The doctor will advise you to continue taking the medicine even during pregnancy. However, you should take it in the prescribed dosage and interval and be sure not to miss any doses. In case you are planning to stop taking the medicine, it is important to discuss the same with your doctor so as to make sure that you do not suffer from any serious complications.
Most pregnant women will develop a set of symptoms known as “pregnancy toxemia.” Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, and joint pain. These symptoms are caused by an imbalance in the hormones that are produced by the mother and fetus.
While some pregnant women need to take allergy medicine, others shouldn’t.
If you are pregnant and have been feeling sick, or if you are planning on becoming pregnant, this article will give you the inside scoop on taking allergy medicine while you are pregnant.
Some pregnant women have reported that they feel more anxious, depressed and even nauseous when taking the medication prescribed to them by their doctor. In recent years, this has been associated with more and more pregnant women suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. This can sometimes be a result of the side effects caused by some of the drugs and medications that are used to treat such disorders. It’s now common for doctors to prescribe allergy medications (such as Benadryl, Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, etc.) to pregnant women with mild allergic reactions. There have been reports of side effects from taking these drugs such as headaches.
Natural remedies
Pregnant women should avoid taking medication when possible. While some medications are essential, others can cause harm to the baby.
Luckily, there are a variety of natural remedies that can be taken during pregnancy to help alleviate some of the symptoms of pregnancy toxemia.
Here are four of the most common natural remedies used to treat pregnancy toxemia:
- Garlic
Garlic is known for its antibiotic properties. In fact, it’s a common treatment for bacterial infections. But garlic also contains chemicals that fight off viruses and fungi.
Research shows that garlic can reduce the risk of respiratory infections, colds, and flu. It can also help with pregnancy toxemia.
It is thought that garlic helps to keep the blood thinning, which is often seen with toxemia.
- Ginger
Ginger is another herb that is commonly used to treat pregnancy toxemia. It is an excellent remedy for morning sickness and heartburn.
A study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that ginger helped reduce the severity of morning sickness, and even helped pregnant women to eat more.
- Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is an extract from plants, including spinach and parsley. It is a powerful antioxidant and is commonly used to treat acne and other skin conditions.
While it has been proven to have many health benefits, it is not currently recommended to take while pregnant.
- Green tea
Green tea is a well-known drink that is believed to have many health benefits. Research shows that green tea can increase metabolism, lower the risk of heart disease, and even improve sleep.
However, there is little evidence that green tea helps with pregnancy toxemia.
Homeopathic medicine
Homeopathic medicine is one of the most powerful forms of alternative medicine, because homeopathy uses a highly diluted substance that causes a reaction in the body. When taken in large quantities, the body responds in a similar way to that of an illness.
While homeopathic medicine is considered a “natural” form of medicine, it is completely unproven, and its efficacy is unknown. There are no clinical trials or studies available to support the safety or effectiveness of homeopathic medicine.
As a result, many homeopathic practitioners do not provide any evidence that their products are safe. Some practitioners may even state that homeopathic medicine is “dangerous.”
Other natural treatments
I’ve talked about this before, but the best thing to do when you’re dealing with pregnancy toxemia is to take the symptoms seriously.
A lot of women with pregnancy toxemia develop food intolerances that are due to the lack of enzymes needed to digest certain foods.
The reason that these foods can cause a reaction is because they contain gluten or other gluten-like proteins that are normally digested by the body.
In most cases, these reactions can be overcome by taking enzyme supplements, and they are safe for you to take during pregnancy.
While it’s tempting to go on a gluten-free diet, this can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Why to stop taking medicines
When pregnant, the body produces higher levels of histamine, which causes many symptoms of pregnancy toxemia. In addition, a woman’s body produces more antibodies when she is pregnant.
Antibodies are chemicals that fight off foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.
During pregnancy, the level of these antibodies increases in the blood. If you take medications that contain histamine or antibiotics, you may experience side effects such as vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, headache, and muscle aches.
While the symptoms are temporary, they can cause lasting health problems. The good news is that the symptoms can be treated with an allergy medicine known as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Frequently asked question about allergy medicine for pregnant women
Q: Is it safe to take an antihistamine medication during pregnancy?
A: In general, it is safe to take over-the-counter antihistamines if there are no contraindications.
Q: Are there any side effects to the medication?
A: There are not any known side effects when taken as directed.
Q: Is it dangerous for the fetus to take medications?
A: It is not harmful to the fetus if the medication is taken as recommended. If you experience any side effects while taking an antihistamine medication during pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Q: How long should you wait after taking the drug before breast feeding?
A: You can breastfeed safely within one hour of taking the medication.
Top myths about allergy medicine for pregnant women
- Pregnant women have the same risks as non-pregnant women.
- You need to avoid all forms of medication during pregnancy.
- If you take an antibiotic for a sinus infection.
Conclusion
As a mom-to-be myself, I completely understand the concerns. If I were pregnant, I wouldn’t want anyone touching my medication.
However, the reality is that you need to consider all the possible options before making a decision. There are several benefits and drawbacks to each option.
The best option is probably to speak with a doctor about your situation and come up with a plan. The important thing to remember is that allergies can be incredibly difficult to control, so it’s important to work with your doctor to figure out the best plan for you.
