Seasonal allergies in pregnant women

Seasonal allergies in pregnant women: Challenges of pollinosis

Seasonal allergy, or pollinosis, does not take a vacation during pregnancy. Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and nasal congestion can significantly worsen the well‑being of the expectant mother, especially considering that many common pregnancy symptoms, such as fatigue and nasal congestion, can be aggravated by allergy.

Why can pollinosis feel worse?

Even if the immune response to pollen has not become stronger, subjectively the symptoms can be harder to tolerate. The hormone progesterone itself causes swelling of the mucous membranes, leading to “pregnancy rhinitis.” When allergic swelling is added to this background, nasal congestion can become almost unbearable, disrupting sleep and reducing quality of life.

Main challenge — safe treatment

This is a key issue for pregnant women with pollinosis. Most antihistamine drugs, especially first‑generation ones, are not recommended during pregnancy. Some vasoconstrictive nasal drops can also be dangerous. Self‑medication is absolutely unacceptable.

Any prescription should be made by a doctor (an allergist together with a gynecologist), weighing the potential benefit for the mother against possible risks for the fetus. Often, local treatments (nasal sprays) that have minimal systemic effect are preferred. The basis of symptom management becomes non‑pharmacological methods: nasal irrigation with saline solutions, avoiding contact with allergens, and using air purifiers. For general principles of medication safety, read the article "Medications during pregnancy". For general mechanisms of pollinosis — see the article "Seasonal allergies".