When your body comes in contact with something that may be potentially harmful, it can result in an allergic reaction. If you are already prone to allergies, pregnancy can only make the symptoms worse. You may try taking medication for relief. However, it is recommended that pregnant women take anti-allergy medication with caution.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of allergies during pregnancy include:
- Nasal Congestion
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Itchy ears and throat
- Itchy, Watery eyes
- Rashes
Testing for allergies during Pregnancy
When you’re expecting, your doctor may give you a blood test to find out if you have any specific allergy. If you’re experiencing shortness of breath or asthma symptoms, your doctor may recommend a breathing test called spirometry or pulmonary function tests (noninvasive tests that tell how well your lungs are working).
Treating Allergies during Pregnancy
You don’t need to suffer from allergies throughout your pregnancy. There are several options that can help you get relief. Some of these include:
- Medication
Certain antihistamines are safe to use during pregnancy. However, before taking any over the counter medicine, it is important you discuss about it with your doctor. You can also explore the possibility of allergy shots with your physician as they are also considered to be relatively safe.
- Natural Remedies
If you want to avoid medication during pregnancy, or want to ease your symptoms naturally, there are a few home remedies you can try to find relief. Some of these include:
- Change Your Clothes When you Get Home
Your clothes can attract several allergens such as pollens when you’re outside. Changing them when you come home can lower the odds of breathing them in and reduce your discomfort from allergies.
- Take a Bath when you come home from outdoors
Your hair and skin tends to pick up allergens when you’re outside. Taking a shower and washing your hair can help remove them and prevent allergy symptoms.
- Keep your home Dust-free
When you’re pregnant and prone to allergies, regular vacuuming and ensuring that your home is dust-free can be extremely helpful. Cleaning can get rid of potential irritants and prevent allergies.
- Avoid going outside at dawn
During this time, the pollen count is at its highest and can make you feel stuffy. Try to limit going outside during dawn to avoid allergies.
You can also try some of these steps as a precaution during pregnancy:
- Try to avoid your allergy triggers
- Use saline nose spray to ease your congestion
- Keep animals away from your bedroom
- Use air conditioner to keep humidity low and irritants out of the house.
- Keep your windows closed
- Avoid smoke, strong odors, and car exhaust as these are common triggers for allergy symptoms
If you continue to struggle with allergies during pregnancy, talk to your doctor to find relief. You can also discuss more about your allergies with our experts at KIMS Cuddles.
*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.
