We love the warm weather, hiking, and blooming trees — but unfortunately, allergy season comes along with them, which can be much less pleasant.
During pregnancy, this can be especially challenging, as we may be unsure whether we can safely use any medication at all. In this article, I’ll summarize how to get through allergy season as an expectant mother.
Should allergies be treated at all?
Many people understandably choose to tolerate their allergy symptoms rather than risk harming the baby. This is an important concern, and allergies themselves are generally not dangerous during pregnancy (except in severe, anaphylactic cases).
But why shouldn’t we just “tough it out” without treatment?
Because allergy symptoms can significantly reduce quality of life, affecting nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress levels. They may trigger asthma attacks, which can be dangerous for both mother and baby, and nighttime nasal congestion may increase the risk of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction.
Non-medication options
Even if we’re not pregnant, it’s always best to start with non-medication options and lifestyle adjustments, and only turn to medications if these aren’t effective enough.
Avoid known allergens whenever possible.
Saline nasal sprays are well-known, but nasal rinsing is used less often – even though it’s much more effective. It’s recommended once or twice a day, using at least 200 ml of fluid per nostril.
Helpful videos on how to perform nasal rinsing
A nasal rinse kit similar to the one shown in the first video is also available in Hungary, for example here: https://olimp-labs.hu/zatoclear-med-orrmoso-keszlet-689
Medication options
Among the most commonly used allergy medications, budesonide (nasal spray or inhaler), sodium cromoglicate (nasal spray), cetirizine, levocetirizine, loratadine, and omalizumab are considered the safest active substances.
For mild to moderate symptoms
10 mg cetirizine daily OR 10 mg loratadine daily OR 180 mg fexofenadine daily OR 4 mg chlorphenamine daily (available only in combination products in Hungary)
A sodium cromoglicate nasal spray may also be used (1 puff per nostril, up to 6 times daily).
If symptoms persist
fluticasone propionate or fluticasone furoate – 2 puffs per nostril once daily
mometasone – 2 puffs per nostril once daily
What to do about allergic eye symptoms?
Non-medication measures include applying a cold compress to the eyes, using chilled artificial tears frequently, and avoiding contact lenses.
Among medications, sodium cromoglicate eye drops (1-2 drops up to 4 times daily) can be used. If these are insufficient, antihistamine eye drops may also be applied.
I do not receive any benefit from the websites or product recommendations mentioned in this article; they are included purely as examples to distribute information and enhance understanding.
Sources:
Schatz, M. (2024). Recognition and management of allergic disease during pregnancy. In T.W. Post, Lockwood, C.J., Feldweg, A.M. (Eds.), UptoDate. Available from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/recognition-and-management-of-allergic-disease-during-pregnancy
Hamrah, P.& Dana, R. (2024). Allergic conjunctivitis: Management. In T.W. Post, Jacobs, D.S., Feldweg, A.M. (Eds.), UptoDate. Available from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/allergic-conjunctivitis-management