When you become pregnant, hormone level changes affect different systems of your body. Immune system responses change and the severity of your allergy and asthma symptoms might change. Since severe allergic reactions could cause complications to you and your unborn child, speak to your doctor about managing allergy symptoms that worsen during pregnancy.
Significance
According to a 2005 study published in "Obstetrics and Gynecology," University of Newcastle researchers found that pregnancy exacerbated the mother's asthma symptoms. During the course of the pregnancy, 8 percent of women with mild asthma reported severe asthma attacks and 47 percent of women with moderate asthma experienced severe asthma symptoms. In 65 percent of women with severe asthma, exacerbations occurred during pregnancy. Low birth weight and stillbirths were complications related to the severe attacks during pregnancy.
Time Frame
Throughout your trimesters, the severity of your allergy and asthma symptoms is likely to change. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, you might begin to notice that asthma symptoms start to worsen late in your second trimester. Symptoms might continue into the third trimester but decrease when you enter the last four weeks of pregnancy.
Types
A 2009 study published in the "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology" was conducted on women during pregnancy and postpartum to determine how pregnancy affects the body's immune system responses. At one month and one year postpartum, antibodies were measured to determine what type of response the women would have when exposed to certain allergens. Significant decreases in antibodies were seen in one month and one year after pregnancy for cat, dog, ragweed, grass and egg.
Significance
Speak to your doctor if you note a change in your allergy symptoms. He might suggest you use antihistamines and inhalers on an as needed basis; however, unless symptoms are severe, avoid using medications. Natural remedies include avoiding known allergens and rinsing the nasal passages with a saline solution.
References
- "Obstetrics & Gynecology"; Severe Asthma Exacerbations During Pregnancy; VE Murphy et al.; Nov 2005
- "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology"; Differences in Total and Allergen Specific IgE During Pregnancy Compared with 1 Month and 1 Year Post Partum; LM Perry et al.; Oct 2009
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Asthma, Allergies and Pregnancy: Tips to Remember
- MayoClinic.com: Allergy Medications and Pregnancy
