Pregnant women who have allergies can stills suffer from the different signs and symptoms of allergies. The problem is pregnant woman preferably should not take any medication while pregnant to prevent any side effects on the baby. Unfortunately, in the case of food allergies, it is impossible to ignore the different allergic reactions. This is because when left untreated, allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis which is a life threatening condition.
Antihistamines
When the immune system recognizes a foreign substance in the body, it releases histamines to fight the foreign body. Histamine can cause the symptoms of allergies such as runny nose, allergic rhinitis, hives and vasodilation. To combat the effects of histamines, drugs were created to inhibit its action. These histamine antagonists are known as antihistamines. Antihistamines are the drug of choice for all kinds of allergies. Antihistamines are histamine antagonist. It works by stopping the histamine from binding to its receptors. H1 antihistamines are the ones usually used to treat allergy while H2 antihistamines are used to treat stomach ulcers and acid reflux.
Antihistamines just like other drugs have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach and restlessness. These side effects can disappear when the body gets used to the drug. Other side effects which are less common include blurred vision, difficulty urinating and dry mouth. Side effects of antihistamines which need immediate medical intervention are sweating, fever, chills, hallucinations, uncontrolled movements, rapid and irregular heartbeat, convulsions and fainting. If any of these side effects occur, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
Antihistamines for pregnant women
What Kind of Antihistamine Can Be Taken While Pregnant? Is it safe for pregnant women to take antihistamines? These questions should be asked by every pregnant woman who has allergies. They should ask their doctor about this to make certain that they can deal with their allergies properly. Based on researches done, it is safe for women to take antihistamines but it should always be with the doctor’s permission. However, many obstetricians still recommend pregnant women to avoid taking any drugs including antihistamines during the first trimester. This is because the first three months of the fetus is very critical for the development of the fetus. When you really need to take antihistamines it is better to choose the second generations antihistamines. Brand names such as Loratadine, Claritin, Benadryl and Zyrtec can be taken only when necessary. In the case of Allegra and Clarinex, they should only be taken if the mom is willing to risk her baby. These two drugs are still prescribed sometimes when the benefits they bring outweighs the potential risk it poses to the fetus. Pregnant women should also choose antihistamines which belong to the Category B. This means that enough studies have been done to prove that the drug is safe from pregnant women. A category C rating means that the drug is probably safe. As much as possible avoid Category C drugs.
Considerations
It is understandable for pregnant women to take antihistamines considering the fact that allergic reactions can be very uncomfortable and painful. Since it is safe for pregnant women to take some antihistamines, they may do so. However, there are some considerations they should always remember. First, always check with your doctor before taking any drug. Even if you were taking the drug before you became pregnant, consult your doctor first. Increase your water intake if you are taking antihistamines to combat its side effects which include dry mouth. Do not take more than what your doctor recommended. In addition, you should call your doctor immediately when you do not feel good after taking the drug. Be aware of the expected side effects.
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