> **Healthylife** — Healthylife Pharmacy | Your online health destination > [Products](https://www.healthylife.com.au/browse) · [Health Hub](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn) > > --- # Hay fever in pregnancy - prevention and treatments Healthylife Pharmacy12 July 2018·4 min read Spread the word [](https://x.com/share?url=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/hay-fever-in-pregnancy---prevention-and-treatments "x sharing")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/hay-fever-in-pregnancy---prevention-and-treatments "facebook sharing")[]( "email sharing") [Add us as a preferred source](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=Healthylife.com.au) ### Jump to Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is a condition which can affect some people when they are exposed to a perceived allergen resulting in irritation and inflammation of the nasal passages, the sinuses, eyes and throat. Many people can suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis (hayfever in spring) or experience it all year round (perennial). Being pregnant may limited symptom relief resources or some people may prefer different options. There are some natural  alternatives available to help reduce the allergic response and offer symptom relief.  ## What is Allergic rhinitis/hay fever? Commonly referred to as hay fever, allergic rhinitis is an allergic response by the immune system to something it perceives as foreign (known as an allergen). This natural defence system results in the release of many chemicals such as histamine. It is these chemicals which cause the subsequent swelling and inflammation. Common allergens are pollens, dust mite, animal fur, certain foods, air pollution and fungi. ## Symptoms of hay fever Hay fever symptoms can have an effect on the eyes, nose, throat, mouth and upper respiratory system. Sleep, work performance and leisure activities can be affected. Hay fever can trigger an Asthma attack or make asthma symptoms worse. Symptoms can include: - Watery, red and gritty eyes - Sneezing attacks - Runny nose or/and congestion - Itchy throat, nose, ears and eyes - Fatigue - Asthma - Trouble sleeping ## Natural and safe therapies Reduce the allergic response and support the immune system. ### Vitamin C Include orange, kiwi fruit, grapefruit, apricot, capsicum, broccoli and spinach in the diet. These fruits and vegetables high antioxidant sources help the metabolism of histamine and have a direct effect on smooth muscle. Vitamin C also has a direct effect on a regulator for inflammation and, as an antioxidant, plays a role in alleviating the heightened oxidative stress in asthma. Recommended daily intake is set at 60mg/daily with an upper limit hard to establish but suggested at around 1000mg/daily. - Preconception and maternal diet during pregnancy has been shown to influence asthma and allergies including allergic rhinitis in off-spring. Maternal consumption of foods rich in vitamin C has been shown to reduce the risk of allergic outcomes in infancy and adversely, higher intake of meat during preconception was associated with a risk of wheezing, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. ### Vitamin D Vitamin D is often required in higher amounts during pregnancy. Vitamin D is important in immune function and low levels have been associated with allergic rhinitis. The levels correlated with the severity of symptoms. Check with your medical practitioner if supplements of vitamin D are required and the amount needed to restore levels. ### Zinc Zinc is a trace mineral important for the immune system. Decreased zinc levels have been associated with an increase in allergen-specific IgE levels. Supplementing with zinc can improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Recommended daily intake of zinc is 11mg/day with an upper limit of 40mg/day in pregnancy for 19 – 50 year olds. ### Quercetin Quercetin is a flavonol which has anti-allergic properties – stimulating the immune system, inhibiting histamine release, decreasing pro-inflammatory mediators and offering antioxidant support. This immunomodulating action of quercetin can help with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. Quercetin is found in apples, broccoli, berries, grapes and onions (so-long as they don’t give you reflux). Check with your health care provider before taking in supplement form for appropriate dosage. ## Digestive health The reason why someone develops allergic rhinitis is considered multifactorial, but much evidence indicates “gut dysbiosis” to be a main contributor via the _gut-airway axis_. Constipation can cause a change in the microbiota of the gut, and might be associated with increased risk of allergic rhinitis. ### Probiotics Whist probiotic use is not considered for primary use in allergic conditions, the World Allergy Organization (_WAO_) supports the use of probiotic supplementation in pregnant and lactating women and in infants with a family history of allergic disease. The use of probiotics, prebiotics and fibre can help modulate and restore diversity and balance in the microbiome and prevent associated diseases and constipation. Choose a probiotic suitable for pregnancy. ### Fibre Slippery elm, psyllium husks and bran can be added to the diet to increase fibre content. Natural foods such as fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, lentils, nuts and seeds, and drinking plenty of water are sure ways of keeping the bowel functioning well, and also help with prevention of haemorrhoids (common in pregnancy). Avoid taking supplement of fibre at the same time as nutritional supplements or medication. **\***Check your iron supplement is not causing constipation and discuss with your health-care provider for a suitable alternative if necessary. **Ginger** is great for relieving nasal congestion and is popular in pregnancy for its anti-nausea effect. **Bromelain** is found in the core of pineapples, and works well as an anti-inflammatory. **Nasal saline irrigation** A saline rinse is salt water rinsed through the nasal passages. Saline helps with the movement of cilia. These are the little hair-like structures located in the upper air-ways which transport mucous and trapped debris (and allergens) out or through the body, and thus reduce accumulating pollen load from nasal passages. Saline rinses are available in ready-made fomulas or can be mixed from sachets as needed. Pump-action sprays are handy and easy to use. Saline rinses can also be helpful to help flush allergens from the eye area. ## Lifestyle suggestions **This advice is the same for all sufferers of hay fever.** - Avoidance where possible  - Wear a mask if going outside - Keep windows and doors shut during high pollen counts and in windy weather - Shower regularly to remove pollens after contact - Change clothes after being outside - Hang laundry inside or use a dryer to prevent allergen adherance ### Diet Avoid foods which worsen symptoms. Some people find once they become more sensitive to particular foods at high pollen times. This is usually due to an already burdened immune system. Try to identify and avoid known foods and substances. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables high in natural nutrition and antioxidants. #### References 1. [https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever) 2. [https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/allergies-and-hay-fever-during-pregnancy](https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/allergies-and-hay-fever-during-pregnancy) 3. Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273625/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273625/) 4. Pharmacological Effect of Quercetin in Hypertension and Its Potential Application in Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension: Review of In Vitro, In Vivo, and Clinical Studies [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6304490/#sec6title](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6304490/#sec6title) 5. Serum Zinc Status and Its Association with Allergic Sensitization: The Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5626772/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5626772/) 6. The effect of zinc supplementation on the improvement of clinical symptoms and the quality of life of persistent moderate severe allergic rhinitis patients [https://www.frontiersin.org/10.3389/conf.fphar.2018.63.00084/event\_abstract](https://www.frontiersin.org/10.3389/conf.fphar.2018.63.00084/event_abstract) 7. [https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/zinc](https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/zinc) 8. Improving Asthma during Pregnancy with Dietary Antioxidants: The Current Evidence [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775250/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775250/) 9. Vitamin and mineral supplementation in pregnancy: evidence to practice [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jppr.1438](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jppr.1438) 10. [https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/vitamin-c](https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/vitamin-c) 11. [https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/suppl\_59/PA2559#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20Vitamin%20D%20levels%20were,nasal%20symptom%20score%20after%20supplementation.](https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/suppl_59/PA2559#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20Vitamin%20D%20levels%20were,nasal%20symptom%20score%20after%20supplementation.) 12. The Role of Probiotics in Preventing Allergic Disease [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6406271/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6406271/) Spread the word [](https://x.com/share?url=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/hay-fever-in-pregnancy---prevention-and-treatments "x sharing")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/hay-fever-in-pregnancy---prevention-and-treatments "facebook sharing")[]( "email sharing") This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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