Food allergens during pregnancy. Allergies in expectant mothers - unpleasant, but you can live You can from allergies during pregnancy

The period of pregnancy is incredibly important for almost any woman, as a new life is born. The body is constantly rebuilding, so the appearance of an allergic reaction is highly undesirable.

It is incredibly important to know which drugs are allowed to be taken by pregnant women for allergies. Every mother should know what can and cannot be drunk so as not to accidentally endanger the body or minimize its level as much as possible.

After all, taking any medication can adversely affect the development of the unborn child.

Why do pregnant women develop allergies?

Almost a third of women experience an allergic reaction during pregnancy. Constant hormonal restructuring during this period makes all organs and systems work a little differently than in their normal state.

The immune system is gradually destroyed, as a result of which an allergic reaction appears, which in itself is a non-standard reaction of the human body to any external stimulus.

It is simply impossible to predict allergies in pregnant women, it can appear at any age, although the risk in women after 35 years is noticeably higher than in young ones.

Basic principles:

• Toxicosis- is the most famous allergic reaction of the body. This is a consequence of the negative reaction of the body to the fetus, therefore it is typical for the first semester, while the body gets used to its new state;
• The immune system, which has begun to change, can negatively perceive external stimuli. The body becomes more and more sensitive, therefore, during pregnancy, women are advised to carefully monitor their diet and what surrounds her every day;
• Pre-existing allergies during pregnancy, it can become aggravated or, on the contrary, disappear. It is best for allergy sufferers to consult a doctor in the early stages to select the most optimal drug for relieving the symptoms of the disease for this important period.

Normally, a woman's body during pregnancy produces more cortisol than in the normal state. This hormone is anti-allergic, so allergies will not be as severe as in a healthy person.

Types and symptoms of allergies in pregnant women.

In general, allergic reactions that appear in a pregnant woman can be divided into two large types, each of which has its own development, effect on the body and level of danger.

Allergy forms:

• Light form;
• Severe or systemic form.

Light form:

Severe and moderate forms:

In general, all the symptoms of the disease in a pregnant woman are similar according to the usual signs:

• The appearance of a rash;
• sneezing;
• swelling of the throat or nose;
• Runny nose.

If there are any allergy symptoms, a pregnant woman should immediately contact an allergist to assess the degree of development of the disease and the general condition of the body for proper treatment and prescription of medications.

Factors that cause allergies in pregnant women

Due to the restructuring of the body to the needs of the unborn child, allergies can often be very unpredictable.

At first, be incredibly careful with everything that surrounded you before pregnancy, because even changeable weather can become another headache for the tender state of the mother.

The main factors causing allergies:

• food products are one of the risk areas. Any citrus fruits, a number of seafood, exotic vegetables and fruits, chocolate - all of them can provoke the body. It is best to forget about new dishes during pregnancy and stick to a standard diet, and postpone culinary experiments for later.
• severe stress- the most dangerous factor that causes allergies in pregnant women;
• Environmental impact filled with exhaust and emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere;
• Insect bites- it can be mosquitoes, bees, wasps, fleas, ticks;
• Pets- tend to molt, that is, shed excess hair. It is she who is a strong external irritant for the body, therefore, during pregnancy, it is best to avoid animals and part with your beloved pet before the baby is born.

All these factors that cause allergies may seem incredibly strict, however, it is best to prevent the development of the disease in the first place than to suffer from it and be treated later.

The impact of allergies on the unborn child

Any changes and reactions of the mother's body during pregnancy should be carefully studied.

Previously, women simply went to the nearest pharmacy, buying any medicine.

However, it was found that antihistamines have an extremely negative effect on the fetus.

Therefore, self-medication in this case is not recommended at all.

Allergy itself cannot affect the unborn child, since the placenta makes an impenetrable barrier for allergens. The influence begins already after birth, when the child often inherits the same allergies that the mother had.

This does not always appear, since the paternal genes are present in the child's body, but the probability is great enough to have a desire to avoid it.

It is incredibly dangerous to treat allergies on your own without resorting to the services of doctors. Many drugs that are freely available can cause cardiovascular problems and abnormalities in the nervous system, negatively affecting the body of a pregnant woman.

In no case should you use antiallergic drugs that are not recommended by your doctor, as blood flow disorders to the placenta may develop, which often leads to miscarriage.

Allergies during pregnancy can damage a woman's normal health, especially if it occurs in a severe stage.

Violations of the respiratory system lead to a deficiency of oxygen supplied to the baby, and in general, the fetus will react very specifically to all the changes that its mother feels.

What to do if you have an allergy during pregnancy?

Small symptoms of an allergic reaction to new stimuli are a completely normal manifestation of the immune system.

They usually proceed without complications and quickly enough, therefore, they do not require a visit to the doctor, since they disappear on their own after the removal of the allergen from everyday life.

Another thing is when allergic reactions have severe symptoms.

In this case, the pregnant woman should adhere to the following algorithm of actions:

• Contacting a doctor- namely, to solve the problem, an allergist will be required, who, after prescribing tests and examining the symptoms, can identify the primary source of the disease and diagnose for subsequent treatment.
• Allergy treatment- it cannot be started, since it will be much easier to cure the primary symptoms for both the mother’s body and the child, because most of the drugs that pregnant women can take have a much milder effect and take a longer period of time until a complete cure.
• Completely eliminate known allergens from everyday life, especially those that the body has reacted to previously. Review your diet, choose natural cosmetics for hygiene and reduce your contact with household chemicals used for laundry and cleaning.

Diagnosis of allergies in pregnant women

To diagnose allergies in pregnant women, a tandem of two doctors is required - an allergist and an immunologist. In order to identify the disease, they conduct a series of tests and tests to identify the irritant.

The doctor usually takes the following series of tests to identify the allergen:

If for some reason a visit to the doctor is not possible, then at the pharmacy you can buy a special test to detect the allergen in the blood. Mainly used for food allergies.

To conduct such a test, you need to put a little blood on the indicator, and then compare it with the table.

You can also simply remember what you did before the onset of an allergic reaction, what you ate, what you were in contact with, and completely eliminate the irritant from life until all the symptoms pass.

However, even if you have successfully identified the allergen yourself, a medical consultation remains mandatory.

Treatment of allergies in pregnant women

It is almost impossible to cure allergies as a disease, so modern medicine is focused on suppressing the symptoms and removing the irritant.

The first step should always be prevention, but if it fails and symptoms appear, then a visit to the doctor is mandatory even with a mild course of the disease.

It is always worth remembering that allergies in pregnant women occur and proceed quite unpredictably, so a simple reaction can develop into a severe one, damaging the body due to changes in the immune system.

allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis can be cured with nasal drops or spray.

It is best to opt for natural remedies during pregnancy, which are based on sea salt.

They clean the nasal cavity, simultaneously washing off the allergen, while doing no harm and are highly effective.

Popular nasal sprays containing sea water include:

• Aqua Maris - cost from 220 rubles ;
• Aqualor - cost from 400 rubles ;
• Marimer - cost from 270 rubles ;
• Physiomer - average cost 400 rubles .

The bottles have a special nozzle that makes rinsing the nostrils incredibly easy. For proper use, simply tilt your head to the side, squirt the product and blow your nose.

There are no restrictions on the use, so you can use it as needed until complete recovery.

The use of any other drugs is not recommended in the first three weeks of pregnancy, but after that you can use other drops, such as:

• Pinosol- These are oil drops, which include a substance isolated from eucalyptus. Can be used in any trimester after the first month of pregnancy. Constant medical supervision is required, although the substance does not penetrate into the bloodstream, but acts locally. Use for more than a week is not recommended by doctors. It is worth instilling a drop into each nostril every 2 hours on the first day, and then reduce to 3 drops per day. Average price - 130 rubles ;
• Euphorbium compositum- a homeopathic remedy, the use of which while waiting for the baby is not only effective, but also safe. The mineral and herbal components of the drug relieve inflammation, eliminate puffiness, and clear the nasal passages in the presence of a runny nose of any origin. average cost 480 rubles ;
• Cromohexal- this spray eliminates the symptoms of an allergic rhinitis, although it is difficult to call it absolutely safe. Therefore, its use is permissible, but only in cases where the manifestations of allergies cause a greater danger to the fetus than the medicine. Can be used from the 2nd trimester. average price 160 rubles .

allergic conjunctivitis

Inflammations that appear on the mucous membrane of the eye often lead to complete swelling of the eyelid and redness of the eye.

In the early stages of pregnancy, "artificial tears" can be used, but in general, even they are not recommended by experts. To combat conjunctivitis during this period, it is better to adhere to traditional medicine, weakening the redness of the eyes.

Eye drops for allergies for pregnant women:

• Vizin Alergi- perfectly copes with swelling of the eyes and narrows the vessels in it. One dose lasts approximately 6 hours. Since the drug is practically not absorbed into the bloodstream, it is safe enough for use by a pregnant woman. Buried in 1-2 drops. In total, you should not do more than 3 repetitions per day. Time of use of the drug - no more than 4 days. average price 300 rubles ;
• VisaOptic- drops have a similar effect to Vizin, forming an anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive effect that helps to cure conjunctivitis. Quite quickly after application, the burning sensation and tearing go away. Apply 1 drop 2-3 times a day for no more than 4 days. average price 170 rubles ;
• Systain-ultra- protects the eye from unpleasant irritants. This will help to remove all the unpleasant consequences, manifested burning and redness. Bury 1 drop, then help a little so that the product is distributed throughout the eyeball. Price from 230 rubles.

Allergic rashes, skin peeling and itching

It is best for women during pregnancy to fight rashes with ointments. They must be hypoallergenic and do not contain hormones.

The most prescribed for pregnant women:

• Zinc ointment- safe enough for pregnant women, since zinc oxide does not penetrate the body if used correctly. Before use, be sure to wash your hands and treat them with alcohol, then apply to the damaged area and after about half an hour remove it from the skin with a napkin. Can be used even early. average cost 50 rubles ;
• Fenistil gel- can be used in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. The main active ingredient effectively suppresses histamine, so itching and other visible manifestations of allergies on the skin quickly disappear. It is applied in a small layer to the damaged area 2 to 4 times a day until the problem goes away. Price from 300 rubles ;
• Psilo Balm- It is allowed to use during pregnancy, but only if indicated. It has a strong anti-allergic effect with a decrease in edema and constriction of capillaries. Along the way, it produces an analgesic effect. It is worth applying with light movements on the affected skin, forming a thin film. The drug is rapidly absorbed. It is recommended to apply it a maximum of 4 times a day for the period prescribed by the doctor. Price from 240 rubles .

food allergy

When an irritant enters with food, the body may react inadequately. A number of medicines will come to the rescue, which should be used with caution.

Antihistamines are generally prohibited, especially in the first trimester. It is possible to use third-generation antihistamines, but only after consulting a doctor.

It is best to initially eliminate the allergen from food and cleanse the body with activated charcoal or other approved sorbent.

For the treatment of food allergies, the following drugs are used:

• Suprastin- can not be used in the first trimester and the last three weeks before childbirth, the rest of the time it remains available under the supervision of a doctor. This is a 1st generation antihistamine, so it additionally has a sedative effect. On the day you should drink no more than 100 mg of the drug per day until all symptoms are completely eliminated. The duration of use is decided only by the doctor. Price from 110 rubles ;
• cetirizine— during pregnancy is not contraindicated, since all studies in rats and other animals have had positive results. Teratogenic, carcinogenic and mutagenic effects were not recorded. Take one tablet once a day. Price from 40 rubles ;
• Fenkarol- a drug that has an anti-allergic and anti-exudative effect, as well as helping to cope with itching, reduce swelling. Approved for use after the first trimester. Take 1 tablet 3 times a day after meals with plenty of water. Price from 280 rubles .
• Enterosgel- often used to cleanse the body of an allergen due to its sorbing properties. It should be taken a couple of hours before or after a meal, washed down with water or diluted in it to a state of suspension. The recommended rate is 1 packet or one and a half tablespoons of the substance. Price from 360 rubles ;
• Smecta- It is also very useful for combating food allergies, especially if it is accompanied by diarrhea. The powder should be dissolved in water, the total intake of the drug should not be more than 3 per day. The duration of treatment is prescribed by a doctor, but it is rarely required to remove the allergen from the body for more than 1 day. Price from 130 rubles .

drug allergy

During pregnancy, it is required to carefully monitor the medications taken. However, if one of them has developed an allergy, then the first step is to abandon the medicine, and then treat the symptoms.

They can help here:

• Diazolin- can be used only from the 2nd trimester. The course of treatment is given by a doctor, but it is usually not recommended to drink more than 1 tablet 3 times a day with meals. average price 190 rubles ;
• Zyrtec- is prescribed only by a doctor, although no visible clinical abnormalities were observed during the tests. It helps to relieve itching, remove swelling and other symptoms characteristic of allergies. It is drunk 1 tablet once a day, if necessary, the dose can be increased. Price from 180 rubles ;
• Polysorb- a drug for cleansing the body of toxins. It is taken as an aqueous suspension, that is, the powder is mixed with 1/4 - 1/2 cup of water, and never taken dry inside, the amount of powder depends on body weight. Price from 140 rubles .

List of drugs that can not be taken during pregnancy for allergies

All drugs that are used by pregnant women before childbirth must be prescribed by a doctor, since they all have a number of side effects, whose minuses noticeably exceed the pluses, and therefore are impossible to take.

In the following list of antihistamines, these disadvantages are much higher, so doctors do not recommend their use:

• Diphenhydramine- due to its active substance, after entering the bloodstream, it excites the uterus, which can often cause a risk of premature birth;
• Pipolfen- it contains a number of toxins that can damage the fetus and even lead to death;
• Tavegil- are applied in the case of life and death, when there is a great risk to the life of the mother, and therefore the risk inflicted on the fetus is considered as a lesser evil.

Nasal drops prohibited for use at any stage of pregnancy:

• Nazol;
• Nazivin;
• Vibrocil;
• Knoxprey;
• Galazolin.

Alternative treatment of allergies during pregnancy

Severe cases cannot be eliminated with their help, however, itching, inflammation, swelling are quite treatable with decoctions and ointments prepared at home.

Before using any folk method, it is best to consult a doctor first to rule out side effects that are unlikely, but still possible.

Allergy Prevention for Pregnant Women

It is avoidance and prevention that are the best means during pregnancy. If you take precautions and protect yourself from irritants as much as possible, then it is possible not to get an allergy at all.

This requires:

During pregnancy, you need to carefully monitor your environment and the means used, since any deviation can lead to the development of an allergy, which, due to the delicate state of the body, is quite difficult to cure.

hypoallergenic diet during pregnancy

It is a proper and balanced diet that will best help to avoid the manifestations of allergies. In general, each woman may have her own list of irritants, but there are those products that can most easily cause a reaction in the body.

The main point of this nutrition is the complete exclusion:

• flavors;
• dyes;
• fillers;
• various additives.

As a standard, they completely leave the diet:

• seafood;
• vegetables and fruits of red color;
• citruses;
• bakery sweet products;
• mushrooms;
• milk;
• hen.

The most optimal way to build your diet on:

• various cereals;
• lean meat;
• green and yellow fruits with vegetables;
• dairy products for a healthy diet.

It is best to keep a food diary so that it is easy enough to identify the allergen and track the body's reaction to it.

Food allergies most often occur, since the taste preferences of pregnant women often change to quite unusual ones.

You should not rush after the first impulse, it is best to plan your diet in advance, adhering to constancy.

allergies in pregnant women

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, an allergic mother will have to make a complex choice of her own food. How not to turn this activity into torment and find a measure of common sense in the selection of basic foods and dishes for the maternal hypoallergenic diet?

First of all, the expectant mother needs to find out own allergy status. The fact is that the symptoms of many diseases only superficially resemble an allergy, not being such in essence. Why condemn yourself to an unnecessary diet or medication? Pregnancy is a period when you need to know everything about your health, including in terms of allergic problems. How to do it?

Recall and specify in detail with your parents what allergic symptoms or even diseases you noted in childhood. Be prepared for fuzzy and confusing stories, for lost discharges from hospitals, for the fact that the diagnosis was not fully carried out, and the treatment was not prescribed - unfortunately, adults quite often simply dismiss the allergic problems of children. Phrases like: “baby, you always itched after tangerines” or “remember the red spots from the pills when we treated pneumonia?” - they say that your allergy diagnostics, alas, is at zero.

If, even without any family inquiries, you know that since childhood you have been distinguished by some kind of allergy (asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis, drug allergies, Quincke's edema, urticaria), be sure to put things in order in this whole story, learn how to call it correctly terms and dates, important events. This is necessary because throughout the pregnancy, doctors will clarify the "patient's allergic history" (that is, the history of allergic diseases in you and your relatives). Why test the patience of doctors with unfortunate incompetence in answering questions? Carefully clarify everything in advance, including in the parental family of the husband, in order to correctly represent the risk of allergies in your child. It is generally accepted that if one of the parents suffers from an allergy, then the probability of developing it in a baby is 30%, if both are sick, the risk doubles! Do not forget to thank your mother and mother-in-law if your and your husband's medical documents from the period of early childhood are kept in perfect condition and sensible answers were quickly found to all questions.

Decide with your doctor do you need allergy testing if there are no complaints, the pregnancy proceeds perfectly and nothing bothers you. The most commonly used concept is “they don’t look for good from good”: as long as there are no symptoms, diagnostics are not started. However, if your baby is predicted to be at high risk of allergic diseases, it makes sense to donate blood for various tests that reveal which allergens you are sensitive to. This will help during pregnancy to minimize your contact with the “enemies” products. Otherwise, you will be unreasonably strict about your daily menu, excluding everything in a row, or, not knowing about your sensitivity to food allergens, you can provoke an exacerbation of your own allergic diseases even before childbirth. Of course, it is worth remembering that the mentioned in vitro allergodiagnosis tests (that is, in vitro) can give both false positive and false negative results. And yet they are an invaluable clue when compiling the menu of the expectant mother.

Sitting at the dinner table, an allergic mother, without suspecting it herself, in the next 20-30 minutes will be actively engaged in the primary prevention of allergic diseases in her baby. Or not busy at all. It is difficult to find a sense of proportion in this matter, although it is possible. It is important to remember the three golden rules:

• not to overload your neighbors with boring “I can” - “I can’t”: not a battle and not a war, but rather an elegant game - this is what a real diet is;

• do not be lazy to buy and cook your own food according to a hypoallergenic menu and learn how to do it well;
• remember that, despite the prevention of allergies, you should not starve and you must provide the child with enough proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals for normal growth and development.

Boiled meat without spices, buckwheat porridge and bran bread have certainly not been the most popular dishes in your kitchen until now. It is all the more important to resist relatives who will try to feed the expectant mother with “healthy” products - caviar, oranges, strawberries, honey. All of these foods are powerful allergens, and if you allow yourself to be coaxed, you can cause serious problems in the long run.

Fish and seafood. It is believed that sea fish are more allergenic than river fish. But it is also desirable to cook the river in a boiled form and without spices. Especially often red caviar causes allergic reactions. Seafood such as shrimp, crabs, crayfish, lobsters, mussels, oysters, squids, octopuses are absolutely not suitable for the nutrition of a pregnant woman, especially an allergic person. When choosing a delicious sushi option, keep this list in mind. Refusing seafood is especially difficult in a coastal restaurant or at a dinner party. When planning a feast in such risk situations, evaluate in advance your inner readiness to follow a hypoallergenic diet and do not succumb to provocations.

Milk. Entire volumes have been written about the benefits of cow's milk, and it would seem that this product is beyond praise and beyond all suspicion. However, it has certainly been proven that cow's milk protein is one of the most frequent and strongest allergens. If you don’t really like fresh milk, switch to sour-milk products, and use cottage cheese in the form of cheesecakes or casseroles, but not raw.

Eggs. Also one of the basic products of our diet, and also a very popular allergen. Learn to recognize products that contain protein (pastries, mayonnaise, some sauces) - it’s quite acceptable to ask the author of a salad or cake about this topic at a party, and carefully read the composition of the product in the store.

Meat. Allergy to animal meat is not the most common option, and yet it is better to avoid strong broths, kebabs, meat with spices, smoked meats. The classic recommendation when cooking meat is the so-called second broth: after boiling water and the appearance of foam, all the liquid is drained, the meat is washed and filled with water again. Hypoallergenic meats include turkey (white meat) and rabbit meat.

Cereals. Wheat, rye, millet, corn can also cause an allergic reaction. When you plan to cook porridge or a side dish of cereals, do not get carried away with semolina or oatmeal, it is better to use buckwheat and rice, although they are also allergic, but rarely.

Orange and red fruits and vegetables. Be careful with carrots, apricots, dried apricots, tomatoes, cherries, raspberries, strawberries and, of course, citrus fruits - not only traditional oranges, grapefruits and tangerines, but also varieties and hybrids less known to us (kumquat, pomelo, tangerine).

Nuts. The most powerful nut allergen is peanuts (peanuts). Considering how often it is included in various sweets and desserts, as well as peanut halva and gozinaki, the probability of meeting him for a pleasant coffee and tea party is very high. Hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds, coconut, cedar and even sunflower and sesame seeds (be careful about the composition of grain bread).

Chocolate and cocoa, as well as all dishes and sweets with their addition (ice cream, cakes, etc.).

In order not to turn the nine months of pregnancy into a continuous dietary torment, it is necessary to clearly understand, based on the results of the diagnosis, which foods you have allergic hypersensitivity to. They should be removed from the menu without compromise. Treat recommendations for other products with attention, but without fanaticism. It is rather about their restriction in the diet, but not about complete exclusion. Remember that a developing baby should not experience nutritional deficiencies.

After childbirth, during lactation, an allergic mother should continue to follow most of these tips, often even more scrupulously (see table). After the birth of a child, his skin, mucous membranes and intestines will tell you which foods you need to refuse, and which ones remain on your menu with impunity.

Products and dishes of a hypoallergenic diet for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Spicy and processed cheeses, ice cream

Radishes, radishes, horseradish, sorrel, spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, sauerkraut, pickled and pickled cucumbers

Citrus fruits, strawberries, wild strawberries, raspberries, apricots, peaches, pomegranates, grapes, sea buckthorn, kiwi, pineapple, melon, watermelon

Mushrooms, nuts, peanuts

Refractory fats, margarine

Carbonated fruit drinks, kvass

Coffee, cocoa, chocolate

Honey, caramel, marshmallows, marshmallows, cakes, cupcakes

Whole milk and sour cream (better only as part of dishes), cottage cheese, yoghurts with fruit additives

Lamb, poultry (goose, duck, chicken), as well as poultry products

Carrots, beets, onions, garlic, eggplant

Cherries, black currants, bananas, cranberries, blackberries, rosehip broth

Fermented milk products (kefir, biokefir, yoghurts without fruit additives)

Mild cheeses

Lean meat: beef, pork, rabbit, turkey (boiled and stewed, in the form of steam cutlets)

Cucumbers, all kinds of cabbage, zucchini, squash, light pumpkin, green beans, green peas, parsley, dill

Green and white apples, pears, gooseberries, light plums and cherries, white currants

Butter: ghee, refined deodorized vegetable (sunflower, olive, corn)

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The immune system of the expectant mother works in a tense mode and often fails. As soon as a foreign substance enters the body of a woman, an allergic reaction will occur.

This is an immune response to an irritant, and it can be provoked by anything.

According to statistics, allergies during pregnancy occur in 5-20% of cases. And these numbers are steadily growing year by year.

How to treat pregnancy allergies and can it be prevented?

Causes and symptoms of allergies

Moms are often interested in whether there can be an allergy during pregnancy if she has not previously encountered its manifestations?

Unfortunately, maybe. High antigenic loads often become the impetus for its appearance, namely:

• foods rich in simple carbohydrates;
• the presence of food allergens in the diet (read more about nutrition during pregnancy >>>);
• contact with a strong allergen (perfumes and cosmetics, household chemicals, plant pollen, animal hair).

Provoke the disease can:

1. Stress and viruses;
2. Malfunctions in the digestive tract (read about constipation during pregnancy >>>);
3. Foci of chronic inflammation in the body of a pregnant woman.

They increase the likelihood of an immune breakdown by several times.

Important! During the period of gestation, all chronic diseases are exacerbated, and women suffering from allergies before conception.

Chronic allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma may be more difficult to tolerate. Although there are cases when during pregnancy in women, on the contrary, there is a persistent remission of the disease.

Predicting exactly how the body will behave is quite difficult.

Allergies can manifest themselves in early pregnancy and later in different ways.

How does a mother's allergy affect the fetus?

Allergic women are afraid to have children, because they think that allergies will adversely affect the development of the baby in the womb.

However, a competent consultation of an allergist during the planning period of a baby will help get rid of fears.

Allergy is not an obstacle to pregnancy. But in the event of a disease, you should choose the right treatment tactics.

The placenta reliably protects the baby from allergic processes in the woman's body. Only the worsening of the mother’s condition, her worries about this and drugs that can penetrate the placenta can harm him.

Important! Remedies for allergies during pregnancy are prescribed only by a doctor! Self-medication is dangerous in the first place for the baby.

What drugs are allowed during pregnancy?

Women in position should understand: their task is to identify the allergen and not come into contact with it. After all, an allergy is a reaction of the body to external factors, and it cannot be cured.

You can only alleviate the condition, eliminate the symptoms.

But how to do this if most antiallergic drugs are contraindicated or not recommended during pregnancy?

Allergy pills during pregnancy can provoke toxic reactions that lead to miscarriages and malformations.

They can also increase the tone of the uterus and deprive the baby in the womb of the normal supply of oxygen and nutrients. The fetus is especially vulnerable in the first trimester, when the laying of all organs and systems is just beginning.

Allergy medications during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester should also be prescribed very carefully.

At this time, the concentration of drugs in the blood of a pregnant woman changes, as does the rate of excretion of substances. This is facilitated by biological processes occurring in the body.

The attending physician must take this into account and adjust the dosage of the drug up or down.

So, you are faced with allergies during pregnancy: how to treat?

With nasal congestion, rinsing with a slightly salty solution should be done (you can prepare it yourself). In pharmacies for these purposes, buy drops or spray Aqua Maris, Dolphin.

Spray Prevalin forms a film in the nasal cavity that prevents the penetration of allergens into the blood. It is allowed during pregnancy, like Nazaval spray.

With tearing, Innox blue drops help well. And when coughing and suffocation - inhalation of therapeutic mineral water without gas.

With atopic dermatitis, it is good to use creams:

• Bepanthen;
• Physiogel;
• Suspension Zindol.

To prevent the risk of allergy to the suspension, apply a small amount of product to the crook of the elbow and after 15-20 minutes, look for redness in this area.

On a note! It is good to carry out such a test before applying any product to the skin.

Suprastin, Allertec, Tavegil can be used only on the recommendation of a doctor, if there is evidence.

With the help of them, it is permissible in some cases to treat allergies in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, if the effect of treatment outweighs the potential risk to the baby.

As inhaled corticosteroids, the use of budesonide is allowed, which does not lead to the development of fetal abnormalities.

It is good to combine taking allergy medications during pregnancy with taking Laktofiltrum and Enterosgel. They will cleanse the body of toxins and normalize the intestinal microflora.

Enterosgel can provoke constipation in pregnant women, so it is important to take care of proper nutrition with a laxative effect during the period of taking the drug: eat more vegetables and dairy products.

Important! Despite the fact that the names of the drugs are written within the framework of this article, you can start using them only after consulting with your doctor.

Pregnancy is not the time for remote treatment and, even worse, self-treatment!

Prevention of allergies during pregnancy

What can be done from allergies during pregnancy, we found out, now - about prevention.

1. Eliminate or minimize (preferably after 22 weeks) foods:

• milk;
• seafood, sea fish and caviar;
• nuts;
• eggs;
• hen;
• cocoa;
• citrus;
• bright berries;
• beet;
• tomatoes;
• exotic foods;
• sweets.

1. During the gestation period, try to use natural hypoallergenic cosmetics. Minimize contact with household chemicals. Don't experiment with new perfumes, hair dye, etc.
2. Don't have pets.
3. Dust more often, vacuum.
4. Avoid active and passive smoking.

Rejoice in life. Accept your condition. Talk to the baby. Spend time preparing for it.

Indeed, often an allergy is pure psychosomatics (fears of childbirth, about the future, internal contradictions). And it is important to get rid of painful thoughts and experiences.

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Take care of yourself and be healthy!

Pregnancy affects all processes in a woman's body. Changes also affect the immune system, which can lead to malfunctions and immunosuppression. Against this background, the risk of developing a new and recurrence of an existing allergy in a future mother increases. Allergies during pregnancy occur in 30% of women.

Features of allergies during pregnancy

Allergic diseases rarely appear in women in an interesting position for the first time. Many future mothers by this time are already aware of "their" intolerance to certain allergens and the symptoms that the disease causes, but there are exceptions. Pregnancy can be a specific catalyst that may exacerbate the problem.

The immunity of the expectant mother works with a vengeance, so it can react unpredictably to any allergen. So, what allergens should be wary of during pregnancy?

The main allergens are:

• dust;
• pollen and ragweed of plants;
• pet hair;
• medications;
• individual food products, more often chemical additives;
• ingredients of some cosmetics;
• cold;
• sunlight.

There are also predisposing factors that increase the risk of an allergic reaction:

• chronic stress;
• weakened immune defense;
• uncontrolled treatment with various medications;
• frequent contact with household chemicals;
• wearing clothes made of synthetics;
• abuse of cosmetics;
• non-compliance with recommendations for proper nutrition;
• excessive intake of foods that are potential allergens;

Types of allergies during pregnancy

Allergies during pregnancy are of the following types:

• allergic rhinitis. Occurs with copious nasal discharge, constant sneezing and itching, nasal congestion. A runny nose can provoke seasonal flowering of plants, particles of pet hair and house dust. Also, the cause of such rhinitis is sometimes toxicosis of pregnant women.
• Allergic conjunctivitis. Manifested by profuse lacrimation, photophobia, corneal hyperemia. Rhinitis and conjunctivitis are usually combined with each other, that is, they are diagnosed simultaneously. The causes will usually be the same as in allergic rhinitis.
• Urticaria, dermatitis. The disease is characterized by rashes on the skin, redness and swelling of the skin, excruciating itching. The external picture of the pathology resembles a nettle burn. Usually the reaction occurs locally, at the site of contact with a potential allergen. For example, an allergy on the face during pregnancy is often the result of intolerance to a particular cosmetic.

• Quincke's edema. Pathology affects the eyelids, lips, tongue and upper respiratory tract. The disease develops rapidly and suddenly. The greatest risk is swelling of the larynx and trachea, as a result of which respiratory function may suffer. Sometimes Quincke's edema affects the tissues of the joints, causing pain and impaired mobility in them, and the digestive organs, as a result of which a woman may complain of abdominal pain, signs of intestinal obstruction.
• Anaphylactic shock. The most severe form of allergy, which occurs with a change in consciousness and a drop in blood pressure. In the absence of appropriate assistance, a woman may die. Anaphylactic shock develops within an hour after meeting with the allergen. The provocateurs of this condition can be plant pollen, drugs and cosmetics.

Impact on the fetus of allergy

Any changes in well-being disturb the expectant mother. Especially when it comes to the first pregnancy. If before the onset of pregnancy, a woman could purchase any drug at a pharmacy to treat allergy symptoms, now she has to think about the health of the fetus and how this or that drug will affect its development. This means that allergy pills during pregnancy should be prescribed by a specialist.

The allergic disease itself cannot affect the fetus. Irritant agents cannot penetrate the placental barrier to the unborn baby. They can have their effect in the future, when sooner or later the newborn child will become intolerant to the same allergens as the mother.

It turns out that allergies are dangerous because they can be inherited. However, this does not happen in all cases. Sometimes the genes of the father win the advantage.

You can consider in more detail the situation, what effect allergy has on the fetus during pregnancy in trimesters, in the table.

trimester of pregnancy	Effect on the fetus
First trimester	The placenta is not formed, so it cannot protect the unborn child. At this time, the fetus is laying and active development of all organs and systems. There is a high probability of the formation of developmental anomalies due to the pathogenetic effects of medications taken by the expectant mother.
Second trimester	The placental barrier is already fully formed, so the future baby is well protected from irritants and most medications. Only those antiallergic drugs that are contraindicated during pregnancy are dangerous.
third trimester	Allergens do not penetrate to the fetus, it is still reliably protected by the placenta until the very birth. But the poor health of the mother against the background of complications of allergies can affect the unborn child in a bad way.

The most dangerous thing is to treat allergies during pregnancy on your own. Most medicines sold in pharmacies can adversely affect a non-developing fetus with the risk of developing anomalies of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, as well as a negative effect on the pregnant body. When using drugs that are not recommended for the expectant mother, normal blood flow in the placenta is often disturbed. And this already threatens the life of the fetus with a lack of oxygen and nutrition.

Also, allergies during pregnancy can cause complications for a woman's health. Banal allergic rhinitis can cause attacks of bronchial asthma and anaphylactic shock, disrupting normal breathing. Oxygen deficiency can provoke the development of fetal hypoxia. The same thing happens with a runny nose, weakness, coughing of a woman - the future baby feels all the changes in her body and they affect its development.

What to do if allergy symptoms appear?

It is important to consider that an allergic reaction in pregnant women is sometimes a completely normal response of the immune system, as a sign of intolerance to a new product or chemical. For example, a woman bought a face cream that she had not used before. In this case, the body may not respond adequately to the component that is part of the cream, which was unfamiliar to him before. As a result, a minor allergy occurs, which passes without any intervention quickly enough.

The situation looks more complicated with symptoms that arose before and manifest themselves during pregnancy in a woman's body. This case requires the following actions:

1. Contact an allergist. If allergy symptoms appear, first of all, you need to find out their source and diagnose the problem. The specialist prescribes diagnostic measures for the woman - usually these are skin tests or a blood test for allergies.
2. Start treatment promptly. An allergy that has arisen against the background of bearing a baby is complicated by the fact that you can not drink all the medicines that are sold in a pharmacy. Allergy treatment during pregnancy can only be prescribed by a specialist who decides which drugs will be safe for the expectant mother and her child.

1. Avoid contact with known allergens.
2. Refuse to eat potentially allergenic foods such as chocolate, citrus fruits, etc.
3. For face and body care, choose only natural cosmetics.
4. Limit contact with household chemicals as much as possible.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic activities include:

• a blood test to determine the total titer of immunoglobulin E and antibodies to allergens;
• skin allergy tests;

• studying the history of the disease;
• recording data in a food diary if a food allergy is suspected during pregnancy.

How to treat allergies?

Preventive measures will help reduce the risk of developing the disease. It is undesirable for a future mother to come into contact with synthetic detergents, eat potentially allergenic foods, and use cosmetics to a minimum. Also, to prevent the development of allergies, a woman should avoid stressors, both mental and physical.

Often, it is nervousness and emotional experiences that affect pregnancy, provoking skin rashes.

If it was not possible to protect yourself from allergies, with its primary manifestations, you should seek medical help. Only a doctor, based on a comprehensive examination, can accurately determine the causes of the disease, a specific irritant and tell you how to treat allergies.

Allergy in early pregnancy develops most often, but the use of medications at this stage is highly undesirable. If a woman has allergic reactions to pollen, if possible, you should stay at home, put on sunglasses and a medical mask before going out, wash your wardrobe items thoroughly and wash your shoes after a walk.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis. Nasal sprays and drops prescribed for the treatment of common rhinitis improve well-being in allergic rhinitis. The best allergy medications for expectant mothers are natural remedies based on sea water. These can be Aqua Maris drops, Dolphin spray, Aqualor, etc. The drugs listed above cleanse the nasal cavity, washing out allergens from the mucosa, normalize nasal breathing without harming the unborn child.

In addition to the listed drugs, with allergic rhinitis, pregnant women can use the following allergy remedies:

• Pinosol drops of natural origin, which include eucalyptus and mint oils: the drug softens the nasal mucosa, helps to relieve its swelling, so that you feel better in case of allergies;
• spray Prevalin - this medicine forms an invisible film on the nasal mucosa, neutralizing the action of allergens;
• drops Salin - the drug is based on sodium chloride, its main action is the safe cleansing of the nasal cavity from potential irritants.

Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. For instillation into the eyes, Innox drops are suitable, which contain only natural ingredients.

Treatment of itching, skin rashes, peeling. Ointment for allergies during pregnancy helps to get rid of reactions on the skin - rashes, dermatitis. For expectant mothers, zinc ointment will be the safest, which dries the skin, successfully removing inflammation and external manifestations of allergies. An alternative to zinc ointment can be Tsindol, which is based on zinc oxide.

Ointments and creams with extracts of medicinal plants are also effective against skin allergic reactions. For example, an ointment containing calendula, chamomile, celandine, etc. You can buy them at a pharmacy.

If we are talking about atopic dermatitis, then Physiogel has proven itself well. It is applied to areas of skin damaged by inflammation and scratching with a thin layer. The product moisturizes the skin well, contributing to its regeneration. It can be used on the face as an allergy cream during pregnancy.

Treatment of food and drug allergies. The main treatment for these conditions, which has a positive effect on the well-being of the expectant mother, is to cleanse the body. Usually this type of allergy occurs with clinical signs of urticaria and other rashes. Therefore, the first thing to do is to eliminate the potential irritant from use, and then cleanse the body with drugs such as Enterosgel and Laktofiltrum.

With a severe allergic reaction, if the skin allergy is accompanied by severe itching and discomfort, you can drink a double dosage of any sorbent (Activated charcoal, etc.). The amount of the drug depends on the weight of the expectant mother: 1 tablet is designed for 5 kg of body weight.

Antihistamines during pregnancy

This point should be considered separately, since it is important to take medications for allergies during pregnancy with great care and with the permission of the attending physician. The allergist studies the patient's medical history, conducts appropriate diagnostics and examination, and, if necessary (if preventive measures and the above methods of treating allergic diseases do not help), prescribe antihistamines, provided that the potential risk of complications for the developing fetus is not higher than the expected benefit from the treatment.

All drops and tablets that have an antihistamine effect are highly undesirable for the treatment of allergies in the first 12 weeks of gestation. As for the second and third trimester, there are no such serious restrictions, antiallergic drugs are prescribed much more often.

It is important to bear in mind that not a single antihistamine used during pregnancy can give 100% safety guarantees in relation to the unborn child, even if it is taken under medical supervision. The risk is still there.

The following table will consider the problem of choosing drugs for the treatment of allergies by trimester.

Trimester	Choice of treatment
First trimester	Any antihistamines are prohibited, as there is a high risk of developing complications of pregnancy and anomalies in the development of organs and systems in the fetus. What to do if an allergy occurs during pregnancy in the first trimester? It is necessary to limit yourself to preventive measures and treat with safe means: nasal drops (Aqua Maris, Salin) and Pinosol for rhinorrhea; - zinc ointment or paste, Physiogel - for skin rashes; homeopathic preparations - Rhinitol EDAS 131, Euphorbium compositum - have a positive effect on the state of the immune system, fight against the manifestations of allergic rhinitis; Laktofiltrum, Enterosgel, Activated charcoal - for food allergies.
Second trimester	Treatment in the second trimester has more extended boundaries, since the placental barrier that protects the fetus from the negative effects of medications has already been formed. How to treat if an allergy occurs during pregnancy at this time: antihistamines - Diazolin, Pheniramine; hormonal drugs - Dexamethasone, Prednisolone; vitamins - vitamin C and vitamin B12 are natural antihistamines that reduce the signs of allergies, eliminate dermatosis, bronchial asthma.
third trimester	A problem such as allergies is much easier to solve in the third trimester than in other stages of pregnancy. A woman is prescribed antihistamines of a new generation, characterized by an increased level of safety. It can be Fenistil, Zirtek, Feksadin and other drugs.

Not allowed during pregnancy

Not all antihistamine drugs can be drunk for allergies, since many of them can harm the mother herself and the unborn child. Let's list them:

• Diphenhydramine - provokes increased excitability, myometrium can cause tone and premature uterine contractions, resulting in spontaneous abortion or premature delivery;
• Pipolfen - poisonous effect, destroying the fetus with toxic substances;
• Astemizol - like Pipolfen, kills the unborn child in the womb with toxins;

• Terfenadine - may cause fetal weight deficiency;
• Suprastin - is appointed in exceptional cases when it comes to saving the woman herself.

Allergy Prevention

To prevent allergies during pregnancy, the expectant mother should adhere to the following prevention tips (especially for women who are already familiar with allergies).

1. Proper nutrition. It is important to eat exclusively high-quality and natural products. It is advisable to exclude all potential allergens from your diet, for example: strawberries, chocolate, citrus and much more. Do not try new cuisine and change your taste habits. Pregnancy is not the time to experiment.

2. Healthy lifestyle. Sufficient sleep, walks in the fresh air, the exclusion of addictions, including passive smoking, are essential aspects of the healthy development of an unborn baby.

3. Self care. Cosmetic products and body care products during pregnancy must be selected especially carefully, as they can cause an intolerance reaction in the expectant mother. Preference should be given to hypoallergenic products. The same goes for fabrics. The materials that surround the expectant mother, for example, from which her clothes are made, must be natural.

During pregnancy planning or when it occurs, you need to visit an allergist to find out which drugs he recommends. In the medicine cabinet of every expectant mother should be drugs that have a minimal side effect on the fetus. This option is much better than the lack of awareness of which drug is possible for allergies if it occurs suddenly. An antihistamine taken in time can save the life of the expectant mother and fetus.

At the end of the article, I would like to note that allergies and pregnancy can be a dangerous combination if the treatment is ineffective and untimely. But you can not self-medicate, because it can be dangerous for the unborn child. Any medication should be prescribed by a specialist.

Not all allergy pills during pregnancy can be taken without risk to the health and development of the baby.
Atopic reactions of the body during gestation are a common phenomenon. They are associated with hormonal changes, hypersensitivity to tissues and waste products of the embryo.

What can cause allergies.

1. Direct contact with a provocative component, such as an insect bite, animal hair, cosmetics, food, or seasonal pollen atopy.
2. An acute atypical reaction to an allergen such as Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock usually develops instantly. However, there is another type of manifestation, when the response to the stimulus is formed gradually. That is, the production of antibodies has an accumulation effect, which at a certain moment gives out the reaction of the body.
3. Histamine, which is released by the interaction of antibodies and mast cells (mast cells), is responsible for the occurrence of a rash, hyperemia and other symptoms.

Only healthy food

The most common manifestations of allergies that occur in the early stages as a sign of pregnancy:

• rhinitis - atopic runny nose, accompanied by congestion and swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages;
• conjunctivitis - inflammation, redness of the eyes with itching and watery eyes;
• hives - a rash or blisters on the skin that cause itching;
• manifestation of bronchial asthma;
• eczema, dermatitis.

Severe reactions include Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock, which require an urgent call to a doctor. In addition to the discomfort of the mother, allergies can cause serious harm to the health of the fetus. When reactions occur, there is always a risk of hypoxia (oxygen starvation), which is a threat to the normal development of the baby in the womb.

Antiallergic therapy requires an integrated approach. That is, in addition to taking medications, it is important to prevent the recurrence of pathology. Especially if the woman had a tendency to reactions before pregnancy.

There is a list of antihistamines that are classified as allowed and prohibited drugs for the period of bearing a child. Moreover, each trimester has its own restrictions on taking medications.

To normalize the condition, you can use not only pills, but also folk remedies and vitamins that expand the bronchi.

When planning a pregnancy

A woman who is going to become a mother must undergo an examination before the conception of a child. Especially in the presence of chronic diseases.

When it comes to allergies, then no matter which partner has a problem, treatment should be mandatory.

Approximately 6 months before the expected pregnancy, it is recommended to undergo a course of ASIT therapy (hyposensitization). This is a challenge to the resistance of the immune system to the antigen by artificial means.

An allergen is introduced into the body with a gradual increase in dose, up to a normal reaction to antibodies. The effect of treatment usually lasts for several years.

For example, with seasonal manifestations, ASIT is carried out after the end of the unfavorable period. If conception happened earlier than planned and the woman does not have time to undergo immunotherapy, then antihistamine tablets should be selected by a specialist.

First-generation drugs, for example, diphenhydramine or tavegil, are prohibited.

The doctor will determine what you can

Allergy medications in early pregnancy

In the first trimester, the embryo is in its infancy, so any intervention in the body of a woman can adversely affect the development of the fetus.

Vitamins are considered neutral and useful for mother and baby:

• C - effectively relieves respiratory allergies, preventing anaphylactic reactions;
• B12 - a natural antihistamine drug that saves from dermatoses of various origins, asthmatic manifestations;
• B5 - pantothenic acid helps with seasonal allergies to ragweed, household dust;
• PP - nicotinamide relieves respiratory attacks on pollen from plants.

Drug therapy in the initial stages is undesirable; in case of urgent need, the doctor prescribes herbal preparations.

Table of antiallergic drugs in the 1st trimester:

Paste for oral administration

Allergy medications during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester

After the 12th week of gestation, the level of cortisol is produced more actively, the placenta of the fetus is already fully formed. Accordingly, the child is more protected from external factors.

Treatment in this period is more extensive. In addition to antihistamines, the following categories of drugs are prescribed to drink:

• mast wall membrane stabilizers;
• hormonal pills;
• leukotriene receptor blockers.

Medicamentous correction of the state of a pregnant woman is carried out only by a specialist. It is necessary to minimize the entry of drugs into the systemic circulation.

Funds allowed in the second trimester:

The dosage of drugs is calculated by the general practitioner.

Dexamethasone - allowed

Allergy remedy for pregnant women in the 3rd trimester

The danger of the negative impact of drugs on the health of the baby is great at any gestation period. However, in the third, prenatal period, it is easier to treat the disease.

New generation drugs are allowed for use with previous drugs:

Antiallergic agent

Allergy medicine for breastfeeding mothers

During lactation, the safest means are in the form of a spray or inhalation solutions that do not penetrate into the systemic circulation. Accordingly, such drugs do not pass into breast milk.

Means for nursing mothers:

No Side Effects

Drugs prohibited during pregnancy

Not all antiallergic drugs can be taken when carrying a baby. There are drugs that can lead to tragic consequences. Therefore, therapy should be selected only by a specialist.

Allergy medications prohibited at any stage of pregnancy:

Pharmacies sell many analogues of the funds indicated in the table. Therefore, during the period of bearing and feeding a child, self-medication is prohibited.

Carefully read the instructions for use and contraindications before using an unfamiliar medicine.

Tavegil - forbidden