New Allergies After Pregnancy: Relief and When to Worry

Pregnancy brings with it a series of aches and ailments, but there’s one pregnancy side effect that not many people discuss: allergies. Both during and after pregnancy, many women experience symptoms of seasonal allergies for the first time in their lives. From scratchy throats, to runny noses, to coughs and asthma, these new allergies can vary in severity. If you’ve recently had a baby and are experiencing pesky allergy symptoms for the first time, pregnancy is one possible reason, but not the only one.

Can you develop allergies after pregnancy?

You can notice allergy symptoms for the first time during or after pregnancy, but nobody can say for sure how often pregnancy itself is the cause. Hormones and the immune system both change a lot while you're pregnant. Allergists say existing allergy and asthma symptoms can get better, get worse or stay the same, and it varies from person to person. There's no solid research showing that pregnancy reliably triggers brand-new allergies, so if new symptoms appear, get them checked instead of writing them off as "just hormones."

Other things can look like allergies after birth:

• Pregnancy rhinitis. This is a stuffy or runny nose that isn't caused by allergies or a cold. It usually starts in the third trimester and clears within a few days to two weeks after delivery.
• A cold or sinus infection
• Seasonal or indoor allergies that happened to start around the same time

If sneezing, itchy eyes or a stuffy nose are still bothering you a few weeks after birth, ask your doctor whether an allergist could help you pin down your triggers.

Women with asthma might also report more severe breathing problems during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. High levels of the hormone progesterone can cause breathlessness and rapid breathing. If you suffer from asthma, be sure to talk to your doctor about the safest medication to take during pregnancy. It is important to treat asthma so the baby is not deprived of oxygen in the womb. 

Will the mother’s allergies impact her growing baby? As long as a pregnant woman’s allergies are well-managed, her unborn baby is unlikely to experience any issues related to the allergies. If a mother suddenly develops new allergies, it doesn’t necessarily mean her baby will be born with these same allergies. However, if the mother or father has any ongoing allergies, this does increase their child’s risk of developing allergies later on. Similar to environmental allergies, food allergies do not seem to be impacted by a mother’s behavior during pregnancy. A mother can consume a variety of foods during pregnancy, but this doesn’t guarantee that her baby will be free of food allergies or sensitivities. It is best to eat a healthy, varied diet during pregnancy - but not in an attempt to prevent food allergies in the growing fetus. 

Allergies can also change due to pregnancy. Allergists estimate that about one-third of pregnant women find their usual allergy symptoms improve during pregnancy. Another one-third of pregnant women find that their allergy symptoms become more severe during pregnancy. The other one-third of women report that their allergy symptoms remain the same. There isn’t any research to show why allergies vary so much between pregnant women, but if you are suffering from allergies during pregnancy, there are several safe treatments. 

1. Create an allergy-free oasis at home. Check the local pollen count where you live, and avoid going outside when the pollen levels are high. Dust and mold are also common allergy triggers, so be sure to keep your house clean and use air purifiers indoors. Keep doors and windows closed on windy days if pollen is a trigger for you. Animal dander can be another common allergen, and frequent vacuuming and opening windows can be helpful. 
2. Opt for non-medicated treatments. There are several non-medicated routes to take when handling allergies during pregnancy. Firstly, using a humidifier can help alleviate allergy symptoms by adding moisture to the air, which can soothe inflamed nasal passages. Second, you might try a saline spray (available over the counter at most pharmacies) to help loosen mucus and clean your nasal passages. If your allergies are triggered by outdoor allergens, wash your hands and face thoroughly when you return home, or take a shower. 
3. Ask before you take allergy medicine. Allergists say the non-drowsy antihistamines loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) have reassuring safety data in pregnancy. If you're breastfeeding, both pass into milk only in small amounts and are often preferred over antihistamines that cause drowsiness. Antihistamines may lower milk supply for some people, though. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or a lactation consultant first, and call your baby's doctor if your baby seems unusually sleepy.
4. Try a nasal spray. Some doctors will recommend trying an intranasal steroid spray, which works by blocking inflammatory allergic substances. Since most of the medication stays in your nose and does not travel through the body, these sprays are generally considered safe for pregnancy - but always be sure to consult with your doctor before trying any new medications. 
5. Be careful with decongestants. Ask your provider before taking an oral decongestant such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. After birth, pseudoephedrine might lower your milk supply, which matters most if you're still building your supply or already struggling to make enough. Read labels on combination allergy products, because some include a decongestant. Skip herbal remedies and supplements unless your provider says they're OK.

When an allergic reaction is an emergency

Most seasonal allergy symptoms are miserable but not dangerous. A severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, is different. Call 911 right away if a reaction comes with any of these:

• Swelling of your face, eyes, lips or throat
• Wheezing, trouble breathing or trouble swallowing
• A weak, rapid pulse
• Dizziness or fainting

Hives, itching, flushed skin, vomiting or diarrhea can be part of anaphylaxis too, especially when they come on along with the signs above.

If you've been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector, use it as directed and still get emergency care, even if you start to feel better.

New hives or an itchy rash after birth without these signs still deserve a call to your doctor. Our guide to postpartum hives explains common causes and when to get help.

If you are experiencing new or worsening allergies during and after pregnancy, don’t worry - you’re not alone.  Always consult your doctor before starting any new medications, and opt for non-medicated allergy treatments as a first line of defense! 

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