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Expert Q&A
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| By iParenting Staff iParenting Staff Experts | ||
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I have asthma and allergies, and take over-the-counter medication on a regular basis. (mostly Sudafed and Primatine mist) When I first suspected that I was pregnant I stopped taking them. But my allergies are really bothering me, I have constant watery eyes, sneezing, and shortness of breath. Is there anything that I can take that will ease the allergies without harming the baby?
Women who are trying to become pregnant or who are pregnant should NEVER discontinue their asthma medications without consulting their health care provider.
Shortness of breath or waking at night with difficulty breathing require immediate evaluation. An asthma attack can lead to hospitilization and serious consequences for the pregnant woman and her fetus. Often this can be avioded by maintaining or adjusting medication during pregnancy.
Many women are concerned about medication use in pregnancy and this is appropriate. Asthma medications are a good example of the risk/benefit discussion we have had in this forum before.
Asthma medications prevent asthma attacks and are asociated with very little risk to the fetus. Babies need oxygen!
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