Anaphylaxis during pregnancy: what you need to know

Treatment should not be delayed because the person is pregnant: restoring breathing and blood pressure is central to protecting both parent and baby.

Anaphylaxis is a rapid, severe allergic reaction. Warning features can include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat or tongue swelling, a hoarse voice, dizziness, collapse, or pale and clammy skin. Hives, flushing, swelling, abdominal pain, or vomiting may occur, but a skin rash is not required. Pregnancy-related breathlessness or nausea can overlap with some symptoms; sudden onset after a possible trigger and involvement of breathing or circulation are especially concerning.

Use the person's adrenaline auto-injector immediately if anaphylaxis is suspected, then call UAE emergency services and say that the person is pregnant and may have anaphylaxis. Follow the device instructions and use it on the outer thigh. Do not let the person stand or walk. Place them on their left side if possible; if breathing is very difficult, allow a supported position that helps breathing while preventing a fall. If symptoms continue and another prescribed injector is available, follow the emergency operator's or the person's action plan instructions.

Call emergency services immediately for breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, collapse, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms after possible allergen exposure. Do this even if adrenaline improves the symptoms, because the reaction can return and hospital monitoring may be needed. Emergency clinicians can support the airway and circulation while assessing the pregnancy and baby's wellbeing.

After recovery, discuss the likely trigger, whether allergy testing is appropriate, and how to avoid another exposure. Ask for a written emergency plan, a demonstration of auto-injector technique, advice on carrying prescribed injectors, and guidance for maternity appointments and birth planning. Ensure close contacts know where the device is kept and how to act.