Can I take hay fever medicine during pregnancy?

Pollen

Plants release a fine powder called pollen at different times of the year. They need pollen to reproduce. Pollen is not a harmful substance, but your immune system might be sensitive to it. This over sensitisation leads to allergy symptoms.

Wind-pollinating plants are the ones you need to look out for, as airborne pollen can trigger your symptoms. Pollen from insect-pollinated plants is usually heavier, which means it doesn’t become airborne.

The main types of pollen are tree pollen, grass pollen and weed pollen. Try to avoid going outdoors in the early morning and late evening, as this is when the daily pollen count is the highest.

The Met Office provides a weekly pollen forecast. This forecast will tell you what types of pollen are circulating in specific regions of the UK.

To avoid pollen, you can also:

If your allergies worsen when pregnant, your GP may refer you to an allergist specialist. An allergist will check if you are allergic to a specific allergen, like pollen. They can then advise you on how best to treat and manage your allergies.

House dust mites

House dust mites are tiny creatures that live in your home. You won’t be able to see them, but they feed off of the flakes of skin you shed every day. You won’t be allergic to the dust mite itself but the waste products it leaves behind.

It’s not easy to prevent allergy symptoms from house dust mites. You can take the following steps to reduce your exposure:

Remember that dust mites don’t just live in your bed. They can get into all types of furniture, including your carpet. If you can, change your carpeted floor to wood or linoleum and wash your rugs regularly.

Animals

You may have an allergy to pets, including cats and dogs. The allergen that causes symptoms is usually saliva trapped in the animal’s fur. Other trapped allergens can include dust and pollen.

If you’re allergic to pets, you’ll probably know and won’t have any pets at home. It’s equally important to avoid visiting homes that have pets.

If you discover you have an allergy and want to keep your pet, try to restrict the rooms your pet is allowed in at home. These might be the rooms you spend most of your time in, such as your bedroom.

Mould spores

Moulds are a type of fungi with seeds called spores, which can trigger an allergic reaction. Moulds can grow in a variety of areas. Some moulds grow better in humid or wet climates, while others prefer dry environments. The moulds that cause an allergic reaction often grow in damp environments, such as in your bathroom or kitchen.

If you have asthma, your symptoms may worsen if you have mould growing in your home or workplace.

To prevent the build-up of mould at home, try to:

You can use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in your home. The dehumidifier will collect water, so you’ll need to drain it regularly.