Allergy Medications and Pregnancy
Overview
Managing allergies during pregnancy can feel more difficult, but safe options exist. Pregnancy may change how your body reacts to allergens, so symptoms of allergic rhinitis, eczema, or seasonal allergies might become worse or appear for the first time. Before using any medicine, try to avoid triggers and use simple, non-medicine methods.
Non-Drug Ways to Help with Allergy Symptoms
- Avoid Your Triggers: Stay away from things that set off your allergy symptoms, like dust, pet dander, or pollen.
- Saline Nasal Sprays and Irrigation: Saltwater solutions can clear out allergens and help with stuffiness. Use sterile or distilled water, not tap water, for nasal irrigation with a neti pot.
- Nasal Strips: Stick these flexible strips across your nose to help keep it open without medicine.
- Raise the Head of Your Bed: Sleeping on a slight incline can help with congestion.
- Stay Active: Light exercise may help open nasal passages and improve breathing.
If these steps do not help enough, healthcare professionals may suggest allergy medications. Always check with a healthcare provider before starting any new medicine during pregnancy.
Allergy Medications and Pregnancy
Oral Antihistamines
Doctors often recommend many over-the-counter (OTC) allergy pills for mild symptoms during pregnancy. Loratadine and cetirizine are two popular oral antihistamines that healthcare providers often suggest.
| Antihistamine | Pregnancy Notes |
|---|---|
| Loratadine | Commonly used; low risk |
| Cetirizine | Often suggested; low risk |
| Chlorpheniramine | Sometimes used |
| Dexchlorpheniramine | May be recommended by some |
| Fexofenadine | Limited research, ask doctor |
| Diphenhydramine | May cause drowsiness |
| Hydroxyzine | Use if approved by provider |
These medicines help with sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. They usually have a good safety record for use in pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. Healthcare providers may recommend using the lowest effective dose and taking medicine only when necessary.
Steroid Nasal Sprays
Steroid sprays reduce swelling inside the nose and help control stuffy or runny noses caused by allergies. Several nasal sprays are sold without a prescription and may be suggested for use in pregnancy:
| Nasal Steroid | Notes |
|---|---|
| Budesonide | Considered low risk in pregnancy |
| Fluticasone | Used under provider guidance |
| Mometasone | Generally safe, use lowest required dose |
Use only the smallest amount needed to control symptoms. If symptoms are severe, a healthcare provider may recommend combining a steroid nasal spray with an oral antihistamine.
Other Allergy Treatments
- Cromolyn: This non-steroid nasal spray can help with allergies and is considered safe, but ask a healthcare provider before use.
- Decongestants: Healthcare providers may suggest some oral decongestants, like pseudoephedrine, during the second and third trimesters if you do not have high blood pressure. Avoid decongestants during the first trimester.
- Oxymetazoline: You can use this nasal spray decongestant for up to three days, but not longer, as long-term use can make congestion worse.
Allergy Medications That Should Be Avoided
- Nasacort: Avoid this nasal steroid spray during pregnancy.
- Long-Term or High-Dose Decongestants: Only use for short periods and after talking to a healthcare provider.
- Certain Antihistamines: Some older antihistamines or those that cause extra drowsiness may not be recommended.
Allergy Shots & Immunotherapy
People who already receive allergy shots before pregnancy can usually continue, but starting new allergy shots is not advised while pregnant. Only a provider should manage immunotherapy during pregnancy.
Key Points to Consider
- Not all allergy medicines are safe for everyone who is pregnant. Each case is unique.
- The second and third trimesters are usually safer for some medicines, like certain decongestants.
- Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting or continuing any medicine during pregnancy, even OTC medications.
Common Safe Allergy Medicines Used in Pregnancy
| Medicine/Class | Common Uses | Pregnancy Safety |
|---|---|---|
| Loratadine | Sneezing, itchy eyes | Safe, especially after first trimester |
| Cetirizine | Runny nose, allergies | Low risk, often preferred |
| Budesonide | Stuffy nose | Low risk, use lowest needed dose |
| Fluticasone | Nasal congestion | Can be used when symptoms are moderate |
| Mometasone | Nasal symptoms | Used under doctor guidance |
| Saline nasal spray | Stuffy nose | No known risks, always safe |
| Cromolyn | Nasal allergies | Generally safe, ask doctor |
Medications Typically Avoided
- Nasacort
- Oral decongestants in the first trimester
- High-dose antihistamines not approved by provider
If allergic rhinitis, eczema, or asthma symptoms change during pregnancy, you may need a different medicine plan. Avoid self-medicating and always check with your provider before taking or continuing any allergy medicines.
