Allergic reaction when pregnant - antihistamines?

[Ellarose85]

I have a few allergies but not had a reaction in ages but always keep Loratadine in the house and an Epi pen just in case.

I am having a reaction to something but I cannot pin point what, nothing too serious, eyes are swollen and itchy, skin is red and burning, also seeing black dots.

I've read on the NHS website that Loratadine is generally safe during pregnancy but to speak to a midwife or doctor before taking it. Should I ring the maternity ward for advice or shall I just take one?

I'm 17 weeks pregnant.

TIA

[lljkk]

111 or whatever the successor to NHS direct should actually be able to advise on this one.

[balalalala]

I have a peanut allergy and was told by the doctor & midwife that if I need to use epipens or antihistamines (I take citirizine) then to do so, but that it is not advised as it's important to keep you well. But if just a mild reaction that I could cope with such as a rash to avoid taking them. Wouldn't hurt to give NHS direct a call for reassurance. Hope you're feeling better.

[abbsismyhero]

i would call it in as far as i remember the advice on the packaging said not for use in the first three and last six months of pregnancy (it stuck with me because pregnancy is just over 9 months so why the fuck didnt they say not to use them!)

[BergamotMouse]

I don't know about loratadine but I've had hyperemesis and have been on promethazine (4 times a day) which is an antihistamine to control the sickness since about 7 weeks. Am 16 weeks now and starting to cut down.

But whilst not ideal or licensed for use in pregnancy the doctors said that studies had not shown it causes any problems.

I'd ring up to check though.

[seven201]

I take 1 ceterizine a day as I have a dust allergy and feel like I have a nasty cold if I don't take it. I've never asked if I should take it but said I do when asked what meds I take - no-one's ever said stop taking it.

[goodnightdarthvader1]

I was told that only Piriton is safe, but I'd check with your doctor.

[Sunshine511]

I have had to take both loratadine and cetirizine during this pregnancy, countless times. I was told to take them if needed. I have a condition where my body just randomly pours out histamine and I've been in anaphylactic shock lots of times because of this, if I have symptoms of an attack, I take an antihistamine. The way I see it is if I leave it too late and don't take an antihistamine, I might end up needing my epipen. I would worry about the babies survival chances in that situation as no-ones ever given me a straight answer on whether the baby would survive that! x