Is It Safe to Take Allergy Medications During Pregnancy?
02 Mar 2025
Dealing with seasonal allergies, hay fever, or pet dander while pregnant? If you're sneezing, itching, or suffering from a runny nose, you might be wondering: Can I take allergy medicine while pregnant? The good news? Many allergy medications are safe during pregnancy, but some should be avoided. Let’s break down safe options, what to avoid, and natural remedies to help you breathe easier while protecting your baby.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) – Another safe option for allergy relief.
Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) – Older antihistamine, generally considered safe.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Safe but may cause drowsiness, so use with caution. Tip: Non-drowsy options like Claritin or Zyrtec are often preferred for daily relief.
Cromolyn Sodium (NasalCrom) – A pregnancy-safe nasal spray to prevent allergy symptoms. Tip: Saline sprays and steam inhalation can provide natural relief without medication.
Ketotifen (Zaditor, Alaway) – Generally safe, but consult your doctor.
Phenylephrine (found in many decongestants) – Not safe, especially in the first trimester.
Certain nasal steroid sprays (Flonase, Nasacort) – Ask your doctor before use.
Decongestant nasal sprays (like Afrin, oxymetazoline) – Can cause rebound congestion if overused. Tip: If you need relief from congestion, try a saline spray or a humidifier instead.
Run a humidifier to keep airways moist and reduce irritation.
Try steam inhalation with warm water and essential oils (like eucalyptus or peppermint).
Wear sunglasses & wash your face after being outdoors to prevent pollen exposure.
Keep windows closed & use an air purifier to reduce indoor allergens.
Shower before bed to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
Your symptoms interfere with sleep and daily life.
You develop shortness of breath (especially with asthma or severe allergies).
Are Allergy Medications Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, some allergy medications are considered safe for pregnant women, but not all. Before taking any medication, always consult your doctor to ensure it’s right for you. Doctors generally recommend avoiding medication in the first trimester, if possible, since this is a critical time for baby’s development. However, if your allergies are severe, there are pregnancy-safe options to help you get relief.Safe Allergy Medications During Pregnancy
The following antihistamines and nasal sprays are considered safe for pregnancy:1. Oral Antihistamines (For Sneezing, Itchy Eyes, and Runny Nose)
Loratadine (Claritin) – Safe for use during pregnancy.Cetirizine (Zyrtec) – Another safe option for allergy relief.
Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) – Older antihistamine, generally considered safe.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Safe but may cause drowsiness, so use with caution. Tip: Non-drowsy options like Claritin or Zyrtec are often preferred for daily relief.
2. Nasal Sprays (For Congestion & Sinus Pressure)
Saline Nasal Spray – Completely safe and great for clearing out allergens.Cromolyn Sodium (NasalCrom) – A pregnancy-safe nasal spray to prevent allergy symptoms. Tip: Saline sprays and steam inhalation can provide natural relief without medication.
3. Allergy Eye Drops
Artificial Tears – Helps wash out allergens from the eyes.Ketotifen (Zaditor, Alaway) – Generally safe, but consult your doctor.
Allergy Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy
Some medications are not safe for pregnancy because they may affect blood flow, increase the risk of birth defects, or cause complications. Avoid the following unless prescribed by a doctor: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) – May restrict blood flow to the placenta.Phenylephrine (found in many decongestants) – Not safe, especially in the first trimester.
Certain nasal steroid sprays (Flonase, Nasacort) – Ask your doctor before use.
Decongestant nasal sprays (like Afrin, oxymetazoline) – Can cause rebound congestion if overused. Tip: If you need relief from congestion, try a saline spray or a humidifier instead.
Natural Allergy Relief During Pregnancy
If you want to avoid medication, try these safe and natural ways to relieve allergy symptoms: Use a saline rinse (Neti pot or saline spray) to flush out allergens.Run a humidifier to keep airways moist and reduce irritation.
Try steam inhalation with warm water and essential oils (like eucalyptus or peppermint).
Wear sunglasses & wash your face after being outdoors to prevent pollen exposure.
Keep windows closed & use an air purifier to reduce indoor allergens.
Shower before bed to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
When to Call Your Doctor
While allergies themselves aren’t dangerous to your baby, severe symptoms could lead to breathing problems or poor sleep. Call your doctor if: You have severe congestion or wheezing.Your symptoms interfere with sleep and daily life.
You develop shortness of breath (especially with asthma or severe allergies).
