A congested nose while pregnant, or pregnancy rhinitis, is a common concern. Stuffy noses and even nosebleeds that aren't linked to allergy or infection occur at some point during pregnancy for one out of five women, according to the National Institutes of Health. Understanding what causes the congestion and familiarizing yourself with treatment options allows you to effectively and safely relieve your stuffy nose symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis include a runny, drippy nose, sneezing, congestion and an accompanying cough. Some women also experience nasal itching and nosebleeds, the latter of which are usually initiated by frequent nose-blowing. The nasal pressure and congestion also sometimes cause painful sinus headaches.
Causes
Pregnancy congestion occurs because the high levels of estrogen and progesterone produced by the body during pregnancy increase blood flow to mucous membranes in the nose and mouth. This rush of hormones causes mucous membranes to swell and soften, resulting in your nose becoming stuffed and bleeding easily. Estrogen also triggers mucous production and causes it to become thick or thin, which is why you experience a runny nose sometimes and congestion at other times.
Increased blood volume throughout the body during pregnancy can also lead to sinus congestion and nosebleeds.
Treatment Options
Although sinus congestion tends to persist throughout pregnancy and generally doesn't disappear until after delivery, a variety of methods exist for relieving symptoms. Antihistamines and nasal sprays are often not recommended during pregnancy, but you can use saline spray in your nose. A warm-mist humidifier also soothes and calms delicate nasal passages. And you can ease the dryness in your nose by inserting a small amount of petroleum jelly in each nostril.
Low-impact aerobic exercise reduces swelling and nasal congestion, as does drinking adequate water. Studies have also found a link between inadequate vitamin D levels and rhinitis, so get some sun if possible and make sure to take your prenatal vitamins.
Avoid nosebleeds by consuming vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, and use caution when blowing your nose. Close one nostril with your thumb and blow gently on the other side. If you do experience a nosebleed, lean forward slightly and pinch the area right above your nostrils until the bleeding stops.
Considerations
Occasionally, what you thought was pregnancy congestion turns out to be a sinus infection. Call your doctor if your condition seems to worsen or if you have facial pain, fever or discolored mucous.
References
- The New York Sinus Center: Pregnancy Rhinitis
- Pregnancy.org: Pregnancy Rhinitis - Sneezing, Sniffing and Congestion
- "Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology"; Clinical and Pathogenetic Characteristics of Pregnancy Rhinitis; EK Ellegård, et al.; Jun. 26, 2004
- FamilyDoctor.org; Changes in Your Body During Pregnancy - Second Trimester; October 2009
- What to Expect: Nasal Congestion During Pregnancy and Nosebleeds During Pregnancy
- BabyMed; Sinus Congestion During Pregnancy; 2009
