Nasal Congestion During Pregnancy: All That You Need to Know

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Pain, Causes, Signs Home Remedies

• Here is where your presentation begins

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A stuffy nose during the last couple of months of
your pregnancy can be quite bothersome. You may
worry that you are coming down with some
infection that could affect your baby. However,
rest assured that nasal congestion during
pregnancy is common and affects more women than
you may believe. The reason is that pregnancy
affects the nasal mucosa, leading to nasal
congestion and discomfort. Heres all you need
to know.
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What Causes Nose Congestion During
Pregnancy? Your mucous membranes, which line the
inside of your nose, get inflamed during
pregnancy. This results in a stuffy nose and
congestion. This is condition is called pregnancy
rhinitis. The exact cause of nasal congestion
is not known but hormonal changes are believed to
play an important role in aggravating this
condition. Fluctuation in the levels of
oestrogen, progesterone, HGH, and PGH hormones
can lead to inflamed mucous membranes. There
are more factors contributing to nasal
congestion. Pregnancy is a phase when the blood
flow to various parts of your body increases.
With this increased blood flow, nasal passages
and nasal veins enlarge. This also leads to a
stuffy nose during pregnancy. If you have gained
excessive weight during pregnancy, you are more
likely to develop pregnancy rhinitis too. Women
who smoke are at higher risk of developing
pregnancy rhinitis. Those suffering from
long-lasting nasal congestion, even before
pregnancy, are more likely to have pregnancy
rhinitis.
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When Do These Pregnancy Cold Symptoms
Develop? Pregnancy rhinitis is defined as the
nasal congestion experienced during the last six
weeks of pregnancy. This is usually not
accompanied by any other respiratory infection
symptoms or allergies. Also, it fades away on its
own, within two weeks, after childbirth. The
last six weeks are not the only time when you can
develop nasal congestion. Early pregnancy,
especially the first month is also a time when
some women may experience it. In fact, a stuffy
nose could be one of the first-trimester
pregnancy symptoms you may experience.
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What Are the Symptoms of Congestion While
Pregnant?

• If you are experiencing the symptoms of a common
  cold during early pregnancy or the last six
  weeks, it could be pregnancy rhinitis. The
  symptoms are usually similar to that of allergies
  or hay fever. However, nose congestion in
  pregnancy is not caused by a pathogen such as
  bacteria or virus. Also, this condition is not
  contagious.
• The main symptoms are
• Stuffy nose/runny nose
• Reduced sense of smell
• Pressure in the sinus region
• Mucous dripping down the back of your throat
  (post-nasal drip)
• Pressure in the ears, blocked ears
• Sneezing
• Sleep disturbances
• These cold symptoms, early pregnancy or later, no
  matter when you develop them, last six weeks and
  then subside. Your doctor will rule out other
  possibilities such as allergies and infections to
  determine whether this is pregnancy rhinitis.

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Will Pregnancy Rhinitis Affect Your Baby?
Pregnancy rhinitis does not affect your unborn
baby directly. However, it can disrupt your sleep
and prevent you from getting enough rest. Poor
breathing during sleep has been linked to several
pregnancy complications including gestational
diabetes, preeclampsia, and gestational
hypertension. A decline in your overall health
can impact your baby too.
Ignoring the condition can lead to ear or sinus
infections, which may need strong medications to
control. Some medications such as ibuprofen are
best avoided during pregnancy.
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Addressing Congestion During Pregnancy
Here are some tips for dealing with
pregnancy-related nasal congestion. Some of them
are home remedies, while others need your
doctors approval. Do not try any medications
without checking with your doctor first

• If you are allergic to specific things (dust,
  animal fur, and pollen) and this is setting off
  your pregnancy rhinitis, identifying allergens
  and avoiding them is the first step.
• To get immediate relief and enjoy a good nights
  sleep, rinse out your nasal passage with warm,
  salty water before bedtime. 
• Keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fluids such
  as water, fruit juices, and vegetable juices.
• .  

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• Use a humidifier at night to clear your nasal
  passage. You can also try taking steam to loosen
  the mucous and clear your sinuses.  
• Use dilating nasal strips to prevent breathing
  disruptions during sleep.
• Keep the head of your bed elevated to make
  breathing easier when you lie down. Use pillows
  to prop your head up without straining your neck
  if your bed is not adjustable. Wedge pillows are
  a good option for this. 
• Your doctor may advise medications that are safe
  to consume during pregnancy. These may be
  antihistamines or oral decongestants. However,
  only take these under medical supervision and
  double-check if they can be taken during
  pregnancy.
• With the doctors approval, you may be able to
  find relief with medicated nasal sprays. 

You need not worry about nasal congestion during
pregnancy. Taking the right care at the right
time will ensure that you and your baby are both
perfectly safe. Eat a healthy diet with enough
fruits, veggies, nuts, and essential nutrients.
Stay fit with the right kind of recommended
exercises and implement safe remedies to address
your stuffy nose. Thats all you need to pave the
way for a happy, healthy, and comfortable
pregnancy.
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Thanks!

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ongestion-during-pregnancy/