It’s been a long and harsh winter for us inhabitants of the East Coast, and while the warm weather is graciously welcomed, allergy season has unfortunately tagged along with it. The sneezing fits and nasal congestion are just no fun to deal with. If you’re pregnant, these symptoms are probably even worse. This is because pregnant women make more mucus to guard the body against germs and other allergens as a protective measure. The higher estrogen levels can also swell the nasal mucus membranes, and higher blood levels throughout the whole body can affect the tiny vessels in the nasal passageway causing them to swell, too. These are not pleasant thoughts, I know, especially when there are so many other symptoms to deal with when pregnant!
Whether congestion is due strictly from pregnancy, allergies, or a combination of both, there are some remedies to help alleviate these symptoms. Steam from a warm shower or bath can do wonders for opening up stuffed nasal passageways (just try not to make it too hot to avoid becoming overheated). Sometimes even just a hot towel over yourforehead and nose can ease up the tension and make it easier to breathe.
Saline nasal drops can also be a pregnant woman’s best friend. It can loosen up the congestion and make it easier to blow out. It can also help clear the nasal passageways of pollen and other irritants. Use of humidifiers, vaporizers, and air purifiers can also help a tired allergy sufferer get through the night. Staying hydrated and elevating your head at night work well, too.
There are also some common over-the-counter medications that are generally considered safe to take while pregnant, but should be used cautiously and on an “as-needed” basis. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and most other antihistamines are classified as Category B in pregnancy, and is a popular choice for alleviating symptoms. Category B basically means that while there are no studies in pregnant women available, animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus. It is best avoid use of antihistamines during the first trimester and last 2 weeks of pregnancy. Some common side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth.
I personally don’t always like recommending Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) to pregnant women, however if your doctor gives you the go-ahead, this can also be an option. I’ve found that most clinicians and literature regard Sudafed as safe, however should be avoided in the first trimester. Topical nasal decongestant sprays (like Afrin) may be somewhat safer since it has reduced absorption in the body. However, these can actually worsen symptoms if used more than a few days and can cause some local reactions, like nasal irritation or burning. Decongestants run the risk of raising blood pressure and can cause insomnia or excitability. It is recommended not to take these too close to bedtime.
For non-pregnant and pregnant women alike, allergies may be also be decreased by incorporating proper gut health into your routine. This may not be a quick fix, but proper nutrition is so crucial for all stages of health that it is worth doing regardless. Much of our immunity lies in our gut, plus our digestive system actually acts like a barrier (of sorts) between the external world and our bloodstream. It completes this task by breaking down and getting rid of proteins, allergens, bacterias, and foods. Practicing a diet that emphasizes whole, unprocessed food is best for our gut. I also like recommending organic foods, especially when pregnant. The foods that have labels with the fewest ingredients are your best friends in the nutrition world. It’s hard to say “no” to the occasional fast-food and pizza, but limit these items to a few times a month. Remember, one healthy meal doesn’t make you “healthy,” and one indulgent meal won’t kill you either. Practice healthy habits most of the time and remember to treat yourself, too!
Probiotics nurture gut health by incorporating “good” bacteria to help heal the gut and prevent inflammatory processes – including seasonal allergies! Probiotics are all the rage right now, so you should have no trouble finding a reputable source right in your local pharmacy. However, while probiotics are mostly deemed safe in pregnancy, I always recommend checking with your doctor before ingesting any supplement. The only supplement I 100% recommend during pregnancy are prenatal vitamins. If you are pregnant and are looking to incorporate more “good” bacteria in your diet, I recommend dairy yogurt with live cultures, sauerkraut, and fermented vegetables. Hopefully you have no temporary aversions to these items!
Have you ever tried using a neti pot? Many people claim that once they get the hang of it, it truly works wonders. Similar to saline solution, a neti pot can be even more effective in clearing out some of the pollen in the nasal passageways. If you’re pregnant and suffering from severe congestion, a neti pot can be worth a shot despite its awkwardness. Use distilled or boiled water when making your saline solution and aim to do it one to three times a week.
I, too, suffered with severe allergies during both of my pregnancies and know just how hard it can be to sleep, work, and just plain function. Luckily, allergy season is often temporary and most find alleviation once the summer months start in full swing.
