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Is It Safe to Take an Antihistamine During Pregnancy?

Bobbie Fredericks
Bobbie Fredericks

It is sometimes necessary to take an antihistamine during pregnancy. Pregnancy is an uncomfortable time, and allergies can make it worse. Taking an antihistamine during pregnancy can be safe, as long as it is used as directed.

Antihistamines halt allergic reactions by preventing the action of histamines. Histamines are released by the immune system in response to what it interprets as attacking organisms. They cause cells to expand and leak fluid, and also cause capillaries to dilate. Antihistamines prevent histamines from binding with cells and causing these reactions, though histamines will still be produced.

Pregnant women should talk with their doctors about any medications they take, including antihistamines.
Pregnant women should talk with their doctors about any medications they take, including antihistamines.

There are both over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines available. It is safe to take both kinds of antihistamine during pregnancy as long as a health care provider has been consulted. Other allergy products may not be safe to take. Patients with high blood pressure during pregnancy may not be able to use antihistamines.

Even patients who do not usually take antihistamines might find the need to take an antihistamine during pregnancy. Some women report a worsening of allergy symptoms while pregnant. Many women experience nasal congestion during pregnancy, which can make allergies seem worse. It is not uncommon for women to develop new allergies while pregnant.

A pregnant woman should always consult her physician whenever she has health concerns or a question about medications.
A pregnant woman should always consult her physician whenever she has health concerns or a question about medications.

All drugs are given a category according to how they affect an unborn baby. Category A drugs are safe. There have been multiple studies showing no harm to the fetus when these drugs are taken by pregnant women. Category B drugs have been shown to cause no ill effects when taken by humans or animals during pregnancy, or studies show negative effects in animals but no negative effects in humans. Drugs in category C have not had sufficient studies done to determine safety or animal studies have shown negative effects, but there have been few or no studies done to determine the effects on the human fetus.

An antihistamine during pregnancy can be safe if it's taken as directed.
An antihistamine during pregnancy can be safe if it's taken as directed.

Category D drugs have been shown to cause harm during studies, but the benefit of use can outweigh the risks. Drugs in category X have been shown to have extreme negative effects on the fetus, including termination. These drugs must never be taken during pregnancy.

Many antihistamines are in category B, and some are in category C. The effects that allergy symptoms, particularly breathing difficulty, can have on a fetus are probably outweighed by any risks posed by category C antihistamines. Even though they are considered safe, a health care provider should be consulted before taking an antihistamine during pregnancy.

Discussion Comments

dfoster85

@Kat919 - I agree that if you are really suffering and something that is generally considered safe will help, then it's okay to take medicine during pregnancy. But not all pregnancy complaints respond to medicine, and antihistamines won't help with all causes of congestion. Sometimes, you just have to breathe through your mouth and wait for it to end!

Some category C medicines may also be pretty safe during pregnancy. My doctor told me that pseudophedrine (the stuff in Sudafed and all the good cold medicines) is category C, but that pregnant women have taken it for years without problems. As always, ask your doctor, but I have a friend whose home birth midwife even told her to take Sudafed!

Kat919

Though there medications that are "safe" during pregnancy, notice that it means they're category B - I'm not sure there are *any* drugs that are category A for pregnant women! Because of liability and ethical concerns, drugs are not specially tested on pregnant women and their babies.

So it makes sense to try to do what you can to not need to take medicines. If you have allergies, try to minimize your exposure. Nasal rinsing can help for both allergies and colds. So can sleeping on two pillows so you get better drainage.

Ultimately, though, I wouldn't suggest that anyone try to be a hero. If you are suffering and your doctor advises that you take something, do it. Stress is bad for unborn babies, too!

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    • Pregnant women should talk with their doctors about any medications they take, including antihistamines.
      By: vasiliystepanov
      Pregnant women should talk with their doctors about any medications they take, including antihistamines.
    • A pregnant woman should always consult her physician whenever she has health concerns or a question about medications.
      By: Milissenta
      A pregnant woman should always consult her physician whenever she has health concerns or a question about medications.
    • An antihistamine during pregnancy can be safe if it's taken as directed.
      By: emin kuliyev
      An antihistamine during pregnancy can be safe if it's taken as directed.