Hi,As someone who has spent the last three years dealing with chronic hives, please be aware that it is estimated that at least 50% are autoimmune in nature. For some they will go into remission during pregnancy (a sign they are autoimmune). There is an incredible lack of knowledge even among allergists.   Hives that don't last long are more likely to be an allergic reaction. A good starting place on chronic hives is:http://www.urticaria.thunderworksinc.com/   B/C of the information that I found there, coupled with allergy tests, has mine controlled with a low salicylate diet (which also helped my IBS). Many people end up on lots of drug--right now the rage is Xolair which is very expensive.  I was fortunate not to have to do that, esp. since I worsened with many of the standard drugs.The diet restricts my life but at least I can function.As I told the original poster off list weaning is not likely to stop the hives in this mother, it was the pregnancy that did it last time.  It is an awful condition but I have friends with much more serious illnesses that I suck it up. I have several minor autoimmune conditions--I just do my best to control them.Melissa Vance, JD, LLLL

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