Pregnancy and Hay Fever: Comprehensive Guide, Including Symptoms and Other Aspects
Pregnancy can be a time of numerous changes, and for some, this includes the development or persistence of allergies. Allergies are common during early pregnancy, with about 1 in 100 pregnant individuals experiencing asthma, and more experiencing allergies in general [1][3][4].
Allergies can manifest in various ways, such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and sinus congestion. In severe cases, they may cause intensely itchy skin eruptions, especially in late pregnancy [1][3][4]. Some of the most common allergies that can develop or persist during pregnancy include seasonal allergies, urticaria (hives), allergy-like rashes, and specific pregnancy-related skin conditions such as Pruritis and Urticaria Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP syndrome) [1]. Food allergies may also be relevant due to allergen exposure through the placenta.
It's crucial for pregnant individuals to see a doctor for a formal diagnosis if they develop allergy-like symptoms. This is especially important during pregnancy, as some medications that may be safe for non-pregnant individuals could potentially harm the fetus [2].
When it comes to treating allergies during pregnancy, a doctor may recommend a corticosteroid nasal spray for people with more moderate to severe symptoms. However, pregnant individuals should avoid taking decongestants, particularly alongside antihistamines, as these can pose risks to the fetus [2].
Some over-the-counter antihistamines may be safe for people to use, particularly after the first trimester. Second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine and cetirizine, are often considered safe during pregnancy [2]. However, it's always essential to consult a doctor before taking any medications for hay fever or pregnancy rhinitis.
Pregnancy rhinitis, or allergic rhinitis during pregnancy, can last 6 or more weeks and symptoms can come and go throughout the pregnancy. In some cases, symptoms may persist until after delivery, usually clearing within 2 weeks [1].
Pregnancy rhinitis may reduce the amount of sleep a pregnant person gets, potentially impacting the fetus. Therefore, managing allergy symptoms safely with medical guidance is important to avoid complications [1][3][4].
It's worth noting that allergies themselves generally do not directly harm the fetus. However, genetic predisposition and allergen exposure during pregnancy can influence the child's future allergy risk [3]. For example, having allergies increases the risk of the child developing allergies later, with a 30% chance if the mother has allergies, and higher if both parents are allergic [3].
In summary, managing allergies during pregnancy requires careful consideration and medical guidance. By understanding the potential risks and taking appropriate precautions, pregnant individuals can ensure a healthy pregnancy and minimise any potential impact on their developing baby.
- For pregnant individuals experiencing allergies, especially during early pregnancy, it's essential to consult an allergist for a proper diagnosis, as some medications safe for non-pregnant individuals could potentially harm the fetus.
- Pregnancy rhinitis, or allergic rhinitis during pregnancy, can last 6 or more weeks, and symptoms can come and go throughout the pregnancy, sometimes persisting until after delivery.
- In some cases, managing pregnancy rhinitis symptoms safely with medical guidance is important to avoid complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy.
- Over-the-counter antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine, second-generation antihistamines, are often considered safe during pregnancy after the first trimester, but it's vital to consult a doctor before using them.
- Pregnancy can bring a rise in allergy cases, with about 1 in 100 pregnant individuals experiencing asthma, and more experiencing various allergies in general [1][3][4].
- Allergy symptoms in pregnant people can manifest in various ways, such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, sinus congestion, and in severe cases, intensely itchy skin eruptions, especially in late pregnancy [1][3][4].
- Managing allergies during pregnancy is crucial due to its potential impact on the developing baby, as genetic predisposition and allergen exposure during pregnancy could influence the child's future allergy risk [3]. For example, having allergies increases the risk of the child developing allergies later, with a higher risk if both parents are allergic [3].
