I have an allergy. What to do?

[HannahTravis]

Is it allergies or just plain pregnancy congestion?
I have these symptoms - sneezing, itchy eyes along with the stuffiness and coughing.
If it is an allergy, how it will affect my pregnancy and baby?
Is there a medicine that is safe while pregnant?
Is it worth reading such articles about allergies? gingerous.net/
Is it true that allergies worse while pregnant?

Sinus issues are common during pregnancy.
An allergy affecting sinus area won't affect baby but you are best asking midwife or gp about it.
I have allergies that can trigger asthma attacks so gp said it was ok to carry on with taking anti histamine tablets in my case.

In my experience and based on what I've been told by doctors, allergies can be worse in pregnancy. Certain allergies and asthma are part of the same 'family' of reactions and having only ever had childhood asthma (not since I was 8) and the tiniest touch of hay fever / dust allergy, I get absolutely clobbered by both when I'm pregnant. I have all the symptoms you list above. I went to my doctor and was prescribed piriton which is fine during pregnancy and it sorted everything out. That website looks odd...

I'm watching this thread with great interest.

I have a minor dog allergy, and unfortunately my partner has a dog. Since becoming pregnant, the allergy has got a lot worse and it is making my life a misery.

I have tried so many different natural remedies, and lotions, sprays for the dog itself as well as me, and nothing works.
The pharmacist advised me not to take anti histamines, and I am now at my wits end. I currently have to spend my evenings locked in our bedroom to keep away from the dog.

My only other option, is to consider moving back home during my pregnancy as I don't want to be ill for the rest of my pregnancy. But this seems like quite a large step to take.

ClaireBear, go speak to gp instead of pharmacist.

I think I will have to call and make an appointment, but I really don't want to be taking medication while pregnant because of a dog :(

I would make him get rid of the dog!! How awful your feeling so bad and having to lock yourself away!!! Tell him it's you or the dog xx

Certain antihistamines are fine during pg - I was prescribed one for my morning sickness.
definitely go and speak to your GPs for advice on the most suitable treatment.

It's very tempting @Brownbear84 but I think he would probably choose the dog!!

I could cope with the allergy before as it was minor, but now it's really making me feel ill and affecting my sleep and my mood.
I know it probably isn't, but can't help but worry that it could be affecting my baby too.

I think I will definitely go and see the GP, but I am such a worry wart. Even if they tell me it's ok to take, I still feel really unsure about taking any medication in pregnancy.
Really hoped I might be able to find a natural cure, but nothing has worked.

I see Im not alone. Ive never thought how many pregnant women are in the same situation.

I'm worried very much. About baby and the prescribed medicine. But I will definitely need to go and see the GP.

Definitely not alone @HannahTravis, and you have my sympathies as I know how horrible it is.

I am the same as you in regards to the medication. I won't even take paracetamol even though midwife says it is safe. I just don't want to risk it unless I really have to.
So I would rather get rid of the dog, or move out for a while than take medication tbh.

From what I have read, the allergy shouldn't be affecting the baby at all. But that is just the info I have got from google.

Do you have an appointment booked with your GP? My little man will probably have been born and started school by the time I get an appointment with my GP. Ha ha.

When I took antihistamines during my first pregnancy I was very anxious about it, but the doctor pointed out that millions of pregnant women had been taking them for 40+ years.

Also, just a thought but if you are reacting to the dog now (when you haven't before) chances are that you will probably react to other things too, especially with spring coming on. I would feel pretty terrible if my partner got rid of his dog and within a few months I was on antihistamines any way for something else.

i am not sure but thought topical medication like eye drops and nasal sprays were better in pregnancy but definitely worth a chat with the gp.