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What To Take For Seasonal Allergies When Pregnant

What Are The Risks Of Taking Benadryl During Pregnancy

Seasonal Allergies in Pregnant Women
  • Withdrawal symptoms in baby appear when you take more than 150 mg of the drug.
  • Overdose can increase the risk of preterm labor. Diphenhydramine in large dose acts like oxytocin hormone. It is responsible for lactation and labor.
  • Combination of Benadryl with other drugs can lead to birth defects such as cleft palate.
  • The chances of getting the disease are higher when a pregnant mother over consumes Benadryl.
  • Benadryl is a sedative and causes dizziness. So you need to avoid work that requires focus after taking Benadryl.
  • Benadryl while breastfeeding can alter milk composition and lower the yield. Side effects such as irritability and fatigue are observed in newborn upon excess intake.
  • What Medicines Can I Take For Allergies During Pregnancy

    Women should be very cautious when taking medications during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.

    Its important to talk with a doctor before using allergy medicine while pregnant. Work together to find an appropriate balance for the medication and symptom control.

    Your doctor may first recommend ways to reduce symptoms that dont involve medications. Strategies include allergy proofing your home, avoiding allergy triggers, or using a saline nasal spray, nasal irrigation or nasal strips.

    • Oral antihistamines treat nasal and eye allergy symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It is best to take them after the first trimester.
    • Loratadine and cetirizine are second-generation oral antihistamines. They are considered safe for pregnancy, according to multiple studies. They do not cause drowsiness unlike first-generation oral antihistamines .

    Avoid using antihistamines combined with a decongestant during pregnancy. Research is ongoing on the impact of these medications to mom and baby.

    Pseudoephedrine Herbal Treatments And Allergy Injections Warrant Caution

    Those who had allergy injections before pregnancy and found them very helpful should be able to continue using them for safe allergy relief when pregnant as well. Since it is impossible to predict how a pregnant woman will react to allergy shots, doctors advise against starting them during pregnancy.

    The use of decongestants and pseudoephedrine during pregnancy is a topic of interest for many expecting moms. Still, hold off on taking it until at least the second trimester and only if you dont have hypertension.

    Doctors advise against using aromatherapy and other alternative herbal treatments when pregnant with allergies because they have not been well explored.

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    Where Can I Learn More About Safe Medicines During Pregnancy

    If you have a question about the safety of any medication during pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider.

    An excellent online resource for evidence-based information on medication safety is the MotherToBaby website, a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists. This is a professional scientific organization of experts who study teratogens, which are chemicals or substances in the environment that can cause birth defects. The website provides fact sheets on drugs and exposures that might affect your baby as well as a list of teratogen information services that you can contact for more information.

    Learn more:

    BabyCenters editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information youre seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

    Briggs G, et al. 2008. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation, 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

    MotherToBaby. 2020. Acetaminophen.

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    If Youre Pregnant With Allergies Will The Child Have Them Too

    The Best Allergy Medicine Reviews of 2017

    Experiencing allergy symptoms while pregnant doesnt mean your child will necessarily grow up with allergies. However, their genetic makeup significantly contributes to childrens allergic reactions. A kids likelihood of developing allergies is higher in families when one or both parents suffer from the condition.

    The risk that a kid may acquire asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis may be related to the mothers nutrition during pregnancy. Pregnant women who got their vitamin D from food sources had children less likely to develop allergic rhinitis. Vitamin D-rich foods include milk and other dairy products, cereal, eggs, salmon, and mushrooms.

    Studies have indicated that eating peanuts, wheat, and milk during pregnancy can lower the childs risk of developing peanut allergy, asthma, or allergic rhinitis. However, no food or diet can completely prevent allergies.

    Breastfeeding is associated with improved immunity in infants. Allergy medicine safe for pregnancy can also be used during the breastfeeding period.

    Also Check: Can Allergies Turn Into Asthma

    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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    Can I Use Benadryl Cream While Pregnant

    Applying topical Benadryl cream during pregnancy is more promising when it comes to the safety of the fetus. When you use the cream on the skin, a majority of the cream stays in the skin layers. As the antihistamine does not enter circulation, it cannot reach the fetus. It is best to use Benadryl cream during pregnancy whenever possible.

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    Key Findings: Antihistamines And Birth Defects

    Pregnant woman talking to her doctor about medication use.

    In a new CDC study, researchers reviewed more than 50 published scientific articles to see if there was a risk of birth defects from using antihistamines, like allergy medication, during pregnancy. Researchers found the evidence to be generally reassuring: most antihistamines do not appear to be linked to birth defects. However, researchers need to study certain antihistamine medications further to determine if they increase the risk for birth defects. You can read the articles abstract hereexternal icon. Read more below for a summary of the findings from this article.

    Treating For Two: Safer Medication Use In Pregnancy

    Treating Allergies During Pregnancy and Beyond

    In collaboration with federal and external partners, CDCs Treating for Two initiative is a national strategy to improve the health of mothers and babies through better research, reliable guidance, and informed decisions related to medication treatment in pregnancy.

    • Research: CDC funds the Centers for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, which collaborate on large studies such as the National Birth Defects Prevention Study and the Birth Defects Study To Evaluate Pregnancy exposures . Researchers engaging in these studies work to identify factors that increase the risk for birth defects and to answer questions about the effects of some medications taken during pregnancy.
    • Technical expertise: CDC works with staff from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other professionals to help conduct studies on the effects of medication use during pregnancy and ways to prevent harmful effects.
    • Collaboration: As part of the Treating for Two: Safer Medication Use in Pregnancy Initiative pdf icon, CDC is committed to working with its partners, other federal agencies, and the public to build a comprehensive approach to improve the quality of data on medication use during pregnancy, translate this information into safe and effective health care for pregnant women, and make this information easily accessible to women and their healthcare providers.

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    Read Also: Can Allergies Cause A Cough

    Watch The Pollen Count

    The main culprit behind spring allergies is pollens in the air. Pollens primarily come from trees and grasses.

    When pollen grains get into the nose, the immune system mistakenly labels them as foreign and releases antibodies to attack them. That leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger runny noses, itchy eyes and other symptoms.

    Avoiding triggers is your first and best option, although that isnt always easy. Check your citys daily pollen count. The higher the pollen count, the more severe the allergies. When the counts are high or when its windy, keep your windows and doors closed. If possible, stay inside.

    How To Take Allergy Medication

    For best results, start taking allergy medications two weeks before the start of allergy season where you live. For most people, that means sometime in February.

    Follow the direction on the label and dont take more than you recommended in a 24-hour period. Some allergy medicines last 24 hours. Some last only four to six hours.

    Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may want to take your allergy medication every day during allergy season. Some people only need to take allergy medicine when they are having symptoms.

    Take your allergy medication at bedtime to help you feel better in the morning. Seasonal allergy symptoms are often worst between 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.

    Dont drink alcohol while taking antihistamines. Alcohol can increase your risk of feeling drowsy.

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    Beat The Sniffles With Natural Allergy Relief

    Looking for a little allergy relief but also hoping to keep things a little more natural during your pregnancygood news! There are some wonderful natural remedies for allergies out there to try. Whether the pollen count has got you sniffling or cat dander has left your eyes bloodshot and watery, consider giving some of these natural allergy relief options a try. Important pro-tip: consult your doctor before trying any home remedies for allergiess/he will be best able to advise what is safest for you and baby.

    Shelve Certain Allergy Medications For Now

    Can I Take Allergy Medications While Pregnant?  Maryland State Doulas

    Certain oral decongestants are associated with an increased risk of birth defects. These are medications taken by mouth that relieve congestion. Avoid antihistamines that are combined with a decongestant. You can recognize those because they often have a D for decongestant after the name, like Claritin-D.

    Nasal sprays, as prescribed or recommended by a doctor, are medications applied in the nose. That means their effects dont go throughout the body like oral medications. Its still recommended that pregnant people avoid nasal spray decongestants. There isnt enough evidence to show whether theyre safe.

    If youve been considering starting allergy shots, put them off until after your baby is born. If you were already taking allergy shots when you became pregnant, you can continue.

    Keep taking allergic asthma medication if you were prescribed it. Uncontrolled asthma can cause serious health issues during pregnancy.

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    Which Is Better For Seasonal Allergies Zyrtec Or Claritin

    Zyrtec has a quicker onset of action compared to Claritin and may be more effective than Claritin in reducing allergy symptoms, according to one clinical trial. However, cetirizine, the active ingredient of Zyrtec, has been shown to produce more drowsiness than loratadine.

    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

    Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Cause Excessive Phlegm

    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.

    Will Claritin Dry Up Breast Milk

    Infant Allergies | Baby Care Basics | Parents

    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.

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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.

    Allergy Medicine While Pregnant

    Did you know that sometimes, your allergies can transform when you are expecting? Your body simply may not respond to allergies the way it typically did before you were pregnant.

    According to information from the Cleveland Clinic:

    • Roughly one third of pregnant women find that their allergies are not as bad and their symptoms may actually clear up.
    • Another third discover that their allergy symptoms get worse.
    • The other third do not show any real difference in their allergy symptoms before and after pregnancy

    Well take a look at some common allergy medications, allergy treatments and which ones are safe to use during pregnancy.

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    Safe Otc Allergy Meds To Take During Pregnancy

    These over-the-counter allergy meds have no known harmful effects during pregnancy when you take them according to the package directions.

    Note: Do not take the D forms of these medications in your first trimester.

    Check with your doctor before taking any medicines during your pregnancy. Be especially cautious in the first trimester, a crucial time for your babys development.

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    Can You Get Allergies During Pregnancy

    The best cold and allergy remedies for pregnant and nursing mamas  The ...

    Yes, you can get allergies while you’re pregnant, sometimes for the first time and certainly if you have a history of them. Allergies are very common in pregnancy, and not all women who experience them are long-term allergy sufferers. Many women with no known prior allergies only complain of their symptoms during pregnancy.

    Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Peanut Allergy

    The Cause Of Seasonal Allergies

    The immune system protects the body from harmful invaders like the influenza virus, the common cold virus, and other infection-causing microorganisms. However, there are times when your immune system attacks your body for no good reason. Seasonal allergies are an example of this. When your immune system reacts negatively to more prevalent allergens during a specific time of year, you have seasonal allergies. Pollen is the primary culprit when it comes to seasonal allergies.

    Seasonal allergies may be more troublesome during pregnancy. Spring allergies often begin around February and last until early summer, though this timing varies significantly from region to region. Fall pollen allergies can start in late summer and last through the season. Another illness that can produce allergy-like symptoms is rhinitis during pregnancy. This typically takes place during the third trimester. However, rhinitis during pregnancy is caused by additional hormones rather than allergens.

    Can You Get Allergy Shots During Pregnancy

    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 its 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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    Diagnosis Of Allergy During Pregnancy

    The diagnosis of allergy in pregnant women should focus on a detailed medical history and symptom analysis. For diagnosis, a diary of allergy symptoms and avoidance of suspected allergens accompanied by monitoring of changes of allergic symptoms may be helpful. It has to be emphasized that it is important not to put the mother on a rigid elimination diet for diagnosis of food allergy, as this could negatively influence the nutritional status of both the mother and the growing infant.

    In vitro diagnostic tools such as serologic tests for allergen-specific IgE, e.g. ImmunoCAP or radioallergosorbent test , or the lymphocyte transformation test for type IV allergy diagnosis are preferred to skin and provocation tests, which should be postponed until after birth because of possible, though rare, anaphylactic reactions . The same applies to food and other challenge tests. Despite the fact that there are no harmful effects of patch testing during pregnancy or lactation known, most physicians deter testing as general precaution, and furthermore because test results can interfere with immunological changes due to pregnancy .

    What Seasonal Allergy Medicine Should I Take

    What is Allergic Rhinitis?

    3 Minute Read

    Dealing with the symptoms of seasonal allergies sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes is never any fun. Its enough to make you want to move somewhere else.

    For most people, though, moving isnt a practical solution. Instead, your best bet for relief is taking medicine for seasonal allergies.

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