The nose runs, the eyes itch and the throat itches – in the allergy season, allergy sufferers are no strangers to these symptoms. Many allergy sufferers then turn to antihistamines or other anti-allergic medications or nasal sprays. But during pregnancy, this is so often not possible. In general, allergy sufferers should keep a few things in mind during pregnancy.
What to do about allergies during pregnancy?
Even during pregnancy, women do not have to simply endure the symptoms of their allergy. There are various measures to cope with an allergy during pregnancy. Various medications exist for this purpose, which can be used in consultation with the doctor. As a first precaution, however, pregnant women should avoid the allergens they know as much as possible. Windows should be kept closed when pollen is present. Dust and pollen traps such as carpets and also curtains should be removed from the home by affected women during pregnancy. Since stress can increase the symptoms of allergy, pregnant women should pay attention to a daily routine with as little stress as possible.
Only if it is no longer possible: medication and nasal sprays.
If these simple tricks are not enough to relieve allergy symptoms, the allergy can also be treated with medication during pregnancy. In most cases, treatment of allergic conditions with oral antihistamines is well tolerated by both mother and baby. However, they should always be taken only after consultation with the attending physician. Nasal sprays should only be used for a short time and only after careful consideration of the risks and benefits. The soothing decongestant effect of nasal sprays is based on a constriction of the vessels. However, 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 nose drops can thus cause a reduced supply of blood and nutrients to the unborn child. An alternative is nasal drops that contain only a saline solution. Nasal rinses with saline solutions can also provide relief from hay fever.
Hyposensitization: continue or discontinue?
Hyposensitization should not be restarted during pregnancy. In rare cases, allergic shock reactions could otherwise occur, which could endanger mother and child. Women who have already started hyposensitization before birth and have tolerated it well can continue the treatment during pregnancy. Here, however, the treating physician or allergist should weigh the risk-benefit ratio particularly carefully.
Asthma during pregnancy
Many pregnant women with asthma are particularly uncertain during pregnancy and wonder whether or not they can continue to take their medication. One-third of pregnant women with asthma experience symptom improvement during gravidity. In one-third of pregnant women, the condition worsens, and in the final third, nothing changes. However, well-controlled asthma is not associated with increased risk to the mother, the baby, or the course of the pregnancy. Uncontrolled asthma attacks, on the other hand, endanger the well-being of the child and the mother. Therefore, asthmatics should see their physician for a consultative discussion before becoming pregnant, if possible.
What to do in case of an asthma attack?
Pregnant women with asthma are preferably given short-acting beta-mimetics for inhalation as an as-needed or emergency medication. These cause rapid dilation of the bronchial tubes so that air can flow in and out more easily. The substance salbutamol in particular is used for this purpose. To date, there are no known links between the use of bronchodilators and damage to the unborn child. In very severe asthma attacks, it may be necessary to administer cortisone in tablet form. Some studies show that this slightly increases the risk of cleft lip and palate in the child. However, the link is not yet considered fully established. However, since forgoing the needed cortisone usually poses a greater risk to the well-being of the child, pregnant women should not forgo the tablets if administered by a physician.
Allergy inhibitors during breastfeeding?
During breastfeeding, the child absorbs the substances previously supplied by the mother through the breast milk. This also allows the anti-allergic drugs to enter the child’s blood. There are antiallergic drugs that may be taken during breastfeeding. However, women should avoid combination preparations if possible. These often place an unnecessary burden on the baby. It should be noted, however, that first-generation antihistamines in particular can cause extreme fatigue in both the mother and the baby. However, newer antihistamines do not have this side effect.
How to prevent allergies in your child
In particular, children whose parents both suffer from atopic diseases are at increased risk for allergies. Allergy sufferers should therefore take preventive measures during pregnancy to ensure that their child has as allergy-free a life 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 birth. Cigarette smoke should therefore be strictly avoided. A diet during pregnancy in which the mother avoids certain allergy triggers, on the other hand, has not been shown to be effective. In contrast, exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months, followed by the slow introduction of complementary foods, shows a positive effect on allergy development in children.
