Allergy & pregnancy - what should be considered

The nose runny, the eyes itch and the throat itchy - these symptoms are no stranger to allergy sufferers during the allergy season. Many allergy sufferers then turn to antihistamines or other antiallergic drugs or nasal sprays. But this is often not possible during pregnancy. Generally should Allergy sufferers during pregnancy note a few things.

What to do if you have allergies during pregnancy

Even during pregnancy, women do not have to simply endure the symptoms of their allergies. There are several measures to deal with one Allergy during pregnancy get along. There are various drugs that can be used in consultation with the doctor. As a first precaution, however, pregnant women should avoid known allergens as much as possible.

The windows should remain closed when there is a pollen count. Dust and pollen traps such as carpets and curtains should be removed from the apartment by affected women during pregnancy. Since stress can worsen the symptoms of the allergy, pregnant women should ensure that their daily routine is as stress-free as possible.

Only when it is no longer possible: medication & nasal sprays

If these simple tricks are not enough to relieve the allergy symptoms, medication can be used to treat the allergy even during pregnancy. In most cases, the treatment of allergic diseases with oral antihistamines is well tolerated by mother and child. However, it should only be taken after consulting the attending physician.

Nasal sprays may only be used for a short time and only after careful risk-benefit assessment. The soothing, decongestant effect of the nasal sprays is based on a narrowing of the vessels. This is not only limited locally to the nose, but affects the entire body. The vessels of the placenta also contract.

Long-term use of decongestant nasal sprays and nasal drops can cause the unborn child to be insufficiently supplied with blood and nutrients. An alternative are nasal drops that only contain a saline solution. Nasal rinsing with saline solutions can also provide relief from hay fever.

Desensitization: continue or stop?

Desensitization must not be restarted during pregnancy. In rare cases, allergic shock reactions could otherwise occur, which could endanger mother and child. Women who started desensitization before giving birth and who have tolerated it well can continue treatment during pregnancy. Here, however, the treating doctor or allergist should carefully weigh the risk-benefit ratio.

Asthma during pregnancy

Many pregnant women with asthma are particularly unsettled during pregnancy and wonder whether or not they can continue to take their medication. One third of all pregnant women with asthma experience an improvement in symptoms during pregnancy.

In a third of pregnant women the disease worsens, in the last third nothing changes. However, well-controlled asthma is not associated with an increased risk for the mother, the child or the course of the pregnancy. Uncontrolled asthma attacks, on the other hand, endanger the well-being of the child and mother. Asthmatics should therefore consult their doctor for a consultation if possible before they become pregnant.

What to do if you have an asthma attack

Pregnant women with asthma are given short-acting betamimetics for inhalation as reliever or emergency medication. These cause a rapid expansion of the bronchi so that the air can flow in and out better. The substance salbutamol in particular is used for this.

So far, no connections are known between the intake of bronchodilator agents and damage to the unborn child. In the case of very severe asthma attacks, the administration of cortisone in tablet form may be necessary. Some studies show that this slightly increases the risk of a cleft lip and palate in children. However, the connection is not yet fully established.

Since not using the required cortisone usually poses a greater risk to the child's well-being, pregnant women should not do without the tablets when the doctor gives them.

Allergy Inhibitors While Breastfeeding?

During the breastfeeding period, the child ingests the substances that the mother previously took in through the breast milk. This means that the antiallergic drugs also get into the child's blood. There are antiallergic drugs that can be taken while breastfeeding. Women should, however, avoid combination products if possible.

These often put unnecessary strain on the baby. It should be noted, however, that first-generation antihistamines, in particular, can cause extreme tiredness in both mother and child. However, newer antihistamines do not have this side effect.

How to prevent allergies in your child

Children, in particular, whose parents both suffer from atopic diseases, have an increased risk of allergies. Allergy sufferers should therefore take preventive measures during pregnancy in order to enable their child to live as allergy-free as possible.

A major factor in the development of allergies and asthma in children is active and passive smoking during pregnancy, breastfeeding and, of course, after childbirth. Cigarette smoke should therefore be strictly avoided. However, a diet during pregnancy in which the mother avoids certain allergy triggers has not proven to be effective.

In contrast, exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months and then the slow introduction of complementary foods has a positive effect on the development of allergies in children.