Allergies When Pregnant

I was also going to suggest the neti pot. Aside from that the only medication I took when my allergies were really bad was benedryl. I usually only took it at night when I couldn't even sleep because the allergies were so bad. Good luck, spring allergies are no fun, especially when you're pregnant!

One thing that really helped me was getting the chemicals out of the home. My system seemed better able to withstand the onslaught from pollen, etc. without also being exposed to chemicals in household products. For your eyes - try hot (very warm) compresses; I used to use cold, but the hot feels great! My chiropractor recommends extra vitamin D, all organic, local honey, and probiotics. I guess some of those recommendations would have to be checked with your OB/GYN. Good luck to you through the rest of your pregnancy.

I feel for you! I had BAD allergies throughout my pregnancy - so bad my OB, the pediatrician, and my allergist had teleconferences about me (they included me). It was not just miserable, but dangerous.

But towards the end of pregnancy, they do relax some about what we can take. I could take Benadryl. I agree with you about any medications, and I hope any curious readers will consult a doctor before taking even OTC allergy medications or supplements during pregnancy.

Here are things to help:
* Wear a pollen mask outside!
* Use electrostatic filters inside (this goes on your central airconditioner.
* Have someone else do the vacuuming.
* There is now more than a Neti pot - there are nasal sinus wash products (A friend swears by the one he buys at Rite Aid).
* Make sure your bedroom, at least, is as hypoallergenic as possible - especially your pillow and mattress(allergies are cumulative), even if that means buying a new pillow and using the special mattress protectors (they completely encase your mattress).
* If you have needed antibiotics during the pregnancy, look into using probiotics - not just for you but for your infant. Klaire labs does have a type safe for infants (http://itsnotmental.blogspot.com/2011/03/gut-brain-and-ba...)
* Some supplements to ask your doctor about that may help are Quercetin and Butterbur. Oh, and Boswellia.

And congratulations on the wonderful upcoming event!

No one has mentioned the Breathe Right strips. I used those often to help me sleep better during my last pregnancy. Some other tips, I just saw on Dr. Oz...wear big sunglasses when you're outside to help block pollen from your eyes...same idea with a big sun hat. Shower/wash often to get pollen off. Those pillow and mattress covers can help with dust mites I guess. The a/c was my friend since it could help filter the air...even if it wasn't that hot outside. Maybe you'd be ok with some Visin eye drops that are for allergies? If you're so miserable that you can't sleep, remember that isn't doing your baby any favors either. I weighed the benefits and risks before finally using OTC meds.

I had allergies my entire pregnancy. I suffered through it until the end I started to take my normal meds because I just couldn't take it. The doc said it was ok that it will cause no harm to the baby. Since you don't want to try meds I would try acupuncture. I did it when I wasn't preggos and it worked very well. It wouldn't hurt to give it a try. I know how horrible it can be :s

I was in the same boat you were when I was pregnant several years ago. I discovered the Neti pot at that time. It rinses out your sinuses, you can Google it if you don't know what it is. Used to be health food stores carried them but now Rite Aid does too. Gross to start with but once I got the hang of it I SO appreciated it. I figure it has not only helped me with allergies but saved me from antibiotics (sinus infection) a few times. I'm allergic to many antibiotics so want to hold off taking them as much as possible. All the best!

Sinus wash...not as hard as you think watch videos on you tube.
Wash hair before bed to avoid a transfer of pollen and dust to your pillows
use dust covers for pillow and mattress
Due to natural swelling of nasal passages use breath righ strips
If you can vacuum rooms early in the day and shut doors to bedrooms
if possible in your main living space limit rugs snd carpet use hard wood or tile
lower your reactions by using whole low preservative foods..none is better.
Get a good furnace filter...however air cleaners studies have shown do not do much good

I have severe allergies and have taken Benadryl daily for my first 2 pregnancies and now also with my 3rd (7 weeks along). I know it is not your preference but if they are unbearable this is a solution that was approved by my OB. Good luck!

The netti pot is a lifesaver, if you are not already using it. You can use it as many times as you want/need during the day.

I had the same thing when I was prego! It was awful. Once a week I went and got acupuncture it helped me a ton. I also did the netti pot but apparently the tubes in my ears are super small so my ears would pop really bad and I had to stop. So this is going to sounds very strange but I did what my sister did in Spain when she lived there and had no allergy meds: I sniffed salt. I just made a paste out of salt and water and sniffed it. Yes it burned but I was pretty desperate for relief. And by making the paste I got the salt where it needed to be without all of the water from the netti pot. I blew my nose soon after and then would get in the shower for some steam. Between the steam and salt it cleaned me out and I was able to sleep and breath. I hope you feel better!!!