Medication for allergies and asthma

Allergies are known to occur in about one in five pregnant women. If you have a known allergy and are pregnant, you should consult your doctor about which medications you should take. With the following medications, it is not only important whether they may be taken during pregnancy, but also in which dose and in which part of the pregnancy.

In addition to avoiding certain allergens such as food, some substances are available for the treatment of allergies during pregnancy. Allergic reactions during pregnancy can be treated with antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine, clemastine or dimentines (Fenistil®). Cromoglicic acid and glucocorticoids (budesonide, prednisolone) can also be used.

Hyposensitization should not be restarted during pregnancy. However, it can be continued if it was already well tolerated before pregnancy. In this case the dose should not be increased.

Women with bronchial asthma must continue to be treated with medication during pregnancy, otherwise there is a risk to mother and child. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the following medications are used during pregnancy: For mild asthma or if necessary and in an emergency, e.g. salbutamol sprays (short-acting beta-2 sympathomimetics) can be used. In the case of more severe symptoms, low or medium strength corticosteroid sprays (e.g. budesonide, beclometasone) are added as permanent medication, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

If this is not sufficient, a combination of a corticosteroid spray and a long-acting beta-2 sympathomimetic (e.g. formoterol, salmeterol) is used. In addition, theophylline can be taken in specific and adjusted doses. If this therapy is not sufficient, glucocorticoids can be given e.g. as tablets. Then Prednisolon is the drug of choice. If an asthma attack occurs during pregnancy, it should always be treated in hospital.

Medicines for nausea and gastrointestinal complaints

In case of morning sickness, measures such as avoiding carbonated drinks, several small meals a day, ginger, acupuncture, acupressure and taking vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in a certain dosage (not more than 80 mg per day) can be helpful. If the symptoms persist, nausea can also be temporarily treated with antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate (Vomex®). However, Vomex® should only be used in the 1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of premature contractions.

The second choice is metoclopramide, which can be taken mainly in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. In case of persistent nausea and strong vomiting, the pregnant woman should be treated in hospital by means of infusions. In case of heartburn and bloating, so-called antacids (e.g. magaldrate) can be taken during pregnancy.

If these do not help, ranitidine can be prescribed, and if symptoms persist, e.g. omeprazole can be prescribed during pregnancy. In case of diarrhoea, the pregnant woman should drink sufficient quantities and rest a lot. In case of severe or prolonged diarrhea, pregnant women can take electrolyte solutions to drink.

Ask a doctor for advice if you suffer from persistent diarrhoea. If you are constipated, a diet rich in fibre, sufficient drinking quantities and plenty of exercise can be helpful. If the symptoms persist, swelling substances such as linseed or Indian flea seed husks can be taken during pregnancy, and sufficient liquid should be drunk. If these are not effective, lactulose can be given and if this is also not effective enough, Macrogol (Dulcolax®) can be used during pregnancy. Since many medicines for constipation should be avoided during pregnancy, a doctor should always be consulted in this case.