Environmental allergies in pregnant women

Environmental allergies during pregnancy: Impact and characteristics

Environmental, or indoor, allergies are reactions to common allergens in our surroundings, such as house dust mites, mold, and cockroaches. Unlike seasonal, these allergies can trouble you all year round. During pregnancy their symptoms may worsen, and dealing with them requires methods safe for the expecting mother.

Why can symptoms worsen?

The main manifestation of environmental allergies is allergic rhinitis, i.e., runny nose and nasal congestion. During pregnancy, hormonal changes themselves cause swelling of the nasal mucosa ("pregnancy rhinitis"). When this physiological swelling is added to the allergic component, congestion symptoms can become very pronounced, significantly worsening sleep quality and overall well‑being.

Moreover, indoor allergens, especially house dust mites, are among the most powerful triggers of bronchial asthma. Maintaining asthma control during pregnancy is critically important for fetal health, as exacerbations can lead to hypoxia.

Focus on non‑medicinal methods

Since many anti‑allergy medications are not recommended during pregnancy, the primary focus in combating environmental allergies shifts to environmental control. This is the safest and most effective approach.

• Combatting dust mites: Using special anti‑allergen covers for mattresses and pillows, regularly washing bedding in hot water, wet cleaning, and using air purifiers with HEPA filters.
• Combatting mold: Controlling indoor humidity levels, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.

These measures help reduce the allergen load on the body and minimize the need for medication. For general mechanisms, read the article "Environmental allergies".