Can You Take Allergy Medicine While Pregnant? Safe Remedies for Allergies in Pregnancy

If you live in Nashville, you know that the lovely hills surrounding this city turn our home into something of a bowl — a bowl that collects allergens.

Allergy season here can be brutal, and if you’re pregnant, it can feel even worse. But what can you do? Can you take allergy medicine while pregnant? Can natural remedies help?

Let’s explore the safest options for managing allergies during pregnancy so you can find relief and peace of mind.

Is It Allergies or Pregnancy Rhinitis?

Before we get into pregnancy-safe allergy medicines and remedies, we need to talk about whether your symptoms are, in fact, allergies. Common allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Post-nasal drip

Congestion alone is often confused with allergies, but may simply stem from pregnancy rhinitis. The biggest difference between seasonal allergies and pregnancy rhinitis is the root cause:

• Seasonal Allergies: Your immune system reacts to pollen, dust, or other allergens in the air. When these allergens enter your nose, your body responds with histamine, triggering inflammation and increased mucus production.
• Pregnancy Rhinitis: This common pregnancy symptom stems not from allergens but from increased blood flow and hormones during pregnancy. These changes trigger inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages.

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing allergies or pregnancy rhinitis, the timing and duration of your symptoms might help. Seasonal allergies fluctuate depending on various pollen counts, while pregnancy rhinitis can occur anytime during pregnancy or even linger throughout.

Though this post focuses on allergies in pregnancy, many of the remedies below may help with pregnancy rhinitis as well!

Can You Take Allergy Medicine While Pregnant?

So, can you take allergy medicine while pregnant? The short answer is yes, some allergy medications are considered safe for pregnancy. The most commonly recommended options are:

• Claritin (loratadine)
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Both of these drugs are non-drowsy antihistamines that can help relieve symptoms without known risks to your baby. The FDA places them in its B1 drug category, which means animal studies show no increased risk during pregnancy, but data from controlled studies in humans isn’t available.

My personal approach to health is the more natural, the better (where possible). Allergy medications may be safe, but they can have downsides, especially if you’re planning to breastfeed. For instance, some allergy medications can pass through breast milk and/or decrease milk supply postpartum, so I don’t recommend taking them near or after giving birth.

Natural Remedies for Allergies During Pregnancy

At Haven, we prefer holistic options that support your body’s own systems and processes. Here are some of our favorite natural remedies for allergies while pregnant:

Supplements for Allergies During Pregnancy

• Freeze-Dried Stinging Nettles (300 mg, 2–3x/day): Help regulate histamine response and inflammation.
• NAC (300–900 mg, 3x/day): Supports lung and respiratory health and helps your body produce glutathione, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
• Prebiotics: Feeding healthy gut bacteria with prebiotics like garlic, onions, and shallots helps your body regulate immune responses.
• Probiotics: Supporting a strong gut with probiotics like bifidobacteria and lactobacillus supports a strong, regulated immune system.
• Local Honey: Small amounts daily may help your body adjust to local pollen.

Herbal Blends for Allergies During Pregnancy

Because they produce high-quality products designed for pregnancy-safe allergy relief, we carry the following brands in the Haven office:

• WishGarden: Kick-Ass Allergy Tincture
• WishGarden: Congestion Rescue Tincture
• Dr. Green Life: D-Congest Capsules

Diet and Lifestyle Support for Allergies During Pregnancy

• Eat Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods: Processed foods are well-known for increasing inflammation in the body, which could worsen allergy symptoms. Whole foods provide the nutrients you need for a regulated, healthy body.
• Limit Sugar and Simple Carbs: Keeping blood sugar stable supports immune function and combats inflammation.
• Rinse With Saline: A saline squeeze bottle or neti pot helps to flush allergens out of your nasal passages. (I personally prefer the squeeze bottle for its increased flushing power!)
• Consider Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care: Stimulate your immune system and support overall wellness.

Allergy Remedies to Approach With Caution

Some commonly recommended allergy remedies aren’t necessarily safe during pregnancy. Here are two to be mindful of:

• Quercetin: A strong anti-inflammatory, but with questionable safety during pregnancy.
• Bee Pollen: Can stimulate uterine contractions. A tiny sprinkle on your yogurt is likely fine, but we don’t recommend more than ¼ teaspoon per day.

What to Take for Allergies While Pregnant: Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to managing allergies during pregnancy. Can you take allergy medicine while pregnant? Yes, but it’s worth considering natural alternatives first. If your allergies are severe and impacting your daily life, Claritin or Zyrtec may be potential options, but always check with your midwife or provider before starting any medication.

Pregnancy is a time of nurturing, both for yourself and your growing baby. Whether through safe medication, natural remedies, or a combination of both, finding the right allergy relief will help you feel your best as you prepare for your precious little one’s arrival.