Can you take hayfever medication when pregnant?
Pregnancy can sometimes feel like a mixed bag of emotions, from joy and excitement to fear and uncertainty. The last thing any expectant mother wants is for their health to be compromised in any way. One common condition during pregnancy is hayfever, which affects up to 20% of pregnant women worldwide.
Hayfever can cause sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose and sore throat – not exactly the kind of symptoms you want while trying to enjoy your pregnancy. So what options do you have when it comes to taking medication for hayfever? Is it safe? Let’s take a closer look.
What causes Hayfever during Pregnancy?
Hay-fever or allergic rhinitis occurs when your immune system overreacts on encountering an allergen such as dust mites or pollen that enters through the airways leading to inflammation causing stuffiness in the nasal passage as well leads itching around eye region
During pregnancy certain hormonal changes weaken a woman’s immunity making her more susceptible not only towards getting allergies but also developing severe conditions ranging from flu-like symptoms all the way up-to asthma attacks..
This being said we now are in trouble
We cannot help but sneeze pop into our mouths those bright colored pills without even giving additional thought whether their consumption will affect negatively!
Understanding antihistamines
Antihistamines are commonly used drugs taken by many people suffering from allergies as they work against histamine production thus reducing allergy symptoms such as cough cold fever etc., at various parts- mostly respiratory system along with skin leading rash,
The question arises: Are anti-histamines genuinely effective on cleaning off these threats within tiny growing human fetus’ maternal womb?
More importantly: What implications does consuming Antihistamines while embroiling Foetus pose upon growth development processes
Let’s dive into understanding all about antihistamines and their effects on the human body more precisely during gestational period to form a crisp conclusion.
What are Antihistamines?
In order for us to understand how medication interacts with our bodies, we need to understand what medications are in the first place.
Antihistamines are drugs used for treating allergic reactions ranging from:
sneezing
Runny nose
fever
It does so by blocking histamine present on target cells binding site preventing further inflammation cycles.
Regardless of brand names, almost all anti-histaminic brands have one common property that is “blocking” the production cycle of histamine which along with other molecules lead towards healthy response against allergens
Can Pregnant Women take Antihistamines?
Many pregnant women worry about taking antihistamines since they fear it may harm fetal development. But what is remarkable is the fact that most over-the-counter antihistamine chemists dispense including Chlorpheniramine (e.g., Clorfed), Cetirizine (e.g., Zyrtec) Loratadine (e.g., Claritin).. And many others alike Do not pose any developmental threat or danger if taken as per physician prescription.
However, some types should be avoided especially if Pregnant- these certain medicines include:
- Acrivastine
- Astemizole e.g Hismanal-A discontinuous USE
- Terfenadine
These above metioned pills can cause potential damage within Foetus system leading towards abnormalities at various stages like growth…should you still pop them without proper observation induced via doctors consultation.. Oh No! It isn’t advisable under any circumstances to consume drugs without 2nd opinion / medical guidance wherever possible particularly when growing foetal welfare comes concern!
When Should You Take Medications?
As mentioned earlier, most over-the-counter antihistamine medications are safe from a developmental standpoint. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
The first trimester of pregnancy is when the fetal organs begin developing and hence no pills should even be popped without the doctor’s certified consultation.
Whereas from Second Trimester onwards only particular classes of Safe Antihistamines & Allergy medicines can be provided as per physician consent
Can You Take Nasal Sprays During Pregnancy?
Nasal Decongesting sprays such as those containing Oxymetazoline Such as Afrin ~ for exactly this reason – consticts blood vessels which shrinks nasal passage simulating ease within breathing process clearing away all that mucus blocking
However their application depending upon medicine instruction leaflet can prolong more than 3 continuous days Hence necessary precautions need to followed
Even these sprays must not be used in excessive dosage.
if someone progresses towards mood swings by being denied pill The side effect possibly strikes causing rebound symptoms which more severe; lasts for longer duration inside nasopharyngeal system this is something one wants trying avoid when bearing Child
Consultation with Medical practitioner on a strict basis needs to followed whenever ANY query arises hearing about product or intake/off-label consumption whether impact could prove dangerous specially during later periods while Climax arrives
Conclusion:
As an expectant mother, experiencing allergies and hayfever attacks doesn’t have to mean suffering through it for nine months! It’s essential you discuss all of your medical concerns with your obstetrician or midwife before taking any hayfever medication/scientific drugs Especially certain types may cause Distant Threats imposing risk upon Foetal Development cycle give full healthcare detail history along-with current personal data so they can suggest an effective course of action…Like dosages!, Whether go forward some different drug based therapy like Intranasal Corticosteroids..
Remember to avoid Over-the-counter drugs, home remedies like putting water in nose or taking a bath with hot salt water- none of these are suitable substitutes for getting prescribed medication.
The bottom line is it’s better to be safe than sorry. So if you’re experiencing hayfever symptoms during pregnancy, schedule an appointment with your doctor and take their recommendation cautiously towards consumption ideally they will also tell you about how different medicines affect the Foetus along-with possible steps that can be taken minimizing any side effects!