Guide to Pregnancy Allergy Relief

Being pregnant can be hard enough without having to deal with allergies. Because you cannot take the same medications that you took before you were pregnant, your suffering will feel prolonged and more difficult. For some women, allergy symptoms did not even exist before their pregnancies so these new symptoms are quite disconcerting.

Natural Approach

The best way to avoid allergic reactions during pregnancy is to avoid allergens that trigger a reaction. If you are allergic to cut grass, or furry pets, limit your exposure to them. If you are allergic to dust, get a housekeeper, or convince your spouse to clean for a while. When that cannot be done, a natural treatment such as the netti pot, which is used to clean the sinuses, can be used. A netti pot is a teapot-shaped container that you use by putting the spout in one nostril allowing the water to flow through your sinuses and out of the other nostril. Other natural treatments include using a humidifier and increasing water intake. You can also try mustard plasters, a homemade remedy using dry mustard or mustard oil, and a small amount of mentholated vapor.

Nasal Spray

Saline nasal spray can be used when cleaning the sinuses and avoiding allergens does not work. Nasal spray will help you to avoid developing a bacterial infection, as nasal irritations left untreated can get attacked by bacteria and make the problem worse. The problem with nasal spray and decongestants is that they can be habit-forming and you can get rebound congestion from overuse. Therefore, it should be used sparingly, for no more than two or three days in a row.

Safe Medications

There are some medications you can use when absolutely necessary. Always check with your doctor before taking anything, because every pregnancy is different. Still, the general guidelines are as follows. Antihistamines should be avoided, with the exception of chlorphenamine (found in Dimetapp and Drixoral) which can be taken in all three trimesters. Also, nasal decongestants should be avoided. Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) can be used to decrease the discomfort from the pressure on the sinuses.

References

• babycenter questions and answers
• Netdoctor.uk

Resources

• Mustard Plasters

[beneacampbell]

on 8/11/2009 I am 7 + months along, I have avoded my home for the last 2 and a 1/2 months. I have never had allergies before and my symptoms don't seem to match the normal alergy symptoms I have heard of. (If I am inside my Home for more than 1 hour I begin to get tired, my back starts to hurt very badly & my musles cramp up.) I think I am allergic to some thing in my house. How do I get tested & protect the baby & myself?
How do I get rid of it so I can go home?