Increase in Allergy symptoms since being pregnant?

dbos99 · July 2009

I am not sure if this even makes sense, but for the past few months I wake up each morning with itchy eyes, a stuffy nose and sneezes. ?While I have had minor allergies in the past, nothing like this! ?Earlier on in my pregnancy, I thought I might have had sinusitis, as I was having trouble breathing out of my nose. Since then, it has become what I mentioned above and it's not always happening just in the morning. ?I have taken a claritin here and there, but I don't want to get into the habit of taking medicine every day. ?Has anyone else experienced this? ?Thanks in advance.

Heather1979 · July 2009

I chalked it up it being an especially bad year for allergies. Sounds gross, but I have to pimp the neti pot for allergies and congestion. Once I broke down and used it things got much better for me & it's safe for pregnant and bfing women to use.

Brit1017 · July 2009

Pregnancy causes in increased production of mucous, including that from your sinuses. That could be why you are feeling pressure and your nose is running more. This will continue for the length of the pregnancy. It has also been a really bad allergy season, especially right now for mold, so you could just be reacting to that as well.

sarabeth05 · July 2009

Me too! I have been going through the same thing. I haven't taken anything for it because I am not sure what to do. I have a Drs appointment next week and I was going to ask then. I have also developed a peanut allergy! It is the strangest thing....DH boiled peanuts one day and I had maybe 4 of them. Within 15 minutes I had a huge blister under my tongue and was swelling! I have heard that pregnancy can do some strange things to your body!

MaxOrTori · July 2009

My doctor said claritin was safe, and so I have been taking it daily. Its really helped me out. I would ask your doctor what he or she recommends.

lv2bhapi · July 2009

I have the same problem. Right now, my allergies are awful. I've been taking some Benadryl when it gets really bad, but like you, I don't want to do it everyday. I wish Benadryl didn't make me so sleepy. Maybe I'll try Claritin instead.

kimberleigh30 · July 2009

I just chalk it up to not being able to take the "good" allergy medicine. Claritin does very little for me but I guess I just have to live with it.

ashdonne · July 2009

Brit1017:
Pregnancy causes in increased production of mucous, including that from your sinuses. That could be why you are feeling pressure and your nose is running more. This will continue for the length of the pregnancy. It has also been a really bad allergy season, especially right now for mold, so you could just be reacting to that as well.

This---though depending on where you are located it could be mold, grass, pollen, etc. My doctor prescribed Allegra D and it seems to work well.

dbos99 · July 2009

Thanks ladies. ?It is nice to know that I am not alone in my suffering! ?I do agree that I think allergies in general have been bad for everyone this year. ?The increase in mucus that was mentioned makes sense too. ?I actually just took a claritin because I couldn't stand it anymore! ?Jenndev25...that is really scary that you developed a peanut allergy!! ?What did your doctor say about that? ?Thanks again!

JulieandBen · July 2009

Yep. Sucks doesn't it.

Your nose will also be more stuffed up due to the added mucus in your body. Fun times this pregnancy stuff.

mari_gold · July 2009

My allergies were killing me until my doctor suggested I take Zyrtec daily, and it has been a godsend. I'm finally able to breathe through my nose and stop carrying around tissues everywhere I go.

Zyrtec or Claritin (didn't work for me) are fine to take while pregnant, so don't suffer needlessly!

shaina1215 · July 2009

Yes, I got really bad seasonal allergies this yr. I've had very small reactions in the past few yrs, but this yr is bad for me - and I do think it is pregnancy related. I know that your nose gets stuffier when pregnant. Mine were so bad at the beginning of the season that is turned into what seemed like a really bad cold and I lost my voice for a few days.

Although DH and DS also have it worse this yr too so I think it's a combo of a bad yr for seasonal allergies plus being pregnant that did it for me. My dr only lets me take Benedryl so I take one at night in case it makes me drowsy but it holds over through the next day and helps. See what your dr will let you take.

tak2002 · July 2009

This year was one of the worst allergy years in my area in decades. (It was on the news.) I was HORRIBLE. Got a sinus infection, URI, and super sick from it. I've been okay lately though- all the trees are bloomed and that's my worst allergy. I used a homeopathic medicine.

berrysweet · July 2009

My allergies are terrible in general, but this year they're particularly bad. My OBGYN and my allergist consulted and decided to keep me on Zyrtec daily, Sudafed as needed, AND Allergy shots. I was pretty surprised, but my doctor told me that my ability to breathe clearly is absolutely paramount during pregnancy,and walking around not being able to catch a clear breath would do more potential damage to the baby than the medicines ever would.

So, ask your doctor whether or not you should be taking something daily.

ETA: My doctor also told me that Claritin is designed to be taken every day, and won't be as effective if taken sporadically. So I'd definitely consult with my doctor because Benadryl or something else may be more appropriate for occasional use.

Purplecalf · July 2009

I have never had allergies. But now that I'm pregnant I feel like I do have allergies. They come and go, but lately but they've been lingering around. They started right away when I got pregnant. But with the extra hormones, our bodies produce more mucus, which can result in feeling congested.

darlawoods · July 2009

I have moderate to severe allergies and I wake up every morning with dry mouth, itchy eyes, and stuffy nose.

I have been drinking lots of tea and putting lavender oil in my bath soap, it helps with congestion.

I'm sure there are some other natural remedies that are safe during pregnancy

BunnyPatch · July 2009

I already had horrible allergies that needed percriptions. Ever since I became pregnant, they have been like death! Of course we can't take anything (only benedryll on special occasions)! I bought a humidifier, saline solution, and nasal strips. I know it is not the sexiest way to go to bed, but we mommies2be need our sleep!

madeleines_mommy · July 2009

I have had horrible allergies my whole life and after having DD... poof! they are gone. Weird what being PG will do to your body

Good Luck

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