Allergies in pregnancy are common, often even being felt for the first time in our lives.  Why is this?  Our energy is being used to grow a baby, and that means balanced nutrition is even more crucial than before.  Likewise, allergies may continue on after pregnancy if you remained stressed, overscheduled, or low on nourishment.

Basics of Allergies in Pregnancy

First things first.  Look at your schedule.  Are you working full time?  How much help do you have with the normal daily tasks of your life?  Are you running around, joining all the play dates, or going on multiple vacations?  Pair down.  This is stress.  You don't have to feel anxious to be stressed.  A kiss can be "stressful" - so don't think you're immune.  Say no now to avoid excessive stress later.  Rest, rejuvenate, and practice self-care routines.  Be sure your body not only has the energy needed for your lifestyle, but reserves for illness and allergies.

Next, allergies are an inflammation response.  This is related to nutrition in a lot of ways.  You must not only avoid adding toxins to the body, but also enure you're eliminating the toxins that are already present.  If you do not eliminate routinely and only add in balanced whole foods, your detoxification - i.e. anti-allergy - system can't function at full force.  Your gut may need some healing as well to reduce inflammation responses and reduce symptoms of allergies in pregnancy (and beyond).

Symptoms of Allergies in Pregnancy

Many times, especially if you've never experienced allergies before, you may mistake your allergies in pregnancy for a cold.

Look for:

• Scratchy throat
• Itchy eyes
• Gooey eyes
• Watery eyes
• Sniffles
• Congestion
• Coughing
• Fatigue

Soothe Allergies in Pregnancy

• Reduce or eliminate sugar.  Sugar causes an immediate inflammation response and will only make symptoms worse or cause them in the first place.
• Reduce or eliminate dairy.  Humans aren't designed to digest other mammal's milk.  It effects all of us in some way, even if its just chronic inflammation and congestion.
• Drink a nettle infusion.  Stinging Nettles are known for healing just about everything in the body due to their nutrient-punch, but nettles are also amazingly anti-inflammatory.  While they work best if this regimine starts about 6 months prior to allergy season, they can help in the process, not to mention being superbly nourishing as a pregnancy tonic.
• Heat up some hearty bone stock - BONE STOCK.  Boxed sodium-filled chicken broth is not what you're looking for.  You want a stock made with the bones - something that will gel up a bit when it cools and concentrates.  If its gelling up, then gut-healing nutrients are added to the liquid.  This gut healing reduces inflammation response from allergens - everything from the dairy you may need to avoid to the pollen in the ragweed.
• To your bone stock, add raw chopped garlic cloves, a pinch of thyme and slices of organic lemon with the peel.  This adds doubly duty by supporting the liver, soothing the throat and balancing bacteria to help avoid sinus infections.
• Make a warm cup of ginger lemon tea - soothing, healing and digestive promoting to help eliminate toxin build-up.
• Make a cup of marshmallow root tea.  This soothes the throat as well as helps sooth the digestive tract and help to close gaps in the intestinal lining that allow allergens to seep through.
• Eat something spicey.  Don't overdo it, but ingredients in soups like Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne Powder, or some Horseradish Sauce with your fish can help clear the sinuses and soothe a stuffy head while adding healing properties as well.

What is your favorite way to prevent and soothe allergies in pregnancy?