An allergic reaction to prenatal vitamins may be the result of various factors. You may be allergic to certain ingredients in the prenatal vitamin, such as coloring or preservatives. If you're taking a fish oil supplement, you may have an allergy to fish proteins. In some cases, you may experience an allergic reaction simply from the vitamin supplement itself. In order to determine what aspect of taking prenatal vitamins is causing an allergic reaction, talk with an allergist.
Allergic Reaction Background
All allergic reactions transpire the same way. When you ingest a substance that the body mistakes as harmful, the immune system overreacts, causing an allergic reaction. The substance enters the body and the immune system begins to build a defense against it with IgE antibodies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Once the antibodies enter the blood stream, certain cells begin to produce histamine, a chemical that helps to protect the body but results in inflammation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a prenatal vitamin allergy include asthma, fatigue, rhinitis, headaches, wheezing, sneezing, skin rashes and itchiness, according to Health Tree. The increased levels of histamine in soft tissues throughout the body cause the most common symptoms. The lungs become inflamed, leading to shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain. The nasal cavity becomes swollen, leading to sinus congestion, postnasal drip and sinus headaches. Common skin rashes include general itching, hives and eczema.
Fish Oil Consideration
Many prenatal vitamins contain fish oil. If you have been diagnosed with a fish allergy, you need to talk with your health-care provider about the safety of taking fish oil supplements, according to eMedTV.com. MedlinePlus explains that while most fish oil supplements do not contain fish proteins, that cause an allergic reaction, strains of the proteins still may be present. Discontinue the use of all prenatal vitamins and talk with your doctor if you experience adverse reactions.
Testing
An allergist is the most qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat a prenatal vitamin allergy. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the most common tests performed to diagnose an allergy are skin and blood tests. Both tests expose you to a potential allergen and observe how the body responds.
Warning
An allergic reaction to prenatal vitamins can lead to death. A severe allergic reaction needs to be taken seriously. Call 911 if you experience hives, shortness of breath, dizziness, mental confusion and a sudden drop in blood pressure.
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