Is it pregnant congestion or are there allergens involved? Here's all the information you need to know about pregnancy-safe allergy remedies and the causes of stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

If throughout your pregnancy you started experiencing symptoms like sneezing, sniffling, and itchy eyes, you might be wondering if having a baby bump caused seasonal allergies. If you have a history of allergies, you undoubtedly want to know if and how your pregnancy may impact your symptoms.

For starters, all of the stuffiness and sneezes may be caused by nasal congestion associated with pregnancy rather than allergies. But how can one distinguish between the two? Here's everything you should know about allergies during pregnancy, including which drugs are safe to take.

Can you get allergies during pregnancy?

It is true that allergies can develop during pregnancy, sometimes for the first time and definitely if you have a history of them. Pregnant women frequently have allergies, while not all of them have a history of allergies. Many women who have never been diagnosed with allergies only report experiencing symptoms during pregnancy.

How might allergies affect your pregnancy and baby?

It is absolutely possible to have a safe and healthy pregnancy even if you have allergies. In fact, even if you're feeling really down, your kid probably won't detect anything in there.

Discuss your symptoms with your doctor, and always get permission before taking any medicine, even if you were taking it regularly before getting pregnant. Certain products are acceptable to use while pregnant, while others are not recommended.

Additionally, do your best to avoid recognized allergy triggers whenever you can (this can be tough, especially during allergy season when grass or pollen are the culprits).

Are allergies worse when you're pregnant?

While around one-third of fortunate expecting mothers with allergy symptoms experience a brief relief from their symptoms, another third report worsening symptoms, and a final third report no change in symptoms.

Symptoms of allergies during pregnancy

If you have hay fever, also known as rhinitis, you will probably have the following symptoms:

• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes, skin and/or mouth

The beginning of spring, later in the summer, or in the early fall is when hay fever typically flares up. However, since it depends on the particular environmental allergens producing your sensitivity, it doesn't usually follow a predictable pattern.

All seasons of the year might bring on allergic reactions due to other factors such as mold, dust, and pet dander.

Allergies vs. nasal congestion during pregnancy

Regretfully, expectant nostrils tend to be stuffy. Due to increased blood flow throughout the body, including the nose, brought on by high levels of progesterone and estrogen, mucus membranes stretch and soften during the second trimester, which is when nasal congestion typically begins. 

This can make you feel as congested as if you had a cold or allergies, which can lead to postnasal drip, which can cause you to cough at night, and nosebleeds during pregnancy.

Thus, what distinguishes a severe case of pregnant congestion from allergies? Along with the stuffiness and coughing, allergies typically cause the additional symptoms (sneezing, itchy eyes, etc.) listed above. If you're not experiencing any notable itching or sneezing, it might just be pregnancy's hormone-related congestion. Consult your doctor if you're unsure.

Can you take allergy medications when pregnant?

To find out what medications you can take safely while pregnant, speak with your doctor. This holds true even if you previously took prescription, over-the-counter, or homeopathic medicines on a regular basis: The practitioner should have the last say on any allergy remedies you employ, so don't keep using any of them unless you obtain their okay.

Nevertheless, there are a few general dos and don'ts when it comes to using allergy drugs while pregnant:

• Antihistamines may or may not be safe to use during pregnancy, so be sure to check with your doctor. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is most commonly recommended. Plain Claritin (loratadine) is usually considered safe, but check with your practitioner — some won't give the green light, particularly in the first trimester. Some doctors okay Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine) and triprolidine on a limited basis, though most recommend finding an alternative.
• Regular decongestants containing the ingredients pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (like Sudafed, Claritin-D and DayQuil) are off-limits for pregnant women, especially during the first trimester. Some doctors allow limited use (once or twice for a day or so) thereafter, since using decongestants more frequently than that can restrict blood flow to the placenta. Don't worry if you've already taken them — just let your doctor know before doing so again. Vicks VapoRub is safe to use as directed.
• Nasal sprays containing steroids are generally considered safe for expecting women, but check with your practitioner for brand and dosing. Saline sprays are always fine, as are nasal strips. For nonsteroidal nasal sprays containing ozymetazoline (like Afrin), steer clear unless you have a definite okay from your doctor.

Can you get allergy shots during pregnancy?

Pregnant women who have gotten allergy shots are thought to be safe, but only if they had received them some time before to becoming pregnant. The majority of allergists advise against receiving allergy shots while pregnant since they can have an unforeseen reaction and alter your already erratic immune system.

How to prevent allergies during pregnancy

Wondering what you can do for allergies during pregnancy besides taking medicine? In general, the best defense is a good offense. Try these tips to prevent or alleviate allergy symptoms while you're expecting:

• Stay away from people who are smoking. Smoke can make allergies worse, and exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy isn't good for you or your baby.
• If you’re allergic to pollen: Try to stay inside where there’s filtered, air-conditioned air. If you do go outside, try wearing wraparound sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes. When you come back inside, take off your shoes, wash your hands and face, and change clothes (throwing the ones you were wearing in the wash) so the pollen doesn't stay with you. Showering and washing your hair before you go to sleep can also help relieve nighttime symptoms.
• If you’re allergic to dust: Here’s your excuse to get someone else to do the cleaning for you! Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, a wet mop or a sweeper to avoid stirring up dust. A microfiber cloth is better than a traditional feather duster. Also try to stay away from attics, basements and other musty places.
• If you’re allergic to pets: Let your dog- and cat-owning friends know of your allergy before you drop by, so they have time to make arrangements (and if you’re suddenly allergic to your own pet, try to make at least one room in your house pet-free).

Food allergies during pregnancy

Are you unsure whether peanut butter is suitable for the small peanut you are feeding? Good news: According to recent studies, consuming peanuts during pregnancy may actually reduce allergies to peanuts and other foods in the unborn child. Thus, there's no reason to avoid them now that you're pregnant, provided that you're not allergic to peanuts. Dairy and other highly allergic foods are in the same category.

However, if you have a history of food allergies, consult with an allergist and your healthcare provider to see whether you should consider limiting your diet in any way while you are expecting or nursing a child. You and your child may benefit from slightly different recommendations.