Allergies Common Treatments Can You Have Allergy Shots During Pregnancy? By Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist with a background in internal medicine. Learn about our editorial process Updated on July 09, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Daniel More, MD Medically reviewed by Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist with a background in internal medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Fact checked Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Nick Blackmer Fact checked by Nick Blackmer LinkedIn Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact-checker, and researcher with more than 20 years’ experience in consumer-oriented health and wellness content. Learn about our editorial process Print Allergy shots, or subcutaneous immunotherapy, have been given for over a century for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Allergy shots are also used for venom allergy, but they are not used for treating food allergies. Sven Hagolani / Getty Images Allergy shots involve the administration of an allergen (such as pollens, pet dander, molds, and dust mites). It would seem like this would worsen allergy symptoms, but when allergens are injected in low doses, the immune system sometimes responds to the allergens similarly to how it responds to a vaccine. Immunotherapy starts with small doses of an allergen that aren‘y enough cause an allergic reaction, then gradually increasing doses until larger amounts of the allergen can be tolerated. Injections are initially given one to three times a week until a maintenance dose is reached. It may take 3 to 6 months to reach the maintenance dose. Once reached, the maintenance dose will usually promote the resolution of most of a person’s allergy symptoms. At this point, allergen injections are given every two to four weeks for 3 to 5 years. After receiving at least 3 years of immunotherapy, most patients continue to benefit for another 5 to 10 years or longer, even after the shots are stopped. If the shots are stopped prior to a total of 3 years, the allergic symptoms typically return more quickly. Allergy Shots During Pregnancy Allergic rhinitis and asthma can be significant problems during pregnancy, and allergy shots may be helpful in treating these issues. Women who have already been receiving allergy shots before becoming pregnant may continue to benefit from these therapies. Many women wonder if allergy shots are safe to be given during pregnancy. Safety Considerations Allergy shots can be continued during pregnancy, but starting this treatment during pregnancy is not recommended. If you are taking allergy shots and think you might become pregnant or are already pregnant, it is important that you discuss the risks and benefits of continuing your allergy shots during pregnancy with your allergist and your obstetrician. Find out more about the basics of allergy shots. 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Library of Medicine. Allergy shots. Pitsios C, Demoly P, Bilò MB, et al. Clinical contraindications to allergen immunotherapy: an EAACI position paper. Allergy. 2015;70(8):897-909. doi:10.1111/all.12638 Dykewicz MS, Wallace DV, Amrol DJ, et al. Rhinitis 2020: a practice parameter update. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020;146(4):721-767. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2020.07.007 By Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and currently practices at Central Coast Allergy and Asthma in Salinas, California. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit