Natural ways to tackle hay fever during pregnancy with family GP, Dr. Shireen Emadossadaty
For millions of people in the UK, the spring and summer months can mean only one thing, hay fever! Battling a runny nose, an itchy sore throat and irritated eyes can leave sufferers dreading those long sunny days, with many left feeling exhausted and understandably fed up!
Living with allergies like hay fever can be especially problematic during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can make you more sensitive to allergens and worsen symptoms of nasal congestion.
Eye-watering insights
New research by Fusion® Allergy reveals that only 1 in 3 pregnant women report taking some form of allergy relief product during their pregnancy to help ease their hay fever symptoms, with a quarter stating that battling symptoms all of the time stopped them enjoying their pregnancy all together!
Nearly a third said they felt there was a lack of information around what allergy relief products they could or couldn’t take, and over 40% didn’t think pregnant women were allowed to take anything at all. As a result, a quarter felt they were forced to stay indoors to avoid symptoms, and nearly a third said it left them checking pollen counts before heading outside.
Whilst hay fever can be problematic for pregnant women, it is important to know that hay fever is not dangerous to mum or baby, and reassuringly, there are safe and effective allergy relief products available to help women experiencing hay fever symptoms enjoy their pregnancy (and their summer!).
Natural protection for you and your family
The FUSION® Allergy range helps to protect you (and your little ones too) from allergies, without the need for drugs or preservatives. It contains 100% natural ingredient Ectoin, with its water rich properties that create a physical shield to actively block allergens and prevent allergic symptoms whilst soothing the eyes, nose and throat.
Being preservative-free and drug-free, FUSION® Allergy Nasal Spray is safe to use during pregnancy whilst also being suitable for family members of all ages too.
Hacks to pollen-proof your day
Daily life can feel like a struggle when you’re suffering with hay fever symptoms, but these little hacks can make a big difference when it comes to preventing and reducing hay fever symptoms this summer:
- Al fresco afternoons: Heading outside is great for our mental wellbeing, so don’t feel you have to stay indoors to avoid symptoms. Pollen counts tend to spike during the morning, so try to spend time outdoors in the afternoon or early evening when pollen counts are usually at their lowest
- Peace of mind outside: Taking hay fever products like FUSION® Allergy Nasal Spray out with you will help you to manage your symptoms whilst you’re on the go and give you that added peace of mind.
- Hitting the hay: Getting a good night’s sleep can feel hard enough when you’re pregnant, so it’s a good idea to have a bedtime routine that helps to reduce the likelihood that hay fever symptoms will impact you getting a good night’s rest. Leaving clothes that you’ve worn during the day out of the bedroom is a good way to help minimise the amount of pollen you bring in to your bedroom.
- Keep your home a pollen-free zone: Avoid bringing pollen into your house by taking your shoes off at the door. If you have a cat or dog that has been playing in a field or forest full of pollen, limit the amount of pollen they bring into the house by combing their fur before they come into the house – or get someone else to do it for you if you can!
**Dr. Shireen is working with FUSION® Allergy to provide expert advice on hay fever and promote the FUSION® Allergy range of products.
**Whilst the majority of products in the FUSION® Allergy range are suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women, FUSION® Allergy Eye Spray is unsuitable for use during pregnancy. Always check with you GP before taking any new medication or speak with your pharmacist about allergy relief products that are safe during pregnancy.