Pregnancy can be an exciting time full of lots of trips to buybuy BABY in Mansell Crossing. But there are also a lot of unknowns that come with pregnancy. One thing you may be wondering about is whether you can continue or start allergy immunotherapy during pregnancy. We answer this question below.
What Is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy is a long-term solution for allergies. It works by desensitizing your immune system to allergens over time. Allergy immunotherapy may be administered in shot (subcutaneous immunotherapy) or drop (sublingual immunotherapy) form.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots work similarly to vaccines in that your body develops a tolerance because it is introduced to tiny amounts of the offender (in this case, an allergen).
Allergy shots work in two phases:
- The buildup phase. In this phase, you receive injections about one to two days per week, with the dose increasing gradually. The duration of this phase depends on how often you receive and how well you tolerate the injections, but it usually lasts three to six months.
- The maintenance phase. In this phase, you receive injections every two to four weeks. In this phase, the dose remains consistent. The duration of this phase is from three to five years, depending on how quickly you see a benefit.
Allergy Drops
Unlike allergy shots, which are injected, allergy drops are administered in the form of a drop or tablet that is held under the tongue.
After your allergies are confirmed with an allergy test, you’ll be given the drops. They will be held under the tongue for one to two minutes, then swallowed. This process is repeated from three to seven times a week for three to five years.
The dose is gradually increased over time to help you build up a tolerance to the allergens you’re reactive to, which results in fewer symptoms over time.
Can I Continue Allergy Immunotherapy During Pregnancy?
If you’ve already started allergy immunotherapy before you got pregnant, you can continue it.
According to one 2022 study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunotherapy: In Practice, “This nationwide study found no evidence of congenital malformations or other adverse pregnancy outcomes in women treated with [allergy immunotherapy] in pregnancy.”
However, your allergist may recommend reducing your dose in order to help prevent an allergic reaction.
Can I Start Allergy Immunotherapy During Pregnancy?
If you’ve never undergone immunotherapy, pregnancy is not the right time to start. This is because you don’t know what your reaction to it will be. While extremely rare, a serious allergic reaction is possible.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an allergist, call ENT of Georgia North today.
