Allergies - what can I take?

[AnotherOriginalUsername]

I usually take prescription antihistamines most of the year (spring/summer/autumn) for various allergies. I've not taken them over the winter as usual, have become pregnant and have spoken to 3 pharmacists about whether I can take anything. 2 have said no, the 3rd said speak to my GP which I haven't yet done.

Is there anything I can take? I've muddled through and managed symptoms topically until now (eye drops and nasal spray) but my hay fever is awful today. I've just taken the dog for a walk and my hands have reacted to something and are swollen and the skin is blistering 😭

I take fexofenadine and my gp gave me the OK for it but tbh I think I'm going to go for the weaker over the counter ones which he said are OK too. Can you get a phone appointment with your GP? My hay fever hasn't started yet (grass pollen) but he said it's probably worse for baby if you're feeling so ill, and that they can't do official trials on pregnant women as it's not ethical. But the evidence shows it's probably fine

My gp said piriton was the recommended one in pregnancy. But you can always ask the pharmacist and they will help!

@FireAndRain45 I usually take fexofenadine but don't even have any left to check the insert thingy. Will speak to my GP tomorrow and see what they suggest

Both my GP and pharmacist refused to give anything but told me to buy Prevalin (drug free nasal spray - it’s excellent!!)

I think there are a few that there aren't any known ill-effects with, so they can be used, but you'd have to get it via your GP.

My doctor prescribed me piriton and a steroid nasal spray - I believe I have chronic rhinitis so have to take regular nasal sprays. I found prevalin made immune worse! Xx

Loratidine and cetirizine are considered ok in pregnancy

www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/935.aspx nhs info

Antihistamines are a treatment for morning sickness and regularly taken in pregnancy - gp should be able to help esp as your allergies sound pretty bad you poor thing!

I've taken cyclizine and prochlorperazine jn pregnancy.

You can buy them in the supermarket

My consultant said Piriton is fine - but you may have to get someone else to buy it as she said the pharmacist may not give it to pregnant women!

Thanks everyone, I have some loratidine at home and the dog is on piriton so have a lot of those! Will just pop to the pharmacy and check they're ok with my other medications!

I took ceterizine throughout my last pregnancy. Loratadine is also on the safe list. It's a personal choice whether to take or not.

I haven't even got out of bed yet this morning and my eyes are streaming and nose is clear but I'm so congested I can't breathe through it. Will definitely need to get something sorted today

But saying that, I'm almost at the end of my first trimester and have had zero pregnancy symptoms so I shouldn't complain too much!