According to the Mayo Clinic, food allergies affect 3 percent to 4 percent of adults in the United States. During pregnancy, the body goes through many changes. Some women may become intolerant to certain foods, but they also may develop a food allergy. Monitoring your symptoms after eating certain foods and seeing your physician can help you determine if you have a food allergy during pregnancy.
Food Allergies
According to Maryland Medical Center, food allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to harmless substances in foods that it may interpret as harmful and triggers antibodies and histamine to get rid of them. In most cases, food allergies are mild; however, some reactions are severe enough to cause anaphylactic shock. Common food allergies are wheat, fish, shellfish, milk, peanuts and tree nuts. The March of Dimes warns that pregnant women who have allergies to peanuts or peanut products should not consume them in pregnancy or at any other time.
Symptoms
Once ingested, the allergen comes in contact with organs, and the immune response begins. This response affects tissues in the body, causing blood vessels to dilate, which triggers rashes or hives, watery eyes and a runny nose. Additional symptoms of food allergies are eczema, skin inflammation, itching, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, indigestion, diarrhea, wheezing, light-headedness and dizziness.
Concerns
Although over-the-counter antihistamines are used to relieve itching and rashes, check with your obstetrician or gynecologist before using these products during pregnancy. Try using skin creams or lotion formulated for dry skin or ones that help soothe rashes.
Warnings
People with food allergies may develop a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. This condition is life threatening for both you and your baby and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock are difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, light-headedness or loss of consciousness.
