Benefits

• Many pregnant women are more cautious about what allergy medications to take, as they should be. Women should not put any unnecessary drugs in their bodies, especially during pregnancy. However, some women are not aware that there are safe allergy medications on the market. According to MedicineNet.com, if a woman's allergies are bad enough to cause severe side effects, then she should take allergy medication under the supervision of her doctor. In some cases, it is best that a woman take medication to relieve allergy symptoms than to leave those symptoms alone. Severe-enough allergies can lead to other health problems, such as those of the heart, if left untreated. This, in turn, would harm the fetus more than a medication would. According to MedicineNet.com, there are very few medications that adversely affect a fetus. Plus, a woman with allergies will feel much more comfortable and be able to engage in everyday activities during pregnancy if she takes medication to relieve severe symptoms.
  
  

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Women should opt for over-the-counter allergy medications unless their doctor recommends a prescription. Over-the-counter allergy medications usually deemed safe include chlorpheniramine, Benadryl, and Tylenol Allergy & Sinus. Inhaled medications are the safest because only a small amount of the drug actually enters the bloodstream. Keep in mind, however, that no medication is truly safe, whether a woman is pregnant or not.
  
  

Prescription Medications

• Prescription allergy medications, such as Allegra, have not been used by enough people to determine whether they are truly safe for usage during pregnancy. Over-the-counter medicines are generally safer, because they have been available for significant periods of time and have not shown to cause any side effects, as opposed to many prescription allergy medications on the market. For example, Claritin, a now popular over-the-counter medication, used to be available by prescription only. Enough people had to have successfully taken Claritin when it was a prescription drug in order for it to become available to the general population. However, some allergies are so severe that a doctor may advise that a prescription medication be taken.
  
  

Warning

• Even though over-the-counter allergy medications are generally safe for pregnant women, according to MedicineNet.com, one should still consult with a doctor before taking any drugs, especially those for long-term symptoms. According to MaycoClinic.com, very few medications are scientifically proven as safe for pregnant women to take, due to the fact that drugs are not tested on pregnant women to avoid potential harm to the fetus. The severity of allergies should be weighed against potential side effects of a prescription medication with the help of a doctor. Women should be even more cautious during the first trimester, when the brain and vital organs are developing in a fetus.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Some allergy symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com, actually get worse with pregnancy due to an increase in hormone levels, whether a woman has allergies or not. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends that pregnant women suffering from allergies should try to prevent symptoms by avoiding allergens. This way, medication may not be necessary. Tips include using HEPA air filters to filter allergens, keep pets outdoors to avoid dander, close windows to seal out pollen and stay indoors during the early morning hours, as pollution and pollen allergen levels are at their peak during this time.