppress allergic reactions and reduce symptoms.

References

• Allergies During Pregnancy
• Search for Drugs and Their Use in Pregnancy
• American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology

Resources

• Johns Hopkins Study