The simplest and safest way for a pregnant or breast-feeding woman to control her allergies is to avoid allergens, the substances to which she is allergic. Here are some tips to help stay allergy-free:
- Limit your exposure to outdoor pollens.
- Have central air conditioning installed so that you can keep your windows closed during the peak allergy season.
- Don't hang your laundry outside to dry. Pollen can get trapped in the clothing. Use a dryer instead.
- Avoid travelling to rural areas when there are high pollen forecasts.
- Vacuum and clean your home and car regularly to keep them tidy and dust-free.
- Change bed sheets frequently and wash them in hot water.
- Remove carpets or use commercial products to kill carpet dust mites.
- Consider relocating your family pet while you are pregnant or breast-feeding if you do not want to use any allergy medications.
- Keep the lawn no longer than a few centimetres to reduce the amount of grass pollen.
- Minimize the amount of moisture in your home, as mold can develop if it's too humid.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Allergies-in-Motherhood
Women are often cautious about taking medications while they are pregnant or breast-feeding. In addition, there is often a limited amount of information available on medication use by new or expecting mothers. So before considering medication, a pregnant or breast-feeding woman should try to minimize the need for it by taking steps to avoid the offending allergen.
A saline nasal spray can help clear congestion in women who prefer not to use conventional medications.
New or expecting mothers should also take care before using natural health products such as herbal products, supplements and homeopathic preparations. New regulations, called the Natural Health Products Regulations, have been developed to ensure that natural health products are effective, safe, and well made. Products approved under these regulations will have a NPN (Natural Health Product Number) or DIN-HM (Drug Identification Number – Homeopathic Medicine) on the label.
Many natural health products contain active medication ingredients and, therefore, can have side effects and drug interactions, some of which may be serious. So, if you are interested in using a natural health product, check with your pharmacist or doctor to ensure that the product does not contain any ingredients that would put your baby at risk.
It's often best to consult a health professional to clear up any confusion about medication safety. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to ensure that the specific medication you plan to take is safe for you and your baby. Not all allergy medications are recommended for new or expecting mothers.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Allergies-in-Motherhood
