I am a mother-to-be who has lived the past twenty-five years of my life depending on seasonal allergy treatments to make the changes in seasons (and changes in foliage) more bearable. In fact, without medications like antihistamines and decongestants, I probably would not have survived to live into adulthood. However, with the embryo that is quickly developing into my future baby in mind, I have given up all of my seasonal allergy treatments except in the case of a medical emergency. (For example, if I were to eat a food to which I am allergic, I could die from anaphylactic shock, so the benefits of taking an antihistamine outweigh the risks in such a situation.) So, when I came across an article reporting a possible link between decongestants and a decreased risk of premature child birth this evening while searching for the latest pregnancy news, I was more than intrigued. Might seasonal allergy treatments in the form of decongestants provide benefits during pregnancy?
As I was browsing for the latest news about pregnancy tonight, I discovered an article entitled “Decongestant Use in Pregnancy Women Link to Lower Risk of Preterm Birth” on Science Daily dated 30 August 2010. As the byline states, a recent study conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health discovered a possible link between seasonal allergy treatments in the form of decongestants and a decreased risk of premature child birth. Although the rate of premature birth in the United States rose 12.3% in 2008, women who took decongestants during their second or third trimesters reduced their risk of premature child birth by approximately 58% in comparison to women who abstained from decongestant seasonal allergy treatments. So, although the connection definitely needs more research, preliminary evidence points towards the benefit of reduce the risk of premature child birth with the use of decongestants during pregnancy.
Like many other expectant mothers, I have been treating medications including seasonal allergy treatments as no-nos during my pregnancy. I even gave up all my asthma and allergy medications prior to trying to conceive. Even during the first few weeks of my pregnancy, I have suffered through some quite severe days of allergy symptoms based on my belief that medicine and embryos do not mix. My comfort, after all, is much less important than a healthy baby, right? As long as I was not in any physical danger, then there really was no need to take any unnecessary medications. With the above research in mind and the winter season fast approaching, however, I am maybe reconsidering my stance against decongestants. Sometimes my congestion is so severe that I can hardly sleep, so, if decongestants do offer protection against premature child birth, then perhaps I should consider taking the medication once in a while. Decongestant seasonal allergy treatments are definitely something that I will discuss with my nurse practitioner. I just hope the link is true.
Update: As of June 2014, I have not found additional conclusive evidence for the benefits of using decongestants during pregnancy. I always follow the instructions on the box in regards to taking a medication during pregnancy. Many decongestants have not been determined safe to use during pregnancy. Always consult your health care professional before taking any medication, especially during pregnancy.
Originally published on Librarian Mom – My Reference Book on Parenting
References
Decongestant Use in Pregnancy Women Link to Lower Risk of Preterm Birth: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100830131349.htm
Image Credits
Blue and Red Pills (Cold Pills and Decongestants): http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blue_and_Red_Pills_(Cold_Pills_and_Decongestants).JPG
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