Expectant Mothers & Specialist Allergy Care
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Expectant Mothers Frequently Miss Specialist Allergy & Immunology Care
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New research highlights barriers to referral during pregnancy, potentially impacting maternal and fetal health.
Published: November 6, 2025, 15:07:56
ORLANDO, FL (November 6, 2025) – Allergies, asthma, and medication reactions are common during pregnancy and can pose risks to both mother and developing baby if not properly managed. However, a study presented at the 2025 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting reveals that obstetricians are often hesitant to refer pregnant patients to allergy and immunology specialists, even when such a referral could significantly improve care.
The research, led by Miriam Al-Saedy, MD, surveyed obstetric physicians to identify the obstacles preventing timely referrals. Understanding these barriers is crucial for optimizing outcomes for pregnant women with allergic and immunologic conditions.
Barriers to referral Identified
The abstract, titled “Barriers to Allergy and Immunology Referral in Pregnancy: A survey of Obstetric Physicians,” details the findings of the survey. While specific details of the survey results aren’t yet publicly available beyond the abstract, the presentation suggests key themes emerged regarding the reasons for limited referrals. These likely include:
- Lack of awareness regarding the scope of practice and expertise of allergists/immunologists.
- Concerns about medication safety during pregnancy, leading to a preference for managing conditions internally.
- Time constraints and logistical challenges associated with coordinating care between specialists.
- Perceived limited benefit of allergy/immunology consultation in certain cases.
These barriers highlight a potential gap in care for pregnant women who could benefit from specialized management of their allergic and immunologic conditions.
Why Allergy & Immunology Consultation Matters in Pregnancy
Allergic and immunologic conditions can significantly impact pregnancy. Such as:
- Asthma: poorly controlled asthma increases the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and low birth weight. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides detailed guidance on asthma management during pregnancy.
- Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): While often considered mild, severe allergic rhinitis can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and impacting overall maternal well-being.
- Medication Allergies: Identifying and safely managing medication allergies is critical, as many medications used during pregnancy require careful consideration.
- Urticaria and Angioedema: these conditions can be severe and require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
An allergist/immunologist can provide specialized expertise in:
- Developing safe and effective treatment plans tailored to pregnancy.
- Performing allergy testing to identify triggers.
- Managing severe allergic reactions.
- Providing guidance on medication safety.