Pregnancy and Allergies

A pregnant woman should not take any allergy medications unless it is absolutely necessary, especially during the first trimester, when the fetus is developing the most. Even then, she should first check with her physician about which options are the safest.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies drugs into five categories as to their safety during pregnancy. How pregnancy safe is your current allergy medication?

Category A: Studies in pregnant show no adverse effects on the fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy, and there is no evidence of adverse effects in later trimesters. If this drug is used during pregnancy, the possibility of fetal harm appears remote.

Category B: Either (1) Studies in animals have shown adverse effects on the fetus at doses many times higher than the usual human dose, but human studies show no adverse effects on the fetus or (2) Studies in animals show no adverse effects on the fetus, but human studies have not been done.
Because the studies in humans cannot rule out the possibility of harm, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Category C: Either: (1) Animal studies have revealed adverse effects on the fetus but there are no controlled studies in women or (2) Studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs in this category should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus.

Category D: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the potential benefits may be acceptable despite the risk, as in life-threatening diseases for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective.

Category X: Studies in animals or humans demonstrate fetal abnormalities. The risk of using the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit.

Category NR: Not rated.

Non Prescription Options
Allergies can affect pregnant women differently. Some experience a decrease in airborne allergies, others experience an increase, but about half notice no significant change.
Avoidance of known allergens is the key in decreasing the frequency and intensity of allergy symptoms. It is very important to avoid cigarette smoke also.

If avoidance does not relieve the symptoms there are non drug options:

Saline nasal sprays
Nasal irrigation
Humidifier use
Drink plenty of fluids

During pregnancy, natural remedies are the safest. This does not mean herbs are safe for pregnancy. There are many herbs that can be harmful to the fetus.
Allergy Shots During Pregnancy
Allergy shots can be continued during pregnancy in women who do not have reactions to the shots. However, routine allergy skin testing and initial allergy shots should not be given during pregnancy.