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Can I take hay fever medicine during pregnancy?

Approved by our Clinical team |

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Can you take hay fever medicine during pregnancy? The quick answer is; it depends on the medicine.

During pregnancy, you can take some hay fever medicines but not others, because there’s not enough evidence on their safety.

Get advice first

Always check with your pharmacist or GP before taking any medicine when you’re pregnant, including hay fever medicine. They will assess the medicine’s benefits against the risk of side effects and let you know if it's safe to take. They'll also look at your individual circumstances when deciding if your hay fever symptoms need to be treated with medicine.

Drug free therapy

You could try a drug free allergy reliever. Using light therapy, the reliever is suitable to use during pregnancy. The red light suppresses the cells that release histamine, helping to reduce the symptoms associated with hay fever and allergic rhinitis.

Our tips to avoid allergy symptoms

Pollen

  • Use a tumble dryer to dry your clothes instead of outside to avoid pollen
  • Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after being outside
  • Close doors and windows early morning and early evening

House dust mites

  • Avoid carpets and wash or vacuum cushions, soft toys, curtains, blinds and furniture regularly
  • Avoid woolen blankets or feather bedding
  • Wipe surfaces with a damp clean cloth

Animals

  • Keep pets outside or limit them to one room
  • Wash pet bedding and soft furnishings frequently at 60 degrees

Mould spores

  • Keep your home dry and well ventilated and deal with any damp or condensation
  • Try using extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens