Allergies During Pregnancy And Their Effect On The Fetus
We all know well that the fetus is closely connected with the mother, and therefore everything that happens to her one way or another will affect the forming or already formed fetus. Allergies are no exception. But how does it occur?
Wise nature has provided women with a protective mechanism, namely the production of the hormone cortisol, which actively counteracts allergies. Therefore, according to statistics, during pregnancy, many women experience allergic reactions. But everything is individual. Some pregnant women simply have a decrease in the seizure strength, and others, on the contrary, experience stronger seizures.
There are times when a woman gets an allergy during pregnancy. This is absolutely natural: there are great changes in the body. Allergies can be caused by prolonged contact with the allergen or contact with too much of the allergen. Also, allergies can occur due to the so-called antigenic loads frequent toxicosis, allergenic food, a large amount of carbohydrates in the diet.
Some of the most likely food allergens include:
Also, allergies can be provoked by:
- household chemicals
- perfumes and cosmetics
- plants of the Asteraceae family .
Now lets review the effect of allergies on pregnancy, and more specifically on the fetus. The thing is that allergens do not leak through the placenta into the childs body. But the babys condition is influenced by other factors associated with allergies.
These factors include:
Is There A Risk Of Birth Defects From Taking Antihistamines
The latest CDC research is based on an analysis of more than 50 scientific papers and laboratory experiments regarding the effects of antihistamines on the fetus. The results of this work are quite encouraging. The risk of birth defects is not as high as expected according to the researchers conclusion.
It turned out that most allergy drugs do not lead to external or internal pathologies in the fetus. Not all drugs have been studied and more thorough and specific studies are needed to prove the safety of these drugs.
Only in 9 cases was an association of antihistamines with birth defects in the fetus out of 54 analyzed studies found. This is only 17%. Whether its too little or too much, you are the judge. Weigh the risks together with your doctor.
Transient Neurological Symptoms In Newborns
Sometimes the effects of taking allergy medications appear only after the birth of the baby. These include neurological problems. The most common are lethargy, inactivity, hypothermia, prolonged jaundice, and marbling of the skin. The reason for this reaction is most likely a long-term effect of antihistamines on neurotransmitters.
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A Healthy Alternative To Allergy Remedies
You can completely do without the use of drugs if your allergy is not severe. Consider the simplest ways to reduce allergic symptoms during the gestation period:
Remove triggers This is the main point of the fight against allergies. Its essence is not to come into contact with objects and environments that cause you allergic reactions. It is necessary to relocate pets, not to visit parks and places where there are a lot of flowering plants, and not to bring flowers into the house. Avoid foods that you are allergic to. Do not use household chemicals, medicines, or cosmetics that contain allergens.
Irrigation of the nose It is advisable to irrigate the nasal mucosa with a special saline solution every morning during seasonal allergies. You can prepare this solution yourself using distilled water. It is permissible to take boiled water or well filtered. Use sea salt for the solution.
Physical activity Physical exercise works well if allergy symptoms are expressed in severe swelling of the nose. They relieve swelling, free the sinuses of excess mucus and normalize blood circulation and lymph flow. You will feel better and your symptoms will subside.
Regular wet cleaning Many allergic reactions are associated with a lot of dust in the house. It is recommended to regularly clean your premises with a powerful vacuum cleaner. After all, surfaces are free of dust, it is worth wiping them with a damp cloth. You need to do this at least 3 times a week.
Avoid Certain Allergy Medications
Use of oral decongestants is associated with increased risk of birth defects. Some oral antihistamines, like Allegra , Benadryl , Chlor-Trimeton , Claritin , and Zyrtec appear to be safe after the first trimester, safe meaning they have caused no known harm in studies that have been done. Avoid antihistamines combined with a decongestant.
Nasal sprays, as prescribed or recommended by a doctor, are applied only in the nose. That means their effects do not go throughout the body like oral medications. However, avoid nasal spray decongestants. There is not enough evidence to indicate whether or not they are safe.
Dont start allergy shots during pregnancy. If women are already taking them when they become pregnant, they can continue.
The reality is, not taking any allergy medication is the best option. But for women whose allergy symptoms are leaving them sleepless and unable to function, taking medication with a doctors approval may be better for both them and the baby. Its important for women with allergic asthma to use their prescribed medication. Uncontrolled asthma can cause serious problems during pregnancy.
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Is It Safe To Take Benadryl During Pregnancy
When youre suffering from an allergic reaction, you want to take something to help relieve the symptoms. Pregnant people have used Benadryl routinely and safely as an antihistamine to block the effects of allergic reactions.
Benadryl is generally safe to take during pregnancy. It is classified as a Category B medication by the Food and Drug Administration . This classification means the drug is believed to pose no risk to people taking the medication during pregnancy, and no risk to the baby as well.
However, it doesnt mean that its completely risk-free. There are no controlled studies to show its definitely safe in pregnancy, says Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, an OB-GYN at NYU Langone Health and founder of Saving Mothers.
Pregnant people still need to be cautious when taking the drug. Healthcare professionals advise to take Benadryl only when you need it for allergies since no medication is 100% safe to use during pregnancy, says Clinical Pharmacist Jerry Wong, PharmD, who has worked at Texas Childrens Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital. Benadryl should be used in the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible, he cautions.
If your allergies are ongoing and you need relief beyond the occasional dose, speak to your physician. Dont use any medication regularly in pregnancy unless prescribed by a physician, advises Dr. Shirazian.
Is It Safe To Take An Antihistamine During Pregnancy
Antihistamines halt allergic reactions by preventing the action of histamines. Histamines are released by the immune system in response to what it interprets as attacking organisms. They cause cells to expand and leak fluid, and also cause capillaries to dilate. Antihistamines prevent histamines from binding with cells and causing these reactions, though histamines will still be produced.
There are both over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines available. It is safe to take both kinds of antihistamine during pregnancy as long as a health care provider has been consulted. Other allergy products may not be safe to take. Patients with high blood pressure during pregnancy may not be able to use antihistamines.
Even patients who do not usually take antihistamines might find the need to take an antihistamine during pregnancy. Some women report a worsening of allergy symptoms while pregnant. Many women experience nasal congestion during pregnancy, which can make allergies seem worse. It is not uncommon for women to develop new allergies while pregnant.
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What Can I Do To Reduce Allergy Symptoms During Pregnancy Without Taking Medications
Stay away from people who are smoking. Smoke can make allergies worse. Exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy isnt good for you or your baby.
If youre allergic to pollen, try to stay inside as much as possible. If you do go outside, try wearing wraparound sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes. When you come back inside, take off your shoes, wash your hands and face, and change clothes so the pollen doesnt stay with you. Then put your clothes in the wash. Shower and wash your hair before you go to sleep to help relieve nighttime symptoms.
If youre allergic to dust, make sure your house is cleaned regularly or hire someone to clean for you. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, a wet mop or a sweeper to avoid stirring up dust. A microfiber cloth is better than a traditional feather duster. Try to keep away from attics, basements and other musty places.
If youre allergic to pets, let your dog- and cat-owning friends know of your allergy before you drop by so they have time to make arrangements. If youre suddenly allergic to your own pet, try to make at least one room in your house pet-free.
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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.
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Are My Allergies A Risk To My Baby
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.
Will My Child Have Allergies If Not Taking Antihistamines
The fact that an unborn child has an allergy does not depend on whether you are taking antihistamines or not. It is important whether the parents have an allergy and whether it is congenital, seasonal, or acquired.
According to studies, it has been established that if the father is allergic, then the probability of an allergy in a child is 30%. If the mother 45%. The likelihood of an allergy in a child increases from 60 to 80% if both parents have allergies.
In the 21st century, there is such a trend that healthy parents have a probability of allergies in children from 5 to 16%. This is due to a large number of factors: the mothers nutrition, ecology, and an abundance of chemistry. Seasonal allergies of the parents do not affect the fetus. Taking antihistamines will not protect the baby from developing allergies. It will also not affect the result if you do not take them.
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Are Decongestants Safe During Pregnancy
Allergies plague many of us every year. In fact, one in five adults suffers from allergies. Allergens are often called hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, and the most common symptoms are sneezing, stuffiness, a runny nose and itchiness in the mouth, throat, eyes or ears. Allergies often do not stop when women become pregnant the question of whether the use of decongestants are safe during pregnancy is often an unclear answer to many women suffering from allergies.
Over-the-counter decongestants are, for the most part, safe during pregnancy, physicians advise. Most decongestants do not contain enough medication to cause problems with baby, especially if used for short periods. Nasal spray decongestants are even safer since the medication is almost entirely absorbed within the nose and does not travel through the body. As a general rule, physicians advise patients if they can buy it without visiting the pharmacy counter, short-term use will not harm the baby during pregnancy.
Many health care providers recommend using medication that is considered a Category B drug, such as a decongestant or an antihistamine when allergies strike. Category B drugs have been shown through animal testing to not harm an unborn baby when the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. If a runny nose is more of a problem than a congested one, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, loratadine or cetirizine are all safe to take during pregnancy.
Herbals And Dietary Supplements
During pregnancy, herbal remedies are used for nausea, respiratory symptoms, urinary tract infections, pain, and other nonspecific issues.40 However, there are few human data on the safety of herbal remedies in pregnancy. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 requires manufacturers to ensure the safety of supplements before marketing. However, there is no registration process with the FDA, which takes action only if a supplement is found to be unsafe after marketing.41 Herbals were not included in the NBDPS until the year 2000. According to a subanalysis of the NBDPS, 10.9% of women use herbals during pregnancy, most commonly peppermint, cranberry extract, herbal teas, ginger, chamomile, Echinacea, ginseng, raspberry leaf, and ephedra products.42
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Can I Treat My Hayfever Safely While I’m Pregnant
- Dab petroleum jelly around your nose, to trap pollen before you can breathe it in.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen.
- Shower and change your clothes after spending a lot of time outdoors, especially before bed.
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- Keep doors and windows shut when possible.
- Vacuum your home regularly and use a damp cloth for dusting to trap pollen. A vaccum with a HEPA filter will remove pollen from the air, too.
- Don’t smoke, or allow people to smoke near you. This is good advice for every pregnant woman, as even second-hand smoke may harm your unborn baby.
Nasal sprays and eye dropsAntihistamine tablets
What Pregnant Women Can Do
Pregnant women have many options forcontrolling allergy symptoms. The first step is to be proactive. Ideally, if awoman typically suffers from seasonal allergies, she should talk to her doctorabout starting a medication before symptoms begin. If she notices seasonalallergy symptoms for the first time during pregnancy, she should visit her doctorto determine the cause and manage symptoms, which can reduce the risk of asinus infection.
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What Else Could It Be
Symptoms of hay fever are similar to those of the common cold, but unlike a cold, hay fever is not caused by an infection and it is not contagious.
Another common condition in pregnancy is pregnancy rhinitis. Symptoms are very similar to allergic rhinitis but are not associated with an allergic trigger.
People with allergies are also more likely to have asthma. While around 8 in every 10 people with asthma also have allergies, not everyone with allergies has asthma. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing when breathing out , a persistent cough , shortness of breath. and chest tightness.
If you experience any of these symptoms, ask your doctor whether it might be asthma.
How Can I Manage My Hay Fever While Pregnant
Itâs important you take special care with your medicines during pregnancy since some may affect your unborn baby.
One way to reduce your need for hay fever medicines, while keeping your baby safe, is to try to avoid any known triggers or allergens. This can be a challenge if you do not know what you are allergic to. Your doctor may refer you to an allergy clinic to help you find out whats causing your allergy symptoms.
There are allergy medicines that are safe for you to take while you are pregnant, including some â but not all â antihistamine tablets and syrups, eye drops and nasal sprays, including corticosteroids and decongestants.
Your pharmacist or doctor can advise you on what medicines you can take while pregnant to help with your hay fever symptoms while minimising the risk to your baby.
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Taking Hay Fever Medication In Pregnancy
If youre pregnant you should always try and seek advice from your GP or pharmacist before you take any sort of medication. Not all medications can be taken safely during pregnancy, as some may affect the development and growth of the baby.
If you have mild hay fever, or dont experience symptoms, its best to avoid taking medication, as its not necessary. Before taking medication there are some preventative measures that can be taken to avoid your exposure to pollen.
