- With Mayo Clinic obstetrician and medical editor-in-chief
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
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Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
"Nothing helps people stay healthy more than the power of real knowledge about health." — Dr. Roger Harms
As medical editor-in-chief, Dr. Roger Harms is excited about the potential for MayoClinic.com to help educate people about their health and provide them the tools and information to live healthier lives.
The Auburn, Neb., native has been with Mayo Clinic since 1981 and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Harms is a consultant and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and his specialty areas include office gynecology, high-risk obstetrics and obstetrical ultrasound.
From 2002 to 2007, Dr. Harms was director for education for Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Harms was the 1988 Mayo Medical School Teacher of the Year and served as associate dean for student affairs and academic affairs before taking this leadership role. He is the co-author of the "Mayo Clinic Model of Education." In 2008, Dr. Harms was presented the Distinguished Educator Award, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.
Dr. Harms is vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and medical editor of the Pregnancy section on this Web site. In addition, Dr. Harms is editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book, a month-by-month guide to everything a woman needs to know about having a baby.
"My medical education experience has grown out of a love of teaching, and that is what this site is about," Dr. Harms says. "If any visitor to this site makes a more informed and thus more comfortable decision about his or her health because of the information we provide, we are successful."
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Question
Allergy medications during pregnancy: Are they safe?
Is it safe to take Claritin or other allergy medications during pregnancy?
Answer
from Roger W. Harms, M.D.
The allergy medication loratadine (Claritin, others) is currently considered a category B drug. This indicates that animal studies haven't shown any risks to a fetus whose mother takes the drug, and there have been no reports of human reproductive problems associated with the drug. Although category B drugs appear to be safe, they haven't been adequately tested during human pregnancy to offer any guarantees.
In fact, few drugs have actually been proved safe during pregnancy. Drugs typically aren't studied in pregnant women because of the possible effects on the fetus. Until more is known, doctors must make judgments using the best available scientific evidence. It's best to exercise caution before taking allergy medications or any other drugs during pregnancy. Work with your doctor to weigh the severity of your allergy symptoms against the possible risks to your baby from taking allergy medications.
If possible, limit your exposure to anything that triggers your allergy symptoms. This may decrease your need for allergy medications. Also, keep in mind that nasal congestion often gets worse during pregnancy due to hormone changes. This occurs even in women who don't have allergies.
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