Pregnancy comes with many considerations, from ensuring your baby’s health to managing your own well-being. As advice from others pours in about what to eat, wear, and avoid, some pregnant individuals may also need to think about food allergies, including common allergens like peanut allergy, tree nuts, and shellfish. Whether you have a history of allergies or not, food allergies can sometimes develop during pregnancy.

Can You Develop New Food Allergies While Pregnant?

Whether you have food allergies before pregnancy or not, you can develop them while you're pregnant. In fact, according to research in Food Science & Nutrition, 1 out of every 5 pregnant women reports having some form of allergy — which may include food allergies. Some may have been diagnosed before pregnancy, but some arise during. In fact, some women only experience allergy symptoms to some food allergens while they're pregnant, per the research review.

Pregnant people can also experience symptoms of atopic conditions (inherited tendencies to develop allergies), such as eczema or allergic rhinitis (runny nose), which can be confused with food allergy symptoms.

Individuals who already have allergies may find that their symptoms vary widely while they're pregnant. In the case of seasonal allergies, about one-third of women with allergies feel like their symptoms get worse, one-third feel like they stay the same, and one-third feel like they get better, according to clinical immunology research in Allergy & Asthma Network. Similar information is not available for food allergies specifically.

What Causes Food Allergies To Develop in Pregnancy?

Researchers aren’t exactly sure why food allergies might appear to develop during pregnancy, then disappear again, or why symptoms might change. Pregnancy causes changes to the immune system, and food allergies are caused by the immune system, so that’s where the connection may lie. However, more research is needed to explore whether pregnancy truly increases the risk factors for developing new allergies or changes existing ones.

Confusing Symptoms: Food Allergies vs. Pregnancy

Both food allergies and pregnancy can cause a number of different symptoms. Both of them affect your whole body, and some of the symptoms overlap.

Headaches, for instance, are common in pregnancy, and food allergies may cause them, too. Constipation is also common both during pregnancy and among people with food allergies. Heartburn, with its related throat and stomach pain, can also be a symptom of both pregnancy and allergic diseases related to food allergies.

All of this can make it hard to figure out what might be causing certain symptoms. Your health care provider may need to run tests to put all the pieces together.

Severe Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur suddenly and requires immediate medical attention. It can cause symptoms including:

• Tightening or narrowing of the airway
• Shock
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Dizziness or fainting

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency help immediately. If you have an epinephrine autoinjector (such as an EpiPen or Auvi-Q), use it right away and then call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you do not have an auto-injector, call 911 immediately.

Talking to Your Doctor

If you’re pregnant and noticing symptoms that seem consistent with food allergies, talk to your primary care provider or obstetrics provider. Identifying the cause of your symptoms is important for both your well-being and your baby’s health, ensuring you receive the best possible care throughout your pregnancy. Even if you only have food allergies while you’re pregnant, getting treatment — such as allergy medications — can make you feel quite a bit better. Discussing your family history of allergies and medical conditions, such as eczema, dermatitis, or peanut allergies, can help identify potential risk factors.

For accurate diagnosis and management, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as an allergist or an immunologist. They can perform tests, such as antihistamine challenges or skin prick tests, and offer guidance on managing your allergies with medications that are safe during pregnancy. This can help ensure both your and your baby’s health, especially when maintaining a balanced diet or adjusting your maternal diet to avoid allergens.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyFoodAllergyTeam is the social network for people with food allergies and their loved ones. On MyFoodAllergyTeam, more than 41,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with food allergies.

Have you wondered if there’s a connection between food allergies and pregnancy? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.