It's very common to be congested while you're pregnant. Congestion during pregnancy, also called rhinitis of pregnancy, is usually caused by changing hormones and increased blood flow, which can cause swelling in the blood vessels of your nose. Unfortunately, some of your favorite medicines for congestion may not be safe to take while you're pregnant. However, it's possible to relieve your pregnancy congestion symptoms in many ways.
Considerations
Although many medications are safe during pregnancy, it's a good idea to avoid medication as much as possible, especially if your symptoms are mild. Even relatively safe medicines can affect the growth of your fetus. Most drugs will go through the placental barrier to your baby, and studies on the safety of many drugs during pregnancy are limited. Talk with your health care provider about your symptoms and situation to determine the best treatment for your congestion during pregnancy.
Risk Categories for Medications During Pregnancy
The safety of medications during pregnancy is rated by the Food and Drug Administration on a letter scale from A to X. Medicines in Category A have been tested in controlled human studies and have demonstrated no risk to a fetus. Medicines in Category B and C have not been adequately studied for safety during pregnancy; there may be animal studies demonstrating some or no risk. Medicines in Category D do present risks to the fetus, but the benefits to the mother may outweigh the risks. Medicines in Category X should never be taken during pregnancy, because they present considerable risks to the fetus which outweigh the benefits.
Over-the-counter Medicines
Pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed, is the over-the-counter medicine most recommended for congestion during pregnancy. However, pseudoephedrine is classified in Category C, so there have not been sufficient human studies to demonstrate its safety during pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the first trimester, but you can use it during the second or third trimester if your doctor says it's okay.
Menthol chest rub is another over-the-counter medicine for congestion that you can use while pregnant. The active ingredient is peppermint essential oil; the vapors from the oil help the blood vessels in your nose dilate, making it easier for you to breathe. Rub a little bit under your nose to help clear your congestion.
Home Remedy Alternatives for Treating Congestion
Home remedies that do not include medications are another option for treating your congestion during pregnancy. One remedy that you can buy over-the-counter or make at home is nasal drops or spray. If you buy it over-the-counter, check the ingredients to make sure there are no medicated active ingredients; if there are, check with your care provider before you use it.
Other options for home remedies include sleeping at an angle by using two pillows, using nasal strips and steam. Sleeping with your head slightly raised will help the mucus drain from your nose. Nasal strips hold your nostrils open so you can breathe better. Steam helps loosen the mucus and drain your congestion.
