What hay fever medication is safe in pregnancy and can I use nasal sprays and eye drops or take antihistamines?
WHEN you are pregnant, the last thing you need is to be plagued by hay fever too. When you are pregnant you can take some hay fever medicines but are advised to steer clear of others. It is best to get advice from your GP or pharmacist before taking any medicine when you are pregnant. Often expectant mums will be advised to take a nasal spray or eye drops before tablets. Your GP will analyse your symptoms and the benefits of taking a medicine against the risk of any side effects, before making a prescription. Not all types of antihistamines are suitable during pregnancy, so it is important to consult your GP first. Pharmacists are unlikely to sell antihistamines over the counter for use during pregnancy, due to manufacturers restrictions. According to the NHS website, chlorphenamine is thought to be one of the safer antihistamines during pregnancy, but can cause drowsiness, so loratadine and cetirizine are typically preferred. Olympic champ Laura Kenny told The Sun that she has always noticed the seasonal sniffles, but when she was expecting her son Albert, her hay fever was more unbearable than ever. You can get hay fever at any age, but it usually starts in childhood or when you are a teenager. Research suggested that young Brits are twice as likely to suffer as over-55s  although where you live is also a key factor. It is more common in boys rather than girls, however in adulthood it affects both sexes equally. Symptoms can be alleviated by wearing sunglasses outdoors to prevent pollen from getting in your eyes. You should also shower after being outside to remove any pollen from your body, or try to avoid natural areas when the pollen count is high. A high count will usually be over 50 grains per cubic metre of air. 4 You can get hay fever at any age, but it usually starts in childhood Credit: Alamy  Other tips include putting Vaseline around your nose to trap pollen and avoid hanging clothes out to dry. And for those whose hay fever triggers asthma there's an alluring way you can reduce your symptoms  by simply swapping your pint of beer for a gin and tonic. For further tips on preventing hay fever, see the NHS website. From bargain hay fever wipes to washing your hair at night, the quickest (and cheapest) ways to deal with pollen season  Mum claims The Ranges 99p hayfever wipes gave son her son his life back by easing symptoms so fast