Allergy: Its relevance in Preconceptual Care and Pregnancy.
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The term allergy is derived from 2 Greek words which mean altered reactivity that is an
adverse reaction to a normally harmless substance which may be a food or other environmental agents such as
dust or pollen or chemicals.
A classical Allergy is used to describe those cases in which the adverse reaction
to a substance usually occurs quickly, within an hour and the reaction is obvious and can be quite severe.
They are quite rare and effect a small percentage of the population Reactions can be delayed and can affect
more than one area of the body. Symptoms can often take the form of swelling of lips and or throat. Skin
rashes and weals can appear, breathing difficulties, runny noses or digestive symptoms including diarrhoea
and vomiting may suddenly and painfully make themselves evident. Classic allergies are defined as having
a specific immunological reaction which can be detected by a pin prick test or RAST (Radioallergosorbent test).
The antibody or immunoglobulin involved here is the IgE.
Intolerances otherwise known as delayed Allergies affect a great number of people
and can develop at any time. Symptoms occur rarely immediately food is eaten. Reactions are usually delayed
by several hours or even days. This delayed reaction makes detection of the culprit food so difficult. The
antigen or immunoglobulin here is the IgG. Food intolerance testing measures an individuals levels of food
specific IgG ‘s.
Because what one eats and drinks during pregnancy has a direct effect on the unborn
child, mothers need to be sure to have eliminated allergic foods from the diet before conception. Research shows
that the foetus begins producing antibodies against allergic substances as early as eleven weeks into pregnancy.
The health of the mother has a direct and profound effect on the health of the
foetus in the womb. If the mother has allergies or intolerances, they must be dealt with before becoming
pregnant so that the mother is as healthy as she can be. This is the best possible start that can be given
to a baby that is born health, happy and contented and able to fulfil his or her life,s potential through
good health, both mental and physical.