Pregnant, how to relieve a pollen allergy?

On sunny days, the pregnant women can be destabilized by pollen who are making a comeback. Some women who previously had no allergic background may contract a pollen allergy during pregnancy. In others, who already had a history, the pollen allergy may continue to manifest itself or, on the contrary, disappear. What are the signs of a pollen allergy in pregnant women? How to treat a pollen allergy during pregnancy? Elements of answers with Dr. Pierrick Hordé, allergist.

Does pregnancy reduce the signs of pollen allergy?

“The allergy may get better, but it may also get worse with pregnancy. In fact, there is no rule. And a person who has never been allergic can become one when she is pregnant”explains Dr. Pierrick Hordé.

“Pollen allergy can get better, but it can also get worse with pregnancy.”

What are the symptoms of pollen allergy in pregnant women?

THE symptoms of pollen allergy during pregnancy are usually the same as those of a person who is not pregnant. They appear quickly, within minutes. In particular, we observe:

• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Puffy, itchy eyes
• Conjunctivitis
• Itchy nose
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Cough or asthma attack, in case of high exposure.

What treatment should be taken for pollen allergy during pregnancy?

If your allergy is bothering you, preventing you from sleeping properly, causing you to sneeze often, or causing asthma attacks, you need to see a doctor quickly. The practitioner can prescribe an antihistamine treatment adapted to the stage of your pregnancy. Some of them should be taken only at the beginning of pregnancy, others at the end.

You can also take paracetamol for the nose occasionally and physiological serum at will. On the other hand, asthmawhich often affects people with allergies, should be particularly monitored during this period.

What medications are prescribed for pollen allergy in pregnant women?

In case of pollen allergy, antihistamine drugs are often prescribed by a doctor to pregnant women. THE paracetamol can also calm the symptoms of a stuffy nose. THE physiological serum is very useful to soothe stinging and itchy eyes.

Can desensitization be carried out during pregnancy in the event of pollen allergy?

There desensitizationcalled “specific immunotherapy”, is contraindicated during pregnancy or in case of severe asthma. Once your baby arrives, remember to make an assessment with the allergist in order to program it.

However, if you started your desensitization before your pregnancy, you can continue it throughout your pregnancy. Moreover, “If for some reason, you have stopped taking your treatment for seven days or more, it should not be restarted“, notes the allergist.

If you are allergic to pollen and you are pregnant, some simple actions can relieve you and avoid attacks:

• If you must go outside, preferably do so during or after the rain, and never during the hottest hours of the day during which pollens are most present.
• Wear your glasses or sunglasses when you go out.
• Every evening, take a shower and rinse your hair. Pollen clings to it and will make you sneeze at night.
• Ventilate your home daily, preferably when there is no wind. Avoid doing it between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• In the car, close the windows and check that your air conditioning system is in good condition.
• If possible, if you have a known allergy to a specific pollen, plan your vacation avoiding high-risk areas.
• Avoid drying clothes outside.

Thanks to Dr. Pierrick Hordé, allergist.