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Hay Fever Tablets in Pregnancy: What's Safe?

When you are pregnant, it is natural to have questions about what is safe - and that includes everyday remedies for common complaints. This guide explains the current UK guidance on hay fever treatments in plain language, so you can make informed decisions for you and your baby.

Understanding hay fever in pregnancy

Pregnancy can make your immune system behave differently, and hay fever symptoms sometimes get worse, ease off, or appear for the first time even if you have never had allergies before. Hormonal changes can affect how your nasal passages respond to pollen, dust and other triggers, so a mild hay fever sufferer might find symptoms much harder to ignore during pregnancy. The reassuring news is that hay fever itself does not harm your baby, and several treatments are considered safe to use, so you do not have to just put up with streaming eyes and a blocked nose for months on end.

Safe antihistamines

  • Loratadine and cetirizine are the two antihistamines generally recommended in pregnancy. Both are non-drowsy, once-a-day tablets that have been used by many pregnant women without evidence of harm to the baby.
  • Chlorphenamine (often sold as Piriton) is an older, more sedating antihistamine that is also considered an option, though it can make you sleepy and is generally used less often than loratadine or cetirizine.
  • Newer or less common antihistamines have less safety data behind them, so it is sensible to stick with the well-studied options above rather than trying something unfamiliar.
  • Always confirm the correct dose with your pharmacist or midwife, and only take one antihistamine at a time unless you have been told otherwise.

Nasal sprays, eye drops and what to avoid

Steroid nasal sprays such as beclometasone or fluticasone are usually considered safe in pregnancy because only a very small amount reaches your bloodstream, and they can be very effective for a blocked or itchy nose when used correctly. Sodium cromoglicate eye drops are also generally safe for itchy, watery eyes and can be used alongside a nasal spray or tablet.

  • Avoid oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, especially in the first trimester, as they have been linked to a small increased risk of certain birth defects and can also raise blood pressure.
  • Be cautious with decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline or xylometazoline - these are usually only recommended for short-term use (a few days) even outside pregnancy, and it is best to check with your pharmacist first.
  • Check the label of any combination hay fever product carefully, as many contain a decongestant alongside the antihistamine, which is not always obvious from the front of the packet.
  • If you are unsure about any product, your pharmacist can check it in moments and will always err on the side of caution.

Natural approaches and self-care

Simple, medicine-free measures can make a real difference and are worth trying alongside or instead of tablets:

  • Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to stop pollen getting into your eyes.
  • Smear a small amount of petroleum jelly around the edges of your nostrils to trap pollen before it is breathed in.
  • Keep windows shut in the early morning and evening, when pollen counts tend to be highest, and check the daily pollen forecast.
  • Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after spending time outdoors to remove pollen before it settles around the house.
  • Try a saline nasal rinse or spray, which is completely safe in pregnancy and can physically flush pollen and mucus out of your nose.
  • Dry washing indoors on high-pollen days rather than hanging it outside, where it can collect pollen.

If your symptoms are still severe despite these steps, speak to your pharmacist or GP - effective, pregnancy-safe prescription options are available if over-the-counter treatments are not enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Piriton or Clarityn while pregnant?

Clarityn (loratadine) is one of the antihistamines generally considered suitable in pregnancy, alongside cetirizine. Piriton (chlorphenamine) is also an option but tends to cause more drowsiness. Always check with your pharmacist or midwife before starting any new medicine, even one bought over the counter.

Is it safe to use a steroid nasal spray every day in pregnancy?

Steroid nasal sprays such as beclometasone or fluticasone are generally considered safe for regular use in pregnancy because they act mainly in the lining of the nose, with very little absorbed into the bloodstream. Follow the dose on the packet or as advised by your pharmacist, and mention it to your midwife at your next appointment.

What should I do if antihistamines are not controlling my hay fever?

If a well-known antihistamine and a steroid nasal spray are not giving you enough relief, book an appointment with your GP or midwife rather than increasing the dose yourself or trying multiple products at once. They can review your symptoms and, if needed, discuss further pregnancy-safe options with you.

This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your midwife, GP or pharmacist.

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