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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Antihiatamine use in pregnancy. Your experiences.

21 replies

KylaKins · 30/09/2021 22:04

Hi everyone,
I am 22 weeks pregnant and have been taking a daily antihistamine, sometimes twice daily for the last two months at least.
My doctor has recommended that I stop taking it and switch to something else. I tried this and the allergies were insufferable.
If I don't take the tablet on a daily basis I am incapable of functioning and looking after my toddler. The allergies are insufferable. I don't know what I am allergic to but I suspect it has something to do with wearing a face mask all day at work. We are talking itchy throat and mouth morning noon and night and sore eyes. The itchy mouth wakes me numerous times each night. I have done a lot of Internet research and have decided that clarityn is the safest choice of tablet to take.
I am so worried that my unborn baby will have problems as a result of this drug use. Autism is the thing I worry about the most.
Has anyone else taken a lot of anti histamines in pregnancy and did everything turn out okay for you and your baby?
I can't stop worrying but I can't stop taking the antihistamines either. I am miserable.
Thank you.

OP posts:
Felldownabackdonhole · 30/09/2021 22:08

I was on a high dose of antihistamines for hyperemersis and everything was fine. This was prescribed by a doctor though.

dementedpixie · 30/09/2021 22:10

Depends on the antihistamines you were taking.
Loratidine and cetirizine are supposed to be ok during pregnancy

Original poster
KylaKins · 30/09/2021 22:25

@dementedpixie thanks for your quick reply. Those are the exact two I was taking. I took cetirizine for the last 2 months and recently switched to the other one u mention (clarityn is the brand name). Hopefully everything will be okay

OP posts:
Original poster
KylaKins · 30/09/2021 22:26

@Felldownabackdonhole thank you for your reply. How old is your baby now?

OP posts:
APurpleSquirrel · 30/09/2021 22:29

I took over-the-counter antihistamines during both my pregnancies. I remember the midwife at my booking appt freaking me out by saying I wouldn't be allowed to take them - I then querthis with dr who said it was fine.
My understanding is it is to do with the risk/benefit ratio, so if the benefit to you as the mother is greater than the potential risk to your child it is ok.
Why has your dr said you need to stop taking them?

Original poster
KylaKins · 30/09/2021 23:18

@APurpleSquirrel thanks for your reply. Did everything turn out okay with your LO? I only spoke to my doctor over the phone and she didn't give a reason. She just kept saying 'it would be better for you to switch to a different antihistamine'. I tried the anti histamine in question. It was a nasal spray. It did literally nothing to help my allergies.

OP posts:
Bewildered2021 · 30/09/2021 23:49

I was prescribed ceterizine in the third trimester due to allergic asthma caused by an unknown allergy. I went to get a repeat prescription and the pharmacist pulled me aside and read the possible side effects and told me not to take them. My daughter has autism and adhd and suffered severe reflux as a baby. This may or may not be linked .

Original poster
KylaKins · 01/10/2021 03:07

@Bewildered2021 thank you for your reply. I have read some studies online that show a link between maternal asthma and allergies in pregnancy and autism and adhd in children. This is another reason I am worried as my allergies are unimaginable this pregnancy. I hope your daughter is happy and that you have the support needed to help her with her autism and adhd. I hope you have the support needed for yourself also. Raising a child with autism is difficult. My nephew is 4 and is non verbal.

OP posts:
Cafeaulait27 · 01/10/2021 05:04

I get the same as you - unbearable itchy mouth etc so I have to take cetirizine every day.

It says on the nhs website that it’s fine to take it, so I don’t worry about it,

What were you taking that your doctor said to stop?

Bewildered2021 · 01/10/2021 06:00

I had no idea there were links with maternal asthma and autism however I did suspect because I have three kids and it was only during my second pregnancy that my allergies flared up. I usually have mild asthma and rarely use an inhaler but I suffered so badly that the doctor advised I should take the antihistamine which did help.

Having an autistic child certainly has its challenges but it is not the end of the world. Thankfully I did spot her delays early so she has had lots of intervention and doing well. I do feel for you . Can you ditch your mask? You are clearly suffering.

Bewildered2021 · 01/10/2021 06:05

Try an air purifier at night in case it is something in your home. Also could you go and sleep elsewhere for a couple of nights just to see if you suffer. If you can pinpoint your allergy trigger you may be able to avoid it.

mayblossominapril · 01/10/2021 06:52

Can you talk to your midwife as they are more knowledgeable than GPs about these issues.
My gp didn’t want me taking antihistamines whilst bf my first due to the risk, when I was pregnant with my second I took either of the ones you mentioned.

Bells3032 · 01/10/2021 08:33

I'm 22 weeks and take loratadine daily. Don't use it for allergies but to help with muscle inflammation in my pelvis caused by my hypermobility. I asked when I got pregnant and was told it was fine. Mentioned it at my booking and my consultant appt and no ones batted an eyelid yet.

spottygymbag · 01/10/2021 09:24

I used loratidine in both pregnancies- two happy healthy kids.

spottygymbag · 01/10/2021 09:26

Also worth noting on the asthma side that your hormones can affect it. Both during and after pregnancy

APurpleSquirrel · 01/10/2021 13:21

[quote KylaKins]@APurpleSquirrel thanks for your reply. Did everything turn out okay with your LO? I only spoke to my doctor over the phone and she didn't give a reason. She just kept saying 'it would be better for you to switch to a different antihistamine'. I tried the anti histamine in question. It was a nasal spray. It did literally nothing to help my allergies.[/quote]
Both my children are absolutely fine - one is 7, at the top of her class. The other is 3 & not seen any indication that he has any developmental issues.
I think you need to talk to your midwife & maybe the dr again. If you can't function without the antihistamines it's clearly in your benefit have them.
Unfortunately some drs are incredibly risk-averse to the detriment of the patient.

Original poster
KylaKins · 01/10/2021 16:12

@Cafeaulait27 thanks for your reply. Nice to hear from someone else who knows the irritation. Have you had your baby yet? Did everything turn out ok?

OP posts:
Original poster
KylaKins · 01/10/2021 16:23

@Bewildered2021 I am glad to hear you got your daughter early intervention. Good on you for achieving this. I know it makes all the difference.
I have just been to see my doctor and she couldn't do much for me bar suggesting I take a probiotic and eating a healthy diet. She suspects the allergy might have something do with wearing a mask all day at work. I am a teacher.
I have taken a week off work now to give myself a break from the mask.

OP posts:
T0rt0ise · 01/10/2021 16:31

Have a look at BUMPS (best use medicine in pregnancy) and then make your choice :)

HogDogKetchup · 01/10/2021 16:33

The nhs website says it’s fine.

Cafeaulait27 · 01/10/2021 17:28

@KylaKins he’s due next week! But as the nhs website says it’s fine to take cetirizine, I’m not expecting any issues x

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