Allergy during pregnancy is an exaggerated reaction of the immune system to allergenic substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, food, insect bites or chemicals, resulting in symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, constant sneezing, itchy skin or hives, for example. example.
Allergy during pregnancy is very common, being more common in women who have previously suffered from allergic reactions, such as rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis or food allergies, for example, and symptoms may worsen due to the increase in hormones and the changes that occur. in the body, making women more sensitive to allergens.
Although allergic symptoms can cause a lot of discomfort, pregnant women should be careful before taking any medication, and should always consult an obstetrician for an assessment, identification of the type of allergy and thus the most appropriate treatment can be indicated, if necessary, with safe medicines. during pregnancy.
Allergy symptoms in pregnancy
The main allergy symptoms during pregnancy are:
- Runny or stuffy nose;
- Constant sneezing;
- Sore throat or headache;
- Red and watery eyes;
- Burning sensation in the eyes, nose and mouth;
- Shortness of breathe;
- Itchy skin or hives;
- Blisters or patches on the skin.
Allergy symptoms during pregnancy vary according to the type of allergy, such as rhinitis, asthma, allergy to food or insect bites or atopic dermatitis, for example, and should always be evaluated by the obstetrician for appropriate guidance and, if necessary, indicated the more appropriate treatment.
Does allergy during pregnancy harm the baby?
Generally, allergies are not dangerous to the baby if properly diagnosed and treated.
However, symptoms of uncontrolled asthma can cause a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the baby’s blood supply, as well as increase the risk of premature birth, pre-eclampsia, or low birth weight.
Therefore, controlling asthma symptoms is very important to allow both of you to receive enough oxygen and avoid complications.
Online symptom test
To find out if you have an allergy, please select the symptoms you are experiencing:
This test is a tool that serves as a means of guidance only. Therefore, it is not intended to provide a diagnosis or replace consultation with an allergist, immunologist or general practitioner.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of allergies during pregnancy is made by the obstetrician through evaluation of symptoms, health history, identification of factors that can trigger allergies and physical examination.
If you have allergy symptoms during pregnancy, make an appointment in the nearest region:
Possible causes
Allergy during pregnancy can be caused by a more intense immune response during pregnancy, or normal hormonal changes, which can result in the worsening of pre-existing allergic diseases, such as asthma, rhinitis, food allergies or atopic dermatitis, for example.
Some factors that can trigger allergies during pregnancy are:
- Allergies to dust mites, mold, pollen, plants, animal dander, moisture, or feces, saliva or body parts of cockroaches;
- Food allergies, such as shrimp, nuts or preservatives such as sulfites;
- Chemicals or perfumes;
- Climate changes;
- Insect bites;
- Plants;
- Allergy to medicines;
- Gastroesophageal reflux.
These factors can trigger allergic reactions in pregnant women, which is why it is important to avoid contact with substances that can cause allergies and consult an obstetrician whenever symptoms appear.
What medicines are safe during pregnancy
During pregnancy, taking medications should be avoided as much as possible. However, the obstetrician must evaluate the symptoms and benefits of treatment for the woman and the possible risks for the baby, as well as the risks of not carrying out the correct treatment.
Thus, the doctor may recommend the use of antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine and loratadine, for example, which are considered safe during pregnancy.
The use of decongestants is not recommended and, therefore, only nasal washing with saline solution is recommended to help decongest and wash the nose. Find out how to wash your nose with serum.
In the case of asthma, the use of budesonide for inhalation (pump) may be recommended, which is considered the drug of choice in this case, as it is the safest. If exacerbations or severe asthma attacks occur, intravenous methylprednisolone may also be indicated, followed by oral prednisone.
If the allergy manifests itself on the skin and the pregnant woman suffers from hives, the doctor may recommend the use of moisturizers to improve the skin’s protective barrier, or the use of topical corticosteroids, such as fluticasone propionate, in moderate to severe cases.
How to relieve symptoms without medication
Before resorting to medication treatment, or even to complement it, pregnant women can take some measures to help alleviate symptoms naturally, such as:
- Avoid the causes that are the cause of the allergy;
- Use saline solutions daily to wash your nose, which help eliminate allergens;
- Avoid contact with animals;
- Take a shower and wash your hair when you come home from the street, to eliminate allergens, such as pollen, for example;
- Avoid being around people who smoke, strong smells, smoke or dust, which can worsen symptoms;
- Avoid very hot baths;
- Do not wear very tight clothing that is not made of cotton;
- Avoid scratching the affected area;
- Practice relaxation exercises to manage stress.
Furthermore, nutrition is also very important to help prevent allergies during pregnancy. It is believed that the omega 3 present in fish can have a preventive effect, as well as the intake of fruits and vegetables, vitamins C, D, E and folate.
In the case of atopic dermatitis, you can also take an oatmeal and lavender bath or a clay and aloe poultice, which soothe the irritation. Find out how to prepare these home remedies.
