Is it safe to take Benadryl when pregnant?

Understanding the Safety of Benadryl During Pregnancy
As many expectant mothers navigate the challenges of pregnancy, questions about medication safety often arise. One common query is whether it is safe to take Benadryl, an over-the-counter antihistamine, during this critical time.
Benadryl and Its Uses
Benadryl, known generically as diphenhydramine, is primarily used to alleviate symptoms associated with allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It is also utilized for treating sleep disturbances and, in some cases, morning sickness. The drug is classified as a “Class B” medication by the FDA, indicating that animal studies have not demonstrated any harm to the fetus, although comprehensive human studies are limited.
Safety Profile During Pregnancy
According to various health sources, taking Benadryl during pregnancy is generally considered safe. Medical professionals often reassure pregnant individuals that it can be used to manage allergy symptoms without significant risk to the developing baby. Dr. John Zhang, a noted expert in the field, emphasizes that Benadryl can effectively alleviate allergy symptoms for pregnant individuals, making it a viable option when necessary.
Dosage and Considerations
While Benadryl is deemed safe, it is crucial for pregnant women to adhere to recommended dosages. Overuse or high doses can lead to unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness or dry mouth, which may not be ideal during pregnancy. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any medication, including Benadryl, is always advisable to ensure it aligns with individual health needs and circumstances.
Alternatives and Precautions
For those concerned about potential side effects or who prefer to avoid medications altogether, there are alternative remedies for managing allergy symptoms during pregnancy. These may include saline nasal sprays or non-drowsy antihistamines, which can be discussed with a healthcare professional.
In summary, while Benadryl is generally safe for use during pregnancy, it is essential for expectant mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to tailor their approach to managing symptoms effectively and safely.

What are the safest antihistamines for pregnancy?

Newer antihistamines, such as cetirizine and loratadine, also may be safe. There also is a corticosteroid nasal spray that is safe to use during pregnancy. But one of the most common decongestants, pseudoephedrine, has been linked to a small risk of abdominal wall birth defects.

Can I take Benadryl with my prenatal?

Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Benadryl and Prenatal Multivitamins.

Can Benadryl affect babies?

Serious side effects, such as seizures, are more likely to occur in younger children and could pose greater risk to infants or young children when compared to older children or adults. In general, children are more sensitive than adults to the side effects of antihistamines.

What effect does antihistamine have on fetus?

Most studies that have considered specific drugs in relation to specific defects have generally identified no associations between maternal use of antihistamines and major birth defects.

What can you take instead of Benadryl?

Other Alternative Allergy Treatments

• Allegra (fexofenadine)
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Chlorpheniramine.
• Claritin (loratadine)
• Dimetapp (brompheniramine)
• Clemastine.
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)

How much Benadryl is safe while pregnant?

According to the FDA, Benadryl is a Category B medication, meaning that it is considered generally safe for pregnant people to take the recommended adult dose.

Does Benadryl affect milk supply?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

Is it safe to take Claritin or Benadryl while pregnant?

Claritin is safe to take during pregnancy and nursing. However, a person should always consult a doctor before taking any medication while pregnant or nursing. While most antihistamines are safe, other medications, such as decongestants, may pose a risk to the pregnant person and fetus.

Does Benadryl help with pregnancy nausea?

Antihistamines, available in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations, are commonly used during early pregnancy for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, symptoms of asthma and allergies, and relief of indigestion1, 2.

Can too much Benadryl hurt a baby?

Because Benadryl is an antihistamine, it can cause serious or even fatal side effects in infants. These side effects include rapid heartbeat and convulsions. If your child has allergies, then you should talk to the pediatrician about the proper medication to use during a reaction.