Allergies are the most common response of the body and there are many medicines available for each and every type of allergies. Though, during conditions such as pregnancy, there are certain limitations to the medication usage, as the effects of the drug may harm the baby or the off-spring. Which drugs for allergy are safe to use during pregnancy? Are there any home remedies to treat allergies during pregnancy?
Is It Safe to Use Allergy Medication During Pregnancy?
As a general rule, you should not ingest any OTC drug during pregnancy, unless it is absolutely necessary. Special precautions should be taken during the first trimester.
During pregnancy, it is common for females to feel as if their allergies have become worse. This is due to the fact that during pregnancy, the mucous membranes are swollen, making you feel more stuffy and puffy.
So, when it comes to allergy, are all medicaments advisable? As an easy step to ease cold and symptoms of runny nose and sneezing, you can take Benadryl syrup, Actifed or Chlortrimeton. But it is a must to remember that not a single drug is 100% safe or advisable during the pregnancy.
The newer drugs such as Claritin or Allegra are also good but there isn’t enough evidence that prove their safety. Drugs containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine such as the decongestant Sudafed can cause jitteriness in you, though it won’t adversely affect the baby. Moreover, you have to ensure that you don’t become tolerant to these.
You can continue getting your allergy shots as they are safe for both you and your unborn baby.
Home Remedies for Allergies During Pregnancy
There are always some natural ways to cure any disease. You may get help by the following:
| Remedies | Description |
|---|---|
| Avoid trigger factors |
Avoid exposure to anything that triggers your symptoms of allergy. |
| Use saline nasal spray |
The symptoms of nasal dryness, congestion and bleeding can be eased by using OTC saline nasal spray. You can use it as often you require. |
| Use a neti pot to rinse your nasal cavity |
You can find neti pot in most of the pharmacies. Fill the neti pot with nasal saline solution. Over a sink tilt your head to a side, putting the spout of the pot in your upper nostril, pour the saline solution gently. The solution will come out of your lower nostril after flowing through the nasal cavity. Repeat the procedure with the other nostril. Do this procedure once or twice a day. After each use, rinse the neti pot with sterile, distilled water and air dry it. |
| Physical activity |
Nasal inflammation is reduced by regular exercise. |
| Try nasal strips at night |
You can keep your nasal passages open by using OTC adhesive nasal strips such as Breathe Clear and Breathe Right. |
Watch a video for more:
More Medications Safe to Use During Pregnancy
| Conditions | Medicines Considered to Be Safe |
|---|---|
| Allergy |
Claritin and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) |
| Cold and Flu |
Saline nasal sprays and drops, warm salt/water gargle, Tylenol (acetaminophen). |
| Constipation |
Metamucil and Colace |
| First Aid Ointments |
J&J First-Aid Cream, Neosporin, Bacitracin, and Polysporin |
| Rashes |
Caladryl lotion or cream, Benadryl cream, oatmeal bath (Aveeno) and hydrocortisone cream or ointment |
Notes: Though these medicines can be taken during pregnant, still no medicine is considered 100% safe during pregnancy. Consult your physician, before taking them in the first trimester.