I am 29, and my husband and I plan to have a baby this year. But I have allergies -- running and stuffed nose with watery eyes and incessant sneezing. I know that while you are pregnant you cannot take a whole lot of medicines. I thought I might go for allergy tests and shots before I get pregnant, but I don't know about the safety of taking allergy shots while pregnant. Are they safe? If not, what can I take for allergies safely during pregnancy?

R.

Allergy shots are safe to get while pregnant, although I recommend beginning them before pregnancy merely to avoid a potential reaction to the initial shot (and the subsequent treatment of such a reaction) during pregnancy.

Most over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines are also okay to use during pregnancy if needed. Sudafed is the one many obstetricians recommend for congestion if remedies such as avoiding allergens and humidifying the air don't work. Claritin, a prescription antihistamine, has not been well studied in humans, but it does not seem to cause any birth defects in rats or rabbits.

Before taking any medication during pregnancy, including over-the-counter preparations, check with YOUR doctor.