​How does pregnancy affect allergies?

Congratulations on your pregnancy! We know you’re doing your research on how to keep you and your baby healthy, and you’ve probably seen the blogs we’ve already written about how pregnancy can affect your health. But one question we haven’t answered yet but will discuss today is: does pregnancy can affect allergies?

Will I still have allergies while I’m pregnant?

If you had allergies before you became pregnant, you will very likely still have them now. In fact, while a third of expectant mothers experience no changes in their allergies, a third experience worse symptoms. However, a lucky third will get a temporary respite from their allergies.

Pregnancy allergies vs. pregnancy rhinitis

Some pregnant women find themselves with stuffy and runny noses that just won’t go away. This is called pregnancy rhinitis, and it affects about 40 percent of expectant mothers. Pregnancy rhinitis often appears very early or very late in a pregnancy.

So, how do you tell the difference between allergies and rhinitis? Well, people with pregnancy rhinitis usually just have stuffy noses, while those with allergies also experience symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and even a headache.

Will allergies affect my baby?

Don’t worry about your allergies spreading to your unborn child, or your symptoms causing the baby any problems. You’ll be the only one affected.

What allergy medicines can I take while pregnant?

In most cases, over-the-counter allergy medicines are safe. It’s important you talk to your doctor before beginning any new medication.

Can I get allergy shots while pregnant?

If you’ve been receiving immunotherapy for some time now, it should be safe to continue your treatment. If you haven’t started it yet, though, it’s probably best to wait until after your baby is born. But like we said above, you should talk to your doctor about any medical treatment you receive while expecting.

Can I get allergy care at CEENTA?

If you find yourself sniffling and sneezing, come to CEENTA. We can treat your allergy issues and help make your pregnancy as comfortable as possible.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointment online with any of our ENT doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.