Seasonal Allergies Can Be a Nuisance During Pregnancy. Here are the Top 5 Things to Know About Them.
1. Pregnancy can make seasonal allergies worse (but not always). 1/3 of women said their allergies got worse during pregnancy, 1/3 said they got better, and 1/3 said they stayed the same. Some women get seasonal allergies for the first time during pregnancy (ugh!).
2. Common symptoms of seasonal allergies during pregnancy include: sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, red, itchy, watery eyes, a sore or itchy throat, itchy skin (including an itchy belly), and a cough.
Double Take: There’s something called “rhinitis of pregnancy” that can mimic seasonal allergies. This condition typically occurs in the 2nd & 3rd trimesters. In this case, the runny & stuffy nose is due to extra hormones (not allergens). Fortunately, these symptoms resolve once the baby is delivered.
3. Although YOU may feel lousy, your developing baby won’t be harmed by your seasonal allergies.
4. Some allergy medications and medicated nasal sprays are off limits during pregnancy (especially during the first trimester). Ask your OB/GYN which medications they recommend for you (if any).
5. Non-medication precautions & tools can help too. These include:
- Monitoring the daily pollen counts in your area and limiting outdoor activities when they’re high.
- Identifying (with the help of an allergist) which allergens you’re allergic to.
- Taking a shower and changing your clothes after being outside.
- Using a non-medicated saline nasal spray to help you clear your nasal passages.
The Bottom Line: If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you and your OB/GYN can work together to come up with a plan to keep them at bay during your pregnancy.