Outsmarting Allergies During Pregnancy

If you have lived with allergies, you know what usually eases your symptoms. But if your allergies flare up while you’re pregnant, your choices narrow. If you’ve noticed a change in your symptoms or reactions since you’ve been pregnant, you’re not alone. It is not uncommon for expectant mothers to experience food allergies or any other skin allergy during pregnancy. That’s why you have to be smart and prepared once you find out you’re pregnant and with allergies.

Pregnancy and Allergy: Managing Your Symptoms

If you’re planning to get pregnant, or already are, it is recommended that you review your allergy medication with your doctor. This gives them the chance to decide what you can and cannot continue during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you are taking prescription medication for your allergy, and if your case of allergy is severe and is only treatable through shots, it is appropriate to continue to do so until you’ve spoken to your doctor. Suddenly stopping medication that you use regularly, such as an inhaler for asthma, can cause symptoms to worsen, which is far more dangerous. However, it can be discontinued if there is any adverse allergic reaction to it.

Same goes with people with food allergies. Stopping certain foods can stop you from getting the nutrients that you and your baby needs. If you have concerns about not getting the right nutrition, you can always ask your doctor to refer you a dietitian.  After you’ve spoken to your doctor about your medication and found that it’s not safe during pregnancy, there are other safe alternatives or home remedies available for allergy sufferers. When home remedies do not provide relief, safe allergy medications can be taken in consultation with the doctor.

Dos and Dont’s

While allergies are common across all age groups, it is advisable to be extra careful about any allergies when pregnant to avoid any adverse affect on the baby. Here are some tips:

DOs:

• Check with your doctor that your allergy medication is safe during pregnancy
• Eat a healthy balanced diet to help you get both the nutrients you need

DON’Ts:

• Stop using regular allergy medication as it can worsen your symptoms
• Smoke during pregnancy
• Drink alcohol

Certain foods may help prevent allergies

Studies suggest that certain foods may have allergy prevention properties. However, eating these foods in vast quantities will not protect your child from food allergies. Eating a balanced meal is always the better option.

Fish oils are said to have preventive effects, but intake should be limited to two portions a week. For those who are planning to take fish oil supplements, avoid any containing vitamin A, such as cod liver oil, as it can potentially harm your baby. There are studies that also suggest the effectivity of eating fruits and vegetables. They are said to be effective in protecting against the development of breathing problems.

Allergies do not affect pregnancy noticeably in a majority of the cases. Many women, still deliver healthy babies despite having allergic episodes during pregnancy. Also remember that there are allergy treatments available for pregnant women that can be taken to safeguard her health and the health of her baby.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. 

Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.