Feeling that new tickle in your throat or itchiness in your ears mid-pregnancy can be unsettling, especially when you’ve never had allergies before. We hear you, and we understand the anxiety around managing symptoms while protecting your baby. At HistamineFix, we help you connect the dots between hormonal changes, your symptoms, and safe, effective ways to find relief.
Why Am I Suddenly Getting ‘Allergies’ While Pregnant?
If you’re suddenly reacting to pollen or your family pet for the first time, you’re not alone. Many women experience new or worsening allergy-like symptoms during pregnancy. This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s often linked to the dramatic hormonal shifts your body is undergoing. The hormone estrogen, which surges during pregnancy, can encourage your immune cells (called mast cells) to release more histamine. At the same time, it can also slow down the enzyme that cleans histamine up. The result? Symptoms like a runny nose, itchy skin, throat irritation, and even headaches can appear out of nowhere.
Is It a True Allergy or Histamine Intolerance?
While the symptoms are nearly identical, there’s a key difference. A true allergy is an immediate IgE-mediated immune reaction to a specific substance. Histamine intolerance, on the other hand, is more like an overflowing bucket. Your body produces histamine and gets it from food. An enzyme called Diamine Oxidase (DAO) is responsible for breaking it down, keeping your ‘histamine bucket’ from overflowing. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can fill this bucket faster than your body can empty it, causing things that never bothered you before—like certain foods or environmental triggers—to suddenly cause a reaction.
The DAO Enzyme: Your Body’s Built-In Antihistamine
Here’s a fascinating twist: during the second and third trimesters, the placenta begins producing a massive amount of the DAO enzyme—up to 500 times the normal amount! For many women, this actually resolves pre-existing histamine issues. However, for some, this natural boost isn’t quite enough to counteract the effects of hormones, especially if there’s an underlying genetic tendency for lower DAO function (from genes like DAO, HNMT, or MTHFR) or a high histamine load from diet and environment. This might be why you’re experiencing symptoms now.
What About Taking Antihistamines Like Cetirizine?
Your concern about taking medication during pregnancy is completely valid, and it’s wise to be cautious. It’s crucial to follow your OB-GYN’s guidance, as they have your full medical history. Medications like cetirizine (Reactine) and loratadine (Claritin) are generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and are often recommended when symptoms impact your quality of life. The goal is to feel well. Viewing these medications as a supportive tool, rather than a failure, can help reduce anxiety. At the same time, let’s explore gentle, non-medicinal ways you can lower your overall histamine load, which may reduce your need for them.
3 Budget-Friendly Ways to Lower Your Histamine Bucket
You can gain a sense of control by making small, consistent changes that support your body’s ability to manage histamine.
1. Focus on Fresh Foods: You don’t need a stressful, restrictive diet. Start by reducing common high-histamine culprits. Try swapping aged leftovers for freshly cooked meals, aged cheese for fresh cheese like ricotta, and cured meats for fresh cuts of chicken or fish.
2. Manage Your Environment: To address potential pollen or pet dander, try simple tactics. Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours (usually morning), rinse off in the shower after spending significant time outdoors, and wash your hands after petting your dog. These small acts can significantly reduce the triggers entering your system.
3. Calm Your Nervous System: Stress is a major histamine trigger. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which signals your mast cells to degranulate and release even more histamine. Even five minutes of deep, slow breathing, a gentle walk, or listening to calming music can help break this cycle and lower your bucket.
Conclusion
Navigating new symptoms during pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but your body isn’t broken—it’s just communicating that it needs a bit more support. By understanding the link between hormones and histamine, you can take gentle, powerful steps to feel better. To discover your personal triggers and build a clear path to relief, explore our empowering 6-Step Reset Plan and start your journey to a more comfortable pregnancy today.