Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are available over the counter as Sudafed and are safe for many women to use during pregnancy. Nasal decongestants such as Afrin oxymetazoline are very effective at temporarily relieving congestion.
However they are generally a pregnancy category C and should be used sparingly if at all during pregnancy and not during the first trimester.
Stuffy nose during pregnancy first trimester. Pregnancy rhinitis is congestion or a stuffy nose during pregnancy. It may feel similar to the nasal congestion you get when you have a cold but this condition is partly caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. For example a higher level of estrogen during pregnancy can cause the lining of the nasal passages to swell producing more mucus.
You also have more blood circulating during pregnancy. Another good pregnancy-safe remedy for a stuffy nose during pregnancy that you can try at home is to simply run a warm shower or bath and let the steam help soften the mucus and clear your nostrils so you can breathe again. Not to mention the added effect of relaxation and reinvigoration.
When should I call the doctor about my stuffy nose and congestion during pregnancy. You can always bring up a stuffy nose and nosebleeds at your next prenatal appointment or make a call sooner if youre very uncomfortable. This way your practitioner can make sure your congestion isnt a sign of something more serious like sinusitis.
Be sure youve had the flu shot as youre more. It is similar to a stuffy nose during cold but occurs due to hormonal changes in pregnancy. There is an increase in blood volume and estrogen levels causing swelling in the lining of nasal passages resulting in more mucus.
The excess blood circulation swells the tiny blood vessels inside your nose and leads to nasal congestion during pregnancy. Up to 30 percent of pregnant women will suffer from the stuffy nose during pregnancy without having allergies or a viral infection. This bizarre pregnancy symptom is called pregnancy rhinitis and it can begin in your first trimesterFortunately it disappears completely within two weeks after delivery.
So your stuffy nose may just be because youre pregnantor it could be a sign of illness like a cold the flu a sinus infection or allergies. How To Treat Nasal Congestion If you dont have any other signs of a cold or allergies nasal congestion isnt worrisome Prager says. According to Baby Center the high levels of estrogen during pregnancy can cause the lining of the nasal passages to swell producing more mucus.
The effect pregnancy rhinitis can have on a mother Pregnancy rhinitis is sometimes called pregnancy drip due to the constant runny nose it causes. Often it makes it challenging to taste or enjoy food. Pregnancy rhinitis can also make it difficult to sleep as.
Whats rhinitis of pregnancy. Pregnancy rhinitis is nasal congestion that lasts for six or more weeks during pregnancy. Rhinitis affects between 18 and 42 percent of pregnant women.
Plain saline drops and sprays are always safe to take when youre expecting and can help clear and moisturize a stuffy nose. Benadryl and Claritin often get the green light during pregnancy but be sure to check with your practitioner before taking them. Nasal decongestants such as Afrin oxymetazoline are very effective at temporarily relieving congestion.
However they are generally a pregnancy category C and should be used sparingly if at all during pregnancy and not during the first trimester. Using nasal decongestants for more than three days in a row can lead to rebound congestion. How do you get rid of a stuffy nose while pregnant.
What are the recommendations for pregnancy nasal congestion. Apply a warm wet washcloth to your cheeks eyes and nose to reduce congestion. Avoid using nasal sprays unless prescribed by your doctor because they can aggravate your symptoms.
More than just a stuffy nose Pregnancy rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose. This causes nasal congestion. Increased blood flow to the nasal passages and enlargement of the nasal veins also play a role.
This includes the tiny delicate vessels in your nose. More blood in your nose and body along with spiking hormone levels in pregnancy can sometimes lead to. What can I take for a stuffy nose while pregnant.
Decongestant medications reduce stuffiness and sinus pressure by constricting the blood vessels in your nose which reduces swelling. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are available over the counter as Sudafed and are safe for many women to use during pregnancy. When you think of side effects or symptoms brought on by pregnancy nasal congestion and runny nose are not typically among the first to come to mind.
But maybe they should. Having a stuffy nose difficulty breathing or sleeping and snoring when pregnant can be alarming especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the start of flu season. This is another BIG first trimester body change.
It is extremely common to experience mild nausea mostly in the form of morning sickness during the first trimester. It is also normal for pregnant women to experience nausea randomly during the day or even consistently at night though. You may have noticed an increase in the mucus in your nose.
This happens because during pregnancy your blood is circulating more causing blood vessels in the nose to swell. Steamy showers and humidifiers are great to ease any discomfort.