Pregnancy Hay Fever: Can Being Pregnant Make Symptoms Of Hay Fever Worse?

Hay fever can be annoying at the best of times, but if you're pregnant, you might be wondering whether your symptoms could get even worse. In this article, we'll explore whether pregnancy can actually make hay fever symptoms more intense and discuss whether your baby could be affected. We'll also look at safe and effective ways to manage hay fever without medication during pregnancy and which treatments are considered safe to use if symptoms become unmanageable. As well as this, we'll also share some practical tips to help prevent hay fever flare-ups while you're expecting. If you feel like you have tried everything without improvement, we’ll also offer advice on what to do next.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about pregnancy and hay fever:

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy, such as increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone, can make hay fever symptoms feel more intense.

• While hay fever itself doesn't directly affect the baby, it can impact the mother's well-being by disrupting sleep and causing discomfort.

• Some oral hay fever medications are considered safe during pregnancy, but it’s crucial to consult a doctor before taking any medication. Nasal sprays and allergy eye drops may also be recommended.

• There are various ways to manage hay fever symptoms without medication, including using petroleum jelly around the nostrils, wearing wraparound sunglasses, showering after being outdoors, keeping windows and doors shut and using air purifiers.

• If symptoms remain unmanageable despite trying various strategies, it’s vital to consult with a doctor.

Does pregnancy make hay fever symptoms worse?

Yes, pregnancy can make hay fever symptoms worse for some women. This is primarily due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, which can make you more sensitive to allergens. Increased levels of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone can cause the lining of your nasal passages to swell, which can make usual hay fever symptoms feel more intense.

Common hay fever symptoms during pregnancy include:

• A runny or blocked nose

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• An itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears

• Red and watery eyes

• Headaches

• Earaches

• Pain around the forehead and temples

• A general feeling of fatigue

You might also notice issues with your sense of smell; however, this is not as common as the symptoms listed above. If your hay fever symptoms seem worse than usual while you’re pregnant, it’s likely due to hormonal shifts and an increased sensitivity to allergens.

It’s also worth noting that your hay fever symptoms may worsen depending on the time of year and your sensitivity to certain pollen types. Pollen types and levels vary throughout the year, which could mean you experience more severe symptoms at different times, whether you are pregnant or not. For example, you may be more sensitive to a particular type of tree pollen, which is more common in the spring months, so your symptoms will be worse during this time. The UK Meds pollen guide will help you pinpoint specific times of the year when your symptoms may be worse [1].

Can hay fever affect my baby?

No, hay fever itself cannot harm your baby, so you don’t need to worry about a direct impact. Despite this, symptoms of hay fever can take a toll on your well-being, particularly if your symptoms are affecting the amount of sleep you’re getting. Getting enough sleep while pregnant is vital, so managing your hay fever will help you be more comfortable and well-rested. 

Treating hay fever symptoms without medication during pregnancy

Managing your hay fever whilst you are pregnant is often the first step recommended by healthcare professionals. There are a number of strategies you can follow to try and naturally keep your symptoms at bay, including:

• Putting petroleum jelly around your nose to stop pollen from entering your airways

• Wearing wraparound sunglasses

• Shower and change your clothes when you have been outdoors

• Vacuum your home using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter

• Dust with a damp cloth to trap particles

• Avoid drying clothes outside

• Stay indoors on days with high pollen count

By following these recommendations, you can help to prevent many hay fever symptoms naturally without the need for medications like antihistamines. 

Avoid triggers

One of the most effective ways to manage hay fever during pregnancy is to avoid your triggers as much as possible. Pollen is the leading cause of hay fever symptoms, so keeping track of the daily pollen count can help you plan your day. On high pollen days, try to stay indoors, especially during peak pollen times (usually early morning and late afternoon).

Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home, and consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture airborne particles. Be mindful of other potential irritants, like dust mites, pet hair and cigarette smoke, as these can make hay fever symptoms even worse. Limiting your exposure to allergens can help reduce the severity of your symptoms and make pregnancy more comfortable.

Is it safe to take medication for hay fever when I'm pregnant?

It is generally safe to take some hay fever medications during pregnancy, but it’s important to be cautious and get advice from your doctor before starting any treatment. Not all hay fever medications are suitable for pregnant women, and your healthcare provider can help determine the best option for you.

Oral antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine are commonly recommended as they are considered safe to use during pregnancy and are less likely to make you feel drowsy. Nasal sprays and eye drops specifically formulated for allergies are also considered safe for use during pregnancy and can be a good alternative if oral antihistamines aren’t effective.

Always check with your doctor before taking any hay fever medication during pregnancy to ensure you’re choosing the safest and most effective option for your situation.

Video: Hay Fever During Your Pregnancy - Time Bump & Beyond

Time Bump & Beyond have put together a short video to guide you through the experience of dealing with hay fever during your pregnancy, including helpful tips on home remedies, solutions and decongestants. Please note that the views expressed in the video are solely those of the creator, not UK Meds, and they are not a substitute for seeking appropriate medical advice from your healthcare provider. Always seek advice from your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

Hay fever pregnancy toolkit: Simple tips to prevent hay fever during pregnancy

Managing hay fever during pregnancy can be challenging, but with a few preventative measures, you can reduce your exposure to pollen and keep symptoms at bay. Here’s our ultimate hay fever pregnancy toolkit:

1. Keep an Eye on the Pollen Count

Make it part of your morning routine to check the pollen count during peak season. If it’s high, take precautions to minimise exposure, like staying indoors when possible and planning outdoor activities when pollen levels are lower.

2. Create a Pollen Barrier

Smearing a little petroleum jelly around your nostrils can help trap pollen before it enters your airways. It’s a simple yet effective way to reduce irritation and block those pesky particles.

3. Protect Your Eyes

Wraparound sunglasses are a great investment for hay fever sufferers. They shield your eyes from pollen, particularly on windy days and help reduce redness and irritation.

4. Keep Windows and Doors Shut

It’s tempting to let fresh air in on warm days, but keeping windows and doors closed can help reduce the amount of pollen entering your home. Consider using a fan or air conditioning to stay cool instead.

5. Avoid Drying Clothes Outside

Hanging laundry outside might seem convenient, but it can cause pollen to cling to your clothes. Instead, dry your washing indoors to prevent pollen from hitching a ride back into your home.

6. Shower and Change After Being Outdoors

If you’ve spent time outside, make it a habit to shower and change your clothes as soon as you get home. This will help wash away pollen from your skin and hair, stopping it from spreading onto your furniture or bedding.

7. Invest in an Air Purifier

An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove pollen, dust and other allergens from the air, helping you breathe easier indoors.

8. Keep Your Home Clean

Regular vacuuming and dusting with a damp cloth will help reduce pollen build-up in your living space. A vacuum with a HEPA filter is ideal for capturing fine particles.

By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your hay fever symptoms during pregnancy, keeping you more comfortable and able to enjoy the day without constantly battling symptoms.

What can I do if nothing seems to be improving my situation?

If you’ve tried all the measures mentioned above but still struggle with hay fever symptoms during pregnancy, don’t worry. Unfortunately, there’s no magic fix to make symptoms vanish completely, and what works for one person may not work for another.

If your hay fever is seriously affecting your quality of life and nothing seems to be making a difference, it’s best to speak to your GP. They can assess your symptoms and recommend the most suitable and safe treatment options for you during pregnancy. This may be finding the right medication or exploring alternative treatments.

Don’t hesitate to visit your doctor. Your well-being and the well-being of your baby are important, and there’s support available to help you manage hay fever during pregnancy.

Final Thoughts

Hay fever during pregnancy can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can manage your symptoms and stay comfortable. Although hormonal changes can make your hay fever worse, there are plenty of safe and effective strategies you can use to minimise your symptoms. Remember, your baby is not affected by hay fever itself, but your well-being is important as well. If you find that your symptoms are unmanageable despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to speak to your GP.

Sources

[1] When is Hay Fever Season?: A Guide To Pollen Types & Allergies Through The Year - UK Edition | UK Meds

Further Reading

Hay fever or allergic rhinitis: treatment during pregnancy – SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service

Hay Fever - Treatment of allergic rhinitis- Bumps

Can I treat my hay fever safely while I'm pregnant? | BabyCentre