Pregnant women with seafood allergy should do?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Man - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
Food allergy is a common condition that many people suffer from, of which seafood allergy is the most common. Pregnant women with seafood allergy is a case that can be encountered during pregnancy. Reactions occurring in pregnant women can lead to many dangers for both mother and fetus if not diagnosed and treated early.

1. Is it dangerous for a pregnant woman to have a seafood allergy?

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to allergens that enter the body. Food allergy in general or seafood allergy in particular often appears in people with previous allergies, manifested by many diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
Pregnant women have seafood allergy when the body overreacts to the ingredients in seafood and manifests with diverse clinical symptoms. Depending on each specific case, its complications can appear in different degrees of severity.
Seafood allergy has sometimes been reported during pregnancy in women with no previous history of allergy, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. This may be explained by changes in the immune system to adapt to the arrival of the fetus. Then, along with the change in the circadian rhythm of biological hormones, the activity of the immune system is also easily disturbed. It is this difference that makes pregnant women more susceptible to various disorders, including seafood allergy.
Seafood allergy in pregnant women sometimes has mild reactions, sometimes leading to many serious complications, the most severe is anaphylaxis. The mother's life can be at risk if an anaphylactic reaction is not detected in time.

2. Risk factors for pregnant women having seafood allergy

Seafood allergy is an abnormality that can affect anyone. However, certain factors are known to increase the risk of an allergic reaction in some people, including:
History of previous allergic reactions. Have bronchial asthma Have eczema or atopic dermatitis Weakened immune system Have a family member who has had many allergic reactions to different allergens However, seafood allergy in pregnant women can may appear in subjects who do not have the above risk characteristics. Therefore, when there are suspicious signs, pregnant women need to visit a medical facility before having other serious complications.

3. How to recognize when pregnant women have seafood allergy

Similar to other allergic reactions, pregnant women with seafood allergy show a variety of manifestations in different organs after eating seafood. Skin and mucosal reactions are the most common symptoms, including rash, urticaria and pruritus, presenting as atopic dermatitis: Skin and mucosal symptoms causing pruritus, which may occur experiencing signs in the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems such as:
Shortness of breath, fast breathing Hissing Nausea, vomiting Abdominal pain Gastrointestinal disorders Gastroesophageal reflux.

When seafood allergy severely progresses to anaphylaxis, pregnant women may face serious manifestations such as:
Consciousness disturbance Cold and moist skin Swollen larynx Swollen face, lips Severe difficulty breathing Severe Heart palpitations Blood pressure drops When there is any abnormality after eating seafood, pregnant women should immediately go to a medical facility for examination and treatment as soon as possible.

4. What should a pregnant woman with seafood allergy do?

When there is a suspected seafood allergy, pregnant women should not self-medicate because improper use of drugs during pregnancy can cause many complications. The treatment and management when pregnant women have seafood allergies need to consult a doctor to ensure the safety of the health of both mother and fetus.
When a seafood allergic reaction is determined to be mild, drugs to treat symptoms, reduce itching and limit allergic reactions can be used. These drugs work to make pregnant women feel more comfortable. However, the dose and duration of drug use must be according to the instructions of the treating doctor.
When the allergic reaction is more severe, the drug to treat the reaction by injection will be indicated for emergency use for the health of the mother and the fetus. If unfortunately falling into circulatory arrest stops breathing before going to the hospital, pregnant women need to be given first aid by artificial respiration, chest compressions, and transferred to the nearest medical facility.
After stable management, the patient should be investigated and the previous diet exploited. Potentially allergenic seafood should be excluded from subsequent diets. In order to determine the exact type of seafood that is causing the allergy, patients need to undergo some more in-depth tests.
To protect the health of the fetus and pregnant woman, the most effective action is to prevent cases of seafood allergy before it occurs. For those who have a history of allergies before, it is important to note:
Do not eat seafood that causes known allergies. Pay close attention to the ingredients of the dishes before using. Choose foods carefully. Do not cook seafood with other dishes.

Seafood allergy in pregnant women is a dangerous condition and needs urgent medical attention. Therefore, to prevent seafood allergy, pregnant women need to follow some principles and adjust their diet when eating seafood and shellfish.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address chosen by many families during pregnancy. In particular, when pregnant women choose the Package Maternity Care Program right from the beginning of their pregnancy from the first months of pregnancy, they will be able to fully participate in antenatal check-ups, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds, and other health care providers. routine tests to ensure the mother is healthy and the fetus is developing comprehensively.
Pregnant women will be consulted and checked for health, and will be advised on nutrition under the close supervision and guidance of experienced and specialized obstetricians, helping mothers to have a healthy pregnancy. knowledge to protect health during pregnancy as well as minimize complications affecting mother and child.

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