Picture this situation:
You’re reveling in your pregnancy glow, absolutely happy, excited, nervous- and then…
Suddenly your eyes are watery, your nose feels itchy… Ah-choo!
It seems that you have suddenly developed an allergy!
But, is it entirely possible to suddenly develop allergies when you’re pregnant?
Will your baby also have these allergies when they grow up?
Calm down, mummy; let’s discover the ways on how allergies happen during pregnancy, and how we can deal with it.
Can Pregnancy Cause Allergies to Develop?
So, why do some pregnant mums suddenly get an allergy out of the blue?
As we know, pregnancy changes a lot of aspects of your body, inside and out.
So, it’s not surprising that a change of hormonal balance in your body can cause your body suddenly become less immune to certain allergens.
In some cases, there are some mums who end up having less allergic reactions during their pregnancy phase, too.
In any case, allergies are pretty annoying to deal with.
That being said, you must know the differences between an allergy, or something entirely different.
If you happen to be experiencing a stuffy nose, but have no itchiness or rashes present, then you may be having just a case of pregnancy rhinitis.
Unlike allergies, pregnancy rhinitis is just a nasal congestion that is experienced by many expectant mums, but will dissipate postpartum.
Just like other bouts with allergies, you’ll find yourself with symptoms such as sniffling and itching often.
However, there should be no complications towards your baby that can possibly occur from developing an allergy during pregnancy.
So, this is really a case-by-case basis, and can differ between each person.
Will It Pass to Baby?
A common thought some pregnant mums with allergies have is the thought that their allergy will also occur in their child.
Well, we’re here to debunk that!
Your allergies during pregnancy does not carry over to your little one.
So, do not worry if you suddenly develop an allergy towards something,
However, genetics do play a part on determining your child’s probability of having certain allergies.
In short, you having a allergy towards cats during pregnancy will not necessarily transfer to your little one.
Your family history having a background with feline allergies, however, can play a part in your child’s probability.
So, it is best to identify whether or not your sudden allergy reaction is an inherited reaction that’s only coming out to play.
How to Deal with Allergies during Pregnancy
So, now that you know how these allergies happen, and its effects on your little one- how do we deal with it?
With allergies, it’s not that hard to deal with.
As long as you keep up with these pointers, you’ll be able to breathe a clear sigh of relief!
Medication
When it comes to medication to end or prevent allergies, most of them are actually pregnancy-friendly!
Allergy medications such as antihistamines or nasal sprays can help immensely with your condition.
They’re also typically pregnancy-safe to be used, which means that the meds will have no effect on your unborn child.
If you’re feeling unsure, you can consult your obstetrician to figure out ways to treat your condition using medication.
In the case that you need to switch medications, your doctors will be able to present the best plans for you;
Additionally you can also buy over-the-counter allergy if you’re familiar enough with them, too!
Avoid Contact with Allergy Triggers
Allergies can also be triggered from coming into contact with allergens.
This doesn’t necessarily have to be food or drinks; it can be an environment, or material as well!
It’s inevitable that we will come across things that can trigger your sneezing fit.
However, this does not mean you should find your way towards it.
Instead, make sure you keep clear from them, and avoid as much as possible.
Meanwhile, mums with food allergies must not consume these trigger-inducing ingredients.
Some of the symptoms that food allergies that may indicate a food allergy reactions are:
- itchiness in your facial area
- red rashes or hives
- swelling of your facial features
- wheezing and congested nasals
- vomiting
- dizziness and fainting
Food allergies also can trigger something called an anaphylaxis, which causes your throat to tighten and swelling, which can lead to loss of consciousness.
If someone’s anaphylaxis is triggered, they must be rushed to the hospital immediately.
When untreated or taken too long to treat, this shock can have effects on you and your baby, such as maternal hypotension, hypoxemia and even death.
So, food-based allergy triggers must be avoided entirely, if possible.
Keep a Clean Environment
For allergies that are more environmental-oriented, such as dander or dust allergies, a clean environment is quite vital for a healthy, allergy-free pregnancy.
This means that your living space has to be relatively dust-free to ensure minimal contact with your allergy trigger.
Additionally, if you have pets, you need to make sure there are areas they are prohibited from entering (such as the bedroom).
Also, dads; now’s your time to show your appreciation towards your wife by helping out with the housework!
You can also consider getting an air purifier for your home, too!
Not only will you have better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), but you’ll also be breathing air in a much cleaner environment.
Alternatively, you can also opt to hire a cleaning service to help out as well.
Mask Up
Planning to go out?
Make sure to wear a mask before going out!
Wearing a mask when outdoors will not only protect you from germs and viruses, but also allergens as well.
In addition to that, the often hazy weather in our country can also trigger your allergies, too.
Studies have shown that wearing masks have reduced both eye and nose-focused allergy rhinitis.
So, why not hit two birds with one stone by protecting yourself from germs *and* allergies?
Can Pregnancy Allergies be Cured?
As of right now, allergies are quite often permanent.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the things you love before your pregnancy just because of it!
Alongside medication, immunotherapy can also help reduce allergic reactions, too.
In the case of more serious allergies that can lead to anaphylaxis, carrying an Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EpiPen) is very crucial.
The key rule towards living a comfortably both during your pregnancy and after, despite your pregnancy, is to make sure you follow the rules to prevent the allergy reaction from reoccurring.
So, stay safe and have a healthy pregnancy journey, mummies!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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