Is it possible to drink antihistamines during pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most reverent and at the same time very important period in a woman's life. Every day, the expectant mother finds a huge number of reasons for worries related to both her own health and the condition of the child. And if a woman is prone to allergies, worries and many questions about this will haunt her throughout the entire period of bearing.

Below we will try to answer the most common questions: is it possible to take antihistamines during pregnancy? How to deal with allergies without harming the baby? How to avoid allergies during pregnancy?

Features of allergies during pregnancy

Allergy symptoms are always unpleasant and cause a lot of inconvenience. However, in most cases, they are tolerable. Nature itself made sure that during the period of gestation, it was easier for a woman to endure this disease. The body of a pregnant woman produces a powerful natural antihistamine - the hormone cortisol, which, although not able to stop an allergic reaction, can significantly reduce the severity of its symptoms.

Often, during pregnancy, the nature of the allergic reaction changes: some lucky women note a decrease in the intensity of allergic manifestations, while someone, on the contrary, has an exacerbation of the disease. There are times when a woman experiences allergic symptoms for the first time during the gestation period. Some women stop feeling their allergies altogether.

Is an allergy dangerous for a child?

As such, an allergic reaction is a reaction of our immunity to the ingestion of a certain substance. For some reason, the immune system has identified this substance as hostile and is trying to neutralize it and remove it as quickly as possible. The body produces antibodies (antigens) that cause mast cells to release histamines. It is under the influence of histamines that all known allergy symptoms appear:

• redness, swelling of the skin;
• itching, burning of the affected areas;
• lacrimation;
• runny nose;
• nausea, vomiting;
• lowering blood pressure;
• coughing, sneezing, etc.

However, only the expectant mother feels these symptoms - the child itself is not threatened by an allergic reaction, since histamines are not able to overcome the placental barrier. But antihistamines taken by a woman can adversely affect the development of the child. It is for this reason that almost all antihistamines for pregnant women are banned.

Taking medication during pregnancy

The action of antihistamine drugs is aimed at suppressing the production of histamines by blocking histamine receptors. As a result, the sensitivity of cells to the effects of histamines decreases and the symptoms of allergies are significantly reduced or disappear completely. Antihistamines during pregnancy would be a salvation for women with allergies, if not for contraindications:

1. drugs constrict blood vessels;
2. affect the work of the cardiovascular system of the mother;
3. are the cause of oxygen starvation of the child;
4. able to overcome the placental barrier and cause various malformations in the child.

Despite this, in especially severe cases, allergists are forced to prescribe antihistamines for pregnant women when the strength of the immune response threatens the life of the expectant mother.

Medications for allergies of the 1st generation

The first generation of drugs are the most imperfect: their action is the shortest (only about 4-6 hours), and the side effects are the most numerous and pronounced, including they have a strong inhibitory effect on the central nervous system. Numerous studies have shown that their use can provoke the development of malformations in the fetus, so the first generation drugs have absolute contraindications during pregnancy. The only case when their use can be justified is the development of a life-threatening condition in the expectant mother (anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema). The decision to use first-generation drugs in a pregnant woman should be made only by an allergist and only after a thorough assessment of all risks for the mother and child.

I generation antihistamines: Dimedrol, Suprastin, Fenkarol, Diazolin, Tavegil 

II generation allergy remedies

Preparations of the second generation are more perfect, the severity of side effects is significantly reduced, the effect on the central nervous system is practically reduced to zero. But at the same time, another drawback appeared - a cardiotoxic effect. It is for this reason that group II drugs during pregnancy are used for health reasons and are prescribed exclusively by a specialist after a thorough assessment of the risk-benefit ratio.

Second generation antihistamines include: Fenistil, Claritin, Loratadin, Cetirizine, etc.

Remedies for allergies III generation

In some cases, antihistamines during pregnancy are a necessity. Then the third-generation drugs become the drugs of choice. Antihistamines of this group are devoid of the shortcomings of drugs of the 1st and 2nd generations, do not have a pronounced effect on the central nervous system, do not have a cardiotoxic effect, and in therapeutic doses do not adversely affect the development of the child. Despite the obvious advantages, it is unacceptable to use these funds without a doctor's prescription!

III generation drugs include: Zirtek, Telfast, Erius.

How to prevent an allergic reaction?

As we have already found out, taking antihistamines during pregnancy is extremely undesirable and dangerous for the health of the unborn child. One thing remains - to prevent the development of an allergic reaction. Some recommendations:

• Even at the stage of pregnancy planning, a woman needs to visit an allergist. And this should be done by any woman, even if she does not suffer from allergic diseases. The doctor will prescribe a series of tests to detect sensitivity to allergens;
• if the allergen is identified, try to avoid contact with it as much as possible;
• if a predisposition to allergies has not been established, follow the general rules: do not eat potential allergens, avoid contact with caustic substances, use hypoallergenic household chemicals; do not take medicines without consulting a specialist;
• use hypoallergenic cosmetics;
• Avoid smoking (both active and passive);
• ventilate the room more often and carry out wet cleaning;
• follow a hypoallergenic diet .

In addition, if any symptom similar to an allergic one appears, you should immediately seek the advice of a specialist.

Be attentive to yourself, follow all the recommendations of doctors and preventive measures - this will help minimize the risk of developing allergic reactions and allow you to fully enjoy the expectation of the baby!