Why Allergies Can Change During Pregnancy

Your allergies can go one of three ways during pregnancy, and there is no way to predict which way your body will respond. It’s an even split between women having their allergy symptoms remain the same, worsen, or improve. Here are a few reasons allergies may fluctuate with pregnancy, and what women can do to feel their best.

Immune System Differences

The immune system works in overdrive during pregnancy to take care of both mom and baby, and this shift can impact allergies. A study in the World Allergy Organization Journal explains: “This intricate balance involves a significant shift in the immune system’s phenotype, notably towards a T helper 2 (Th2)-dominant response, which, while vital for fetal tolerance, can also contribute to the exacerbation of allergic reactions.”

The Th2 cells respond to help the body tolerate the growing baby, but can also explain why some become more sensitive to their problem allergens.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones are constantly in flux during pregnancy, and the shifts have also been known to cause added symptoms. Hormonal rhinitis or pregnancy rhinitis is common – and makes women feelallergy symptoms when their allergens aren’t even present.

Because of the hormonal shifts and increased blood flow, nasal congestion can be near-constant and affect sleep and quality of life for the new mom. Luckily, it usually resolves postpartum, but can certainly be a nuisance during pregnancy.

Treating the Symptoms

Until you’re pregnant, there’s no way to tell how your symptoms will change. If you’re struggling through allergies, ask your provider what symptom relievers can safely take to reduce your allergy symptoms.

Those women already treating the cause of their allergies with immunotherapy can continue treatment safely, but can you start treatment? With allergy drops following The La Crosse Method™ Protocol, you can.

Starting Allergy Treatment

Providers at Allergy Associates of La Crosse AAOL start with pregnancy-safe allergy testing, exam, and thorough history to determine which allergens cause your symptoms. They choose to treat allergies with custom allergy drops because they're safe, effective, and personalized to each patient.

They contain tiny amounts of the allergens determined to cause symptoms – enough to help build tolerance, but not too much to cause unnecessary reactions. Unlike other immunotherapy, there has never been a life-threatening reaction reported with this custom treatment, so it’s safe to start even during pregnancy.

Over time, the body learns to tolerate the allergens, so that it doesn’t react when exposed. Symptoms are improved, or eliminated, and relief lasts long after treatment is done.

Step into motherhood feeling a little bit clearer from your allergies. Schedule an appointment at AAOL today.