How to prevent allergies during pregnancy

According to Allergy Foundation South Africa, our country is dealing with an "allergy epidemic". This is as a result of the high number of people suffering from allergies over the past decades. 

"An allergy starts when your immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader," states Mayo Clinic.

The best way to prevent allergies is to know the triggers. 

Mayo Clinic describes common allergy triggers as pollen, animal dander, dust mites, mold, and certain foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk. Other triggers include insect stings from a bee or wasp, medications, latex or other substances you touch. 

The Allergy Foundation South Africa has shared the following guide for pregnant women: 

• Eat healthily; eating a wide variety of foods is beneficial.
  
• No need to cut out on any food groups for the sake of allergy prevention - it will not reduce the risk of allergy in your child.
  
• Try to eat two or more portions of oily fish per week. 
• Consider taking probiotics in the last trimester if your child is at risk of allergies (i.e. if there is a family history of allergy in parents or siblings). However, the best probiotic and dose are still not certain.
• Don’t smoke. 

READ: How to better manage allergic reactions amid raging COVID-19 pandemic

Treatment/prevention for allergies in pregnant women

Being pregnant means you can't take just any medication on the counter. However, there are some home solutions that you can try. But, before we get to them, the most important thing is to know what triggers the allergies. If you are not sure what causes them, then visit your doctor who will run some tests. 

If your allergic reaction is caused by pollen, then try to avoid going outside when pollen is high in the air between 5 am and 10 am and at night. 

If you're allergic to dust mites, then it is important that you dust and vacuum things in your house and wash your bedding often.

Another way to protect yourself is to wear a mask when you are doing chores that can expose you to dust and pollen, and when gardening. 

Another thing you can do is to take a shower and change your clothing after being outside to remove pollen that builds up on hair and clothing.

Pregnant women can also try the saline water solution which will help relieve nasal congestion. This solution is safe to use because it only requires water and salt. 

READ: Worst plants for your allergies

Image courtesy of iStock/ @Prostock-Studio

Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.