Allergies affect a large population and the symptoms can vary from person to person. If you suffer from allergies, you probably tried everything to make your symptoms as bearable as possible – even considered escaping to desert climates. However, culprits like ragweed or pollen are found everywhere and are one of the most common causes of Phoenix allergies. Allergic reactions can be even worse during pregnancy, as new symptoms might show up, but can you develop allergies while pregnant? If you developed symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing or sniffling and you are pregnant, you might be wondering if you have an allergy or is just pregnancy-related nasal congestion.
Here’s everything you need to know about developing allergies during pregnancy.
Can you develop allergies while pregnant?
The short answer is yes, you can develop allergy symptoms while pregnant, even for the first time. Many women with no known prior allergies only complain of allergic reactions during pregnancy.
Although symptoms can differ from person to person, a third of the women who already suffer from allergies, have started experiencing relief from their symptoms, but some of them complain about worse symptoms than usual. This is because of the transformation and changes the body goes through during pregnancy. Make sure you always check with a board-certified allergy specialist if you develop any allergy symptoms or if they get worse while you are pregnant.
How common are allergies during pregnancy?
Allergies in pregnancy are particularly common – some women develop new allergies even if they have not suffered from any of the symptoms in the past. These tend to go away after birth, but if you suffer from any allergies before pregnancy, symptoms can get worse due to a weaker immune system.
What causes allergies during pregnancy?
When we are allergic to something (allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, etc.) our immune system reacts by creating antibodies. Especially in the case of seasonal allergies, symptoms can get worse if you are pregnant, so it’s recommended to always check with your doctor.
In some cases, your reactions can be due to a condition called “rhinitis of pregnancy”, which is most common in the last trimester due to the extra hormones and not allergens. Since it causes inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose, you might experience congestion, sneezing or a runny nose. For women suffering from eczema or psoriasis, pregnancy can make these conditions feel even more uncomfortable, as the skin is stretched.
How to prevent allergies during pregnancy
Since there is no specific cure for allergies, the most important thing to do is to manage the symptoms. Your physician can recommend the best treatment or tips to alleviate your condition.
Here is what you can do to prevent your symptoms from getting worse:
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- Do not smoke and try to avoid people who are smoking, as this is harmful to you and your baby and will also make your allergies worse.
- Stay indoors when the pollen count is high, if this is the culprit of your allergy and you suffer from hay fever and wash your clothes and take a shower as soon as you come inside.
- Instead of opening windows, use the air conditioner to keep humidity low. If you are allergic to pet dander, keep your cat or dog out of your bedroom.
- Vacuum as often as possible and try to avoid your allergens as best as you can.
The takeaway
As seen above, you can develop allergies while pregnant. However, these can be masked by pregnancy symptoms. Conditions such as a stuffy nose or rashes can be either a pregnancy issue or an allergy.
If you are experiencing any symptoms or they got worse, make sure you check in with your doctor, as getting professional help is extremely important, especially during pregnancy. We have an amazing team of allergy associates who can help you with testing and treatment plans, do not hesitate to get in touch!
