Nasal congestion during pregnancy

Stuffy nose or nasal congestion during pregnancy is also known as pregnancy rhinitis where the symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis are similar to those of allergic rhinitis (‘hay fever’) and include a runny, itchy or congested nose, sneezing and watery eyes. While it might feel like you are getting a cold, pregnancy rhinitis is not associated with bacterial or viral infection and is therefore not contagious.

Stuffy nose or nasal congestion during pregnancy is caused by increased pregnancy hormones and blood in your body that make the lining of your nose swell, dry out and bleed.

Many pregnant women know the feeling of a stuffy nose, itchy eyes and post-nasal drip that seem to come out of nowhere during pregnancy. While it’s not a life-threatening medical condition, pregnancy rhinitis can be very troublesome — so what can you do to find some relief?

Here’s what you can do if you have or want to prevent a stuffy or runny nose or nosebleed:

• Use a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air in your home.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Put a few dabs of petroleum jelly on the insides of your nose.
• Use saline nose drops or nose rinse. Don’t use any other kind of medicine without talking to your provider first.

If you have a nosebleed:

• Sit up straight and lean forward.
• Breathe through your mouth and pinch your nose shut for 5 to 10 minutes with your thumb and finger.
• If you get blood in your mouth, spit it out. Swallowing it may upset your stomach.

How long will my ‘stuffy’ nose last?

While pregnancy rhinitis can occur at any time during pregnancy, it is most common during the first trimester. Symptoms may last for at least 6 weeks, but the good news is they usually disappear within 2 weeks after your baby’s birth.

Does stuffy nose while pregnant affect my unborn baby?

Many women with pregnancy rhinitis deliver healthy babies. However, any condition that reduces a pregnant mother’s sleep has the potential to impact on her baby. Symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis are especially felt at night, making it difficult to fall asleep, causing women to wake up frequently through the night and be sleepy during the day. Breathing through the mouth due to a blocked nose may increase the likelihood of airway infections.

There are insufficient studies to fully understand the impact of these on the growth and development of unborn babies. If you are concerned about your sleep or breathing during pregnancy, speak to your doctor to find the best way to clear your breathing passages and get proper sleep.

What causes nasal congestion during pregnancy?

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the lining of the nose. Women who are affected by allergies are likely to also experience similar symptoms during pregnancy. In these circumstances, symptoms are triggered by one or more allergens that may be seasonal (such as, pollens, fungi or molds) or perennial, or year-round, such as dust mites, pets or cockroaches.

Rhinitis in pregnancy may also have a non-allergic origin. It’s not known exactly why rhinitis occurs more frequently in pregnancy, but some researchers suggest that the larger blood volume and hormonal influences increase the likelihood of rhinitis by 10 to 30%.

Smoking is associated with pregnancy rhinitis, and it’s never too late for pregnant women and their partners – to quit smoking.

How is nasal congestion during pregnancy diagnosed?

Pregnancy rhinitis should be distinguished from other conditions such as infections, and your doctor can do this during a routine visit. X-rays and blood tests are usually not required to diagnose pregnancy rhinitis.

Pregnancy rhinitis should not cause significant breathing problems. If you feel you can’t get enough air, your chest feels very tight, you are breathless or feel like you’re being suffocated it might be a sign of a medical problem.

How is nasal congestion during pregnancy treated?

If your pregnancy rhinitis is triggered by a known allergen, you can try and avoid or limit your exposure.

Nasal irrigation is a drug-free technique to clear out air-borne allergens and mucus from blocked nostrils.

Using sterile salt water (saline) and a squirt bottle, spray solution into one nostril and let it drain out of the other nostril. This can provide relief and is a good solution during pregnancy.

Persistent symptoms can be managed individually. For example, if you have itchy-watery eyes, there are certain eye drops that are approved for use during pregnancy. Similarly, specific nasal sprays and antihistamines can be used, but always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine while pregnant.

Be cautious when seeking treatment

Many women use non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant sprays to open up their nasal passages. Know that these medicines don’t work for pregnancy rhinitis. These medicines may give you temporary relief. However, they may actually make your symptoms worse and lead to a complete nasal blockage.

Experts say you can breathe easy with these measures:

• Don’t use OTC nasal decongestants.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Increase the humidity levels in your home. Use a humidifier.
• Don’t use nasal irritants, such as cigarette smoke.
• Get moving. Regular, moderate-intensity exercise can reduce congestion. It can also help you sleep better. But first, check with your healthcare provider to see what exercises are safe for you.
• When you go to sleep, raise the head of your bed. For instance, use an extra pillow or a wedge.
• Ask your healthcare provider about using OTC nasal strips and saline sprays or drops.

The good news? Even if you don’t do anything, you can expect your stuffy nose to clear up soon after your baby is born. It often goes away within two weeks of childbirth.