A pregnant woman's nose is stuffy. Runny nose and nasal congestion during pregnancy: causes and methods of treatment. Wash solutions

01.04.2024 -

During pregnancy, a woman is susceptible to various diseases, as the immune system deteriorates sharply. But the manifestation of symptoms is caused not only by the entry of viruses or bacteria into the body of the expectant mother. For example, nasal congestion and snot during pregnancy can be observed throughout the entire period of bearing a child, and disappear only after childbirth. Such manifestations do not have a cold-like character, but act in the same role as, for example, toxicosis. But there are other reasons for prolonged nasal congestion. In this article we will consider whether such a phenomenon is dangerous, the factors influencing its occurrence, and ways to eliminate it.

Causes

Rhinitis in pregnant women is often diagnosed in the first trimester; it is usually triggered by a viral disease. Women are most susceptible to rhinitis during pregnancy in the autumn and winter, when colds are very common. However, the nature of the origin of such a disease as rhinitis in pregnant women can be not only infectious, but also bacterial. In addition, nasal congestion can be caused by an allergic reaction in pregnant women, since a pregnant woman is more susceptible to allergens.

In addition to the above reasons, a common source of runny nose and nasal congestion during pregnancy are hormonal changes in the female body, which lead to hormonal rhinitis in pregnant women. Hormonal imbalances are caused by pregnancy.

The dangers of nasal congestion during pregnancy

Nasal congestion during early pregnancy does not pose any danger if the runny nose is successfully treated during the first 8 weeks. In case of nasal congestion in later stages, a lack of oxygen may occur and, as a result, difficulties in development. If the sources of constant nasal congestion during pregnancy are infections caused by bacteria or viruses, then the most terrible complication is miscarriage.

Hormonal rhinitis during pregnancy does not have absolutely no terrible consequences for either the mother or the child. However, breathing difficulties always cause discomfort to people. For pregnant women, this discomfort is especially dangerous, since lack of sleep caused by nasal congestion leads to a feeling of constant fatigue. This feeling, in turn, is one of the most common causes of colds, since the body is very weakened and, as a result, immunity is reduced.

Symptoms

Symptoms of difficult breathing during pregnancy vary. It depends on the cause of its occurrence. Snot in pregnant women, as previously written, can be caused by several sources. Each type of congestion is characterized by certain symptoms.
Constant nasal congestion during pregnancy, which is accompanied by discharge with pus, as well as elevated body temperature, indicates the presence of rhinitis in the patient. In addition, rhinitis in pregnant women is accompanied by symptoms such as a wet cough and constant fatigue.

If the source of breathing difficulties is bacteria, then the pregnant woman will experience discharge with a thicker texture and a greenish tint.

In the case of a special type of nasal congestion - hormonal rhinitis, pregnant women do not observe any discharge, but only feel dryness in the nose and its swelling.

Nasal congestion caused by an allergic reaction during pregnancy is accompanied by thin and clear nasal discharge, as well as swelling and watery eyes.

How to get rid of nasal congestion during pregnancy

Questions about how to treat snot and how to relieve nasal congestion during pregnancy must be answered by a doctor. If usually all people try to eliminate congestion on their own, without resorting to going to a medical facility, then in the case of pregnancy this is absolutely impossible to do. Many drugs have a contraindication that says “prohibited for use by pregnant women.”

Drug treatment

Snot during pregnancy or congestion without discharge must be treated in the early stages to avoid complications. To do this, you should seek help from an otolaryngologist. However, even after its prescription, it is recommended to carefully study the annotations for the prescribed medications and, if you find an undesirable column in the contraindications, contact your doctor with a request to change the drug. There are several types of treatment for snot during pregnancy, depending on the symptoms and cause of the disease. If the doctor has diagnosed hormonal rhinitis, then no medications are prescribed in this case.

If a patient has rhinitis caused by infections or bacteria, appropriate treatment is prescribed. In case of self-medication or incorrectly selected medications, drug-induced rhinitis may occur, which can have both acute and chronic forms. An important step in the treatment of rhinitis during pregnancy is rinsing with saline solutions. Thanks to this stage, the nasal mucosa is cleared of secretions and germs. The doctor may also prescribe vasoconstrictor drugs to facilitate breathing, however, this type of medication negatively affects the blood vessels in the placenta, which leads to disruption of the child’s nutrition and blood circulation. It is important to note that the vasoconstrictor nasal spray is addictive.

When diagnosing bacterial congestion, treatment consists of medications aimed at combating bacteria. The doctor prescribes a pregnant woman
even antibiotics for the patient, since today many drugs have been developed that do not cause any harm to the fetus. In addition to the tablets, the doctor will definitely prescribe nasal drops with an antibacterial effect, which are safe during pregnancy. If congestion is caused by an allergic reaction to certain factors, then, as a rule, drugs are prescribed that create a protective boundary between the source of the allergy and the nasal mucosa.

ethnoscience

During pregnancy, even doctors are more inclined to treat nasal congestion with folk remedies. A common piece of advice to make breathing easier is to constantly humidify the air in the room where an pregnant woman is. Drinking fluids in large quantities, rinsing the nasal sinuses with saline solutions, as well as inhaling still water filled with minerals - all these recommendations will only benefit pregnant women.

Popular remedies from the field of traditional medicine are warming the feet and warming the nasal septum with heated salt or sand folded in a cotton bag. Also a popular medicine is a solution of onion juice. In addition to onion juice, juice from carrots, lemon and aloe is used as drops.

Nasal massage is an effective remedy in the fight against congestion during pregnancy. This procedure has a certain sequence in which the outer side of the nose is warmed up first, and then the wings of the nose themselves. The final stage is a massage of the nasal septum; the massage process takes ten minutes and must be repeated three to four times a day.

To summarize, we can say that only some types of breathing difficulties can be dangerous for pregnant women, however, with properly selected and timely treatment, all complications can be avoided. It is important to remember that when an illness occurs, a pregnant woman needs complete rest in order to gain strength to fight the disease.

More than 30% of women face the problem of nasal congestion during pregnancy. It is believed that this is one of the pathological conditions characteristic of this period of life - rhinitis during pregnancy. In most cases, the manifestation does not pose a health hazard, but requires the prompt adoption of active measures to eliminate it.

Causes of the pathological condition

The development of the condition is associated with the physiological characteristics of the gestation period. Nasal congestion during pregnancy can often occur due to a decrease in the activity of the immune response, provoked by changes in the balance of hormones. This makes a woman’s body more susceptible to the influence of negative environmental factors and susceptible to infectious diseases.

Nasal congestion during pregnancy can be dangerous for the woman and baby

The main reasons causing the development of the pathological condition include:

The development of infectious diseases of bacterial or viral origin.
Swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose caused by changes in the concentration of hormones.
Swelling of the nasal membranes due to an increase in the volume of circulating blood.
Drying of the mucous membranes due to low environmental humidity, which triggers compensatory mechanisms for the secretion of nasal mucus.
Development of an allergic reaction.
Inflammation of the membranes in the nasal sinuses – sinusitis.

Even disorders of the nervous system caused by stress, fear of pregnancy and childbirth cause nonspecific reactions, which may include a runny nose.

Conditions provoked by infection occur in the autumn-winter, less often in the spring, period. The pathology is often manifested by severe swelling of the mucous membrane and copious secretion of mucus from the nose. Often accompanied by accompanying symptoms characteristic of a particular pathogen.

Consequences of rhinitis in the 1st trimester

Although in most cases the condition does not pose a health hazard, it can provoke the development of other pathologies. The consequences of the condition are dangerous to varying degrees for specific periods of pregnancy.

The presence of a short-term runny nose, which disappears on its own within up to 8 weeks. does not pose a threat to the health of the expectant mother and fetus. Prolonged rhinitis is potentially dangerous for both organisms, especially for the unborn child.

In the 1st trimester, the formation of organs and systems of the fetus occurs. The slightest disruption of these physiological processes due to insufficient oxygen supply to the mother’s body leads to severe developmental pathologies or death of the fetus. During this period, it is strongly recommended that at the slightest manifestation of a runny nose, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Only he knows for sure how to get rid of pathology and not harm the health of a woman and her unborn child.

Possible consequences of the condition in the 2nd trimester

In the middle of pregnancy, increased growth of already established organs and their systems occurs, which requires a greater supply of oxygen than usual. With prolonged runny nose, the processes of formation of new tissues and organ growth are disrupted, which leads to underdevelopment of organ systems and serious defects in the fetus.

In the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, the main causes of a runny nose are infectious diseases

Also, during the 2nd trimester, a woman is especially susceptible to infectious diseases. If she gets a viral infection, there is a significant risk of damage to the fetus, which can provoke abnormalities in its development. In this regard, a woman with a runny nose during the 2nd trimester needs adequate treatment.

The danger of rhinitis in the 3rd trimester

During this period, the child’s body prepares for birth. Prolonged insufficient oxygen supply can lead to premature birth. In this case, a child is born with different degrees of prematurity, which requires special care.

Main symptoms of rhinitis in pregnant women

The condition is characterized by various manifestations, among which the most common are :

feeling of nasal congestion;
sneezing;
discomfort or itching in the nasal cavity;
cough.

Less common are headaches of varying severity. The condition may be accompanied by noise or ringing in the ears.

Almost half of women experience malaise and a feeling of weakness. Emotional individuals may experience mood swings or a stable decrease in mood.

How to get rid of a runny nose without drugs

In the case where the pathology is not caused by an infectious disease, allergy or hormonal disorders uncharacteristic of pregnancy, unpleasant symptoms can be overcome without the use of medications. But it is recommended to resort to treatment only with the doctor’s permission and it is advisable to constantly monitor the doctor.

The following will help overcome the condition:

compliance with the water regime - drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid per day;
exclusion of coffee and caffeine-containing products from the diet;
minimizing contact with possible irritants of the nasal mucosa - powders, smoke, paints, etc.;
avoiding contact with potential allergens - dust, animal hair, pollen, etc.;
wearing warm clothes in the cold season prevents the nasal mucous membranes from drying out;
moderate physical activity will reduce swelling of the nasal cavity;

A big role is played by the humidity of the environment in the room where the woman is. To normalize it, it is recommended to use a humidifier. It will help improve the microclimate and maintain it at an optimal level. This will allow you to quickly reduce the load on the respiratory system, protect the mucous membranes from drying out, and prevent their irritation. It is recommended to consult a doctor before purchasing the device.

Physiotherapeutic methods to relieve symptoms

One of the ways to alleviate the symptoms and prevent the condition is breathing exercises. It is performed according to the following algorithm:

Close one nostril with your finger.
Through the second one take a deep breath, then smoothly exhale through it.
Change nostrils.
Inhale and exhale through the other nostril.

Warming up your feet before bed has worked well. Despite the widespread use of the method of warming the feet with mustard, it is not advisable to use it while carrying a child. It is recommended to use warm water.

A special acupressure massage will help reduce symptoms. They do it like this:

Press on the middle of the bridge of the nose.
Perform 15-20 circular movements clockwise.
Make the same number of similar movements counterclockwise.
Massage the wings of the nose with your index fingers, similar to movements on the bridge of the nose.
Press on the area between the lips and nose and perform the same manipulations.
Begin a similar massage at a point located in the middle of the chin.
Repeat the complex 3-4 times during the day.

If there is excessive nasal mucus, you can resort to inhalation. It is worth using a weak solution of soda or salt. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus or mint essential oil. The water should not be too hot so as not to injure the mucous membranes of the nose and respiratory tract.

Drug treatment for runny nose

Among medications, vasoconstrictors and antiallergic drugs are widely used. If the condition is caused by a bacterial infection, antiseptics or antibiotics may be used. Before taking any medication, you should consult a doctor, otherwise there is a high risk of harm to the health of the fetus.

Prevention of the condition

The main way to prevent the condition outside the autumn-winter period is to avoid contact with allergens and substances that irritate the mucous membranes. If this cannot be achieved, appropriate treatment must be started as soon as possible. During the cold season, it is recommended to minimize your stay in crowded places, since in them the likelihood of contracting an infectious disease is much higher.

Timely treatment of allergies will help relieve nasal congestion in pregnant women during the warm season

During pregnancy, it is recommended to use a humidifier. It will prevent the membranes of the nasal cavity from drying out and make the indoor microclimate more comfortable, which has a positive effect on the state of the nervous system.

Nasal congestion in pregnant women is caused by a number of reasons. Timely exposure to them and compliance with preventive measures will allow you to effectively resist the disease. At the slightest health problem, a pregnant woman should seek help from a doctor as soon as possible.

In most cases, this condition appears as a result of infectious diseases caused by viruses or pathogenic bacteria. Such diseases include:

ARVI

Factors that influence the development of the pathological condition include:

Hypothermia
Stressful situations
Decreased body defenses
Avitaminosis

Nasal congestion is usually accompanied by difficulty breathing through the nose, rhinorrhea, fever, headache, and cough. Also, allergic reactions may cause watery eyes, sneezing, and redness of the eyelids. In some cases, drowsiness, loss of appetite, dizziness, and pain in the nose area occur.

Possible complications of pathology during pregnancy include fetal hypoxia and intoxication of the body. With nasal congestion, a woman feels constant fatigue, and an increase in pressure is often observed. Toxicosis is also considered an undesirable consequence.

Dangerous consequences for women are also:

Hearing loss, appearance.
The occurrence of sinusitis.
Bronchospasm.
Laryngopathy.
Development of pharyngitis or sore throat.
Chronic infection.
Early discharge of amniotic fluid.
Blood loss during delivery.
Inflammation of the reproductive system.
Complications after childbirth.

If the condition is accompanied by a cough, the tone of the uterus increases, resulting in a risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

Is the condition dangerous for the fetus?

Experts say that during pregnancy, nasal congestion caused by infection is dangerous. This is explained by the fact that there is a risk of intrauterine infection of the fetus.

In addition, infectious diseases disrupt gas exchange in the lungs, which affects the development of hypoxia in the embryo.

In this case, the fetus experiences oxygen starvation, which subsequently leads to mental retardation.

If nasal congestion is accompanied by elevated temperature, the fetus may develop defects of the heart and blood vessels, muscle and bone tissue, and nervous system. This condition is also dangerous due to increased uterine tone, intrauterine fetal death, and impaired blood circulation in the placenta.

Safe drug treatment

Treatment of nasal congestion in pregnant women should be aimed at eliminating the underlying cause of the disease, as well as relieving the main symptoms. In addition, it is important to remember that independent selection of medications and treatment with them during pregnancy is strictly prohibited.

This is because many medications can affect fetal development. Therefore, a woman needs to seek help from a qualified specialist who will prescribe safe treatment.

Therapy may include the use of the following groups of drugs:

Vasoconstrictor medications. For rhinorrhea and congestion of the nasal passages, drops such as Xymelin or Tizin are prescribed with caution. It is necessary to know that such medications can affect the formation of the fetus, so the decision about whether to use them or not must be made by the doctor.
Saline solutions. Safe products during pregnancy are solutions based on sea salt, for example, No-salt. They are used to rinse the nose.
Herbal preparations. You can use homeopathic medicine Delufen and herbal medicine for nasal congestion. These drugs reduce the inflammatory process, reduce the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, and relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa.
Antibacterial drugs. From the fourteenth week of pregnancy, a pregnant woman may be prescribed local antibiotics: Isofra or.

Also important components of treatment are drinking regime, proper and balanced nutrition, intake of vitamins, optimal temperature and humidification of the air in the room.

In addition, vitamin and mineral complexes are also prescribed.

It must be remembered that the use of medications is justified during pregnancy when the benefit to the pregnant woman outweighs the likelihood of danger to the unborn child. During pregnancy, you can use safe folk remedies.

Effective folk remedies

Drinking warm milk with honey.
Nasal drops of juice or.
Instillation of the nasal passages with carrots or.
Massage of the wings of the nose.
Apply to the bridge of the nose and temples.

Drinking teas from medicinal plants is also an effective medicine. The following medicinal herbs are suitable for pregnant women:

Chamomile
St. John's wort
Plantain
Linden (flowers)
Strawberry (leaves)

You can instill infusions of wild mallow, yarrow, sage, oregano, and coltsfoot into your nose.

Nasal rinsing and inhalation

Effective and safe methods for treating nasal congestion during pregnancy are inhalation and nasal rinsing.

Why a runny nose may occur during pregnancy

A runny nose can darken the condition of almost every woman who is in an interesting situation. It is a pregnant woman who is more susceptible to acute respiratory infections than other people. And there is a completely logical explanation for this.

Colds. The immunity of a woman carrying a child decreases, which makes her more susceptible to viral and infectious diseases.
Changes in hormonal levels. Due to hormonal changes and increased production of progesterone and estrogen, swelling of the nasal mucosa occurs, causing the woman to feel stuffy.
Drying of the mucous membrane nose during pregnancy. Firstly, this occurs due to an increase in the amount of blood in the body. Secondly, the cause of trouble may be insufficient air humidity or the presence of allergens in it.
Available even before pregnancy chronic diseases of the nasopharynx– deviated septum, sinusitis, adenoids. They can worsen during pregnancy. That is why it is important to visit an otolaryngologist at the planning stage.

How dangerous is a runny nose during pregnancy?

If in a non-pregnant state women often do not pay practically any attention to a runny nose, then, being in an interesting position, many questions arise about this. Chief among them is what is the danger of a runny nose?

In the early stages, the greatest danger is not the runny nose itself, but what caused it. This may be the result of an infection entering the body. In turn, viruses enter the child’s blood, which in the early stages can provoke.

In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, a runny nose and its symptoms, in particular nasal congestion, prevent oxygen from entering the body of both mother and child. If nothing is done, this can provoke the development of hypoxia.

In addition, complications that can cause a runny nose are also dangerous. Among them:

sinusitis;
acute sinusitis;

acute sinusitis;
proliferation of polyps in the nasal cavity.

How and what to treat a runny nose during pregnancy

1st trimester

When treating a runny nose in the first weeks of pregnancy, it is worth remembering that the placenta is still at the stage of formation, and everything that enters the mother’s body easily reaches the fetus. Using simple techniques will help get rid of the problem without harming the unborn child. Among them, we note the following options.

It is necessary to ensure the humidity level in the room is not lower than 60-65%. This prevents the nasal mucosa from drying out and makes breathing easier.
It is necessary to ensure regular ventilation for 15-20 minutes and keep the temperature no more than 22-23° C. This will eliminate the virus as soon as possible.
If discharge appears, you should regularly clean your nose with saline solution. You can prepare it yourself, or you can buy it ready-made at the pharmacy.
To make breathing easier, you can use “Star” balm, which is applied to the wings of the nose.
To moisturize the mucous membrane after washing, it should be lubricated with peach or sea buckthorn oil.

2nd trimester

From about 12-13 weeks, in addition to the usual cold, a pregnant woman may develop vasomotor rhinitis. The phenomenon is not rare and is caused by increased production of progesterone and estrogen, which provokes swelling of the mucous membrane and, as a result, difficulty breathing.

This condition does not require special treatment, however, if the symptoms are severe, the doctor may prescribe approved vasoconstrictor drops.

When you have a cold or runny nose recommended:

regular rinsing of the nose with saline solution;
maintaining the required level of humidity in the room.

In particularly severe cases, the doctor may prescribe drug therapy to avoid complications. The drug is selected individually, taking into account how the pregnancy progresses.

If the runny nose is bacterial in nature, then antiseptics, for example, Miramistin, will help. In particularly severe cases, the doctor may prescribe an appointment.

When an allergic rhinitis occurs, it is necessary to identify the allergen and prescribe appropriate treatment. Typically, your doctor will prescribe the use of hormonal nasal drops.

3rd trimester

In the last weeks before giving birth absolutely not recommended self-medicate a runny nose. During this period there is a very large load on the mother’s body. In addition, the placenta ages and copes with its “responsibilities” less and less well, and various medications can easily penetrate to the fetus.

Standard procedures remain unchanged in treatment:

rinsing the nose and moisturizing its mucous membrane;
maintaining humidity in the room;
walks in the air and regular ventilation.

If this is not enough to alleviate the condition, you should consult a doctor. He may prescribe inhalations with mineral water or essential oils. In particularly difficult situations, the doctor prescribes a short course of vasoconstrictor drugs, such as Vibrocil or Otrivin.

If necessary, if there is a high risk of complications, antibiotics or hormonal agents may be prescribed.

What medications for the common cold are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy?

During pregnancy strictly vasoconstrictors are contraindicated nasal medications, such as Naphthyzin, Otrivin, Vibrocil, etc. They not only do not cure a runny nose, but also negatively affect the development of the fetus.

Their effect is to temporarily improve the condition, but they are not able to eliminate the real cause. In addition, such products are addictive when used for more than 5-7 days. In turn, constant instillation has toxic effects on the child.

The danger also lies in the fact that when using vasoconstrictor drops, some part of the dose enters the esophagus, and, consequently, to the fetus, causing circulatory disorders.

You should also be careful when using plant-based drops. Need to study carefully compound and make sure that none of the components will cause an allergic reaction.

Folk remedies for a runny nose and what to avoid

Some of the traditional medicine can be used to treat a runny nose during pregnancy.

Nasal drops from apple or aloe juice: 5-7 drops 3 times a day. This method gives an antiviral and antibacterial effect.
Drink plenty of herbal infusions and vitamin-containing drinks. This could be rosehip decoction, tea with lemon juice, warm milk with honey, cranberry and currant fruit drinks.
Rinsing the nose with salt water. To prepare, use a glass of warm water and 1 teaspoon of any salt.

But the use of various herbal infusions should be treated with caution and better before use get your doctor's approval. It is also not recommended to do various types of heating of the sinuses, as this can only aggravate the problem.

Prevention of runny nose during pregnancy

Few people manage to avoid colds during pregnancy. Still, simple recommendations can help.

Avoid hypothermia.
Stay in crowded places as little as possible.
Do not contact people who are sick or have recently had acute respiratory infections.
Spend more time outdoors.
Avoid getting allergens into the nasal cavity.
Take special prenatal vitamins that will help strengthen your weakened immune system.
Monitor the air humidity in the room: it should be at least 50%.

Video about runny nose during pregnancy

A short video about the treatment of a runny nose will help you find out what to do if the disease strikes you during pregnancy. Simple techniques and recommendations will allow you to get rid of the disease in the shortest possible time.

A stuffy nose is a rather unpleasant phenomenon that each of us faces from time to time. Kir Bulychev, a children's science fiction writer, describing our distant future in his books, jokingly noted that the only misfortune that humanity has not figured out how to deal with is a runny nose.

Many pregnant women experience difficulty breathing or even nosebleeds. Thickening of the mucous membrane and changes in the shape of the nose are also common these days in pregnant women. The body works in a new way, gets used to its new position, the reaction to pregnancy can be completely unpredictable. If the cause of a stuffy nose is hormonal changes, then after childbirth everything falls into place.

There can be many reasons for nasal congestion during pregnancy, in addition to hormonal changes. The treatment regimen depends on these reasons. Therefore, if you have a stuffy nose during pregnancy, you should first consult a doctor.

Stuffy nose during pregnancy due to sinusitis

Sinusitis is swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose. In this case there is no runny nose as such. Breathing is difficult, oxygen supply is significantly reduced. And now it is doubly needed - both for the mother and for her unborn baby. When the nose is stuffy, secretions stagnate in the sinuses, and this serves as an excellent breeding ground for harmful bacteria and microbes.

Sinusitis: how to treat the nose during pregnancy?

If you have sinusitis, it is enough to improve your living conditions a little so that comfortable breathing can resume:

Buy a good humidifier. Many swelling in the nasal cavity occurs precisely because of dry warm air. It will definitely come in handy after childbirth; it is also advisable for children to breathe cool and well-humidified air (you can read more in the books of E.O. Komarovsky). It is better not to skimp on this household appliance. And it would be ideal to purchase an air purifier in addition to it. Not 2 in 1, but two different devices. This will significantly improve the air quality in the apartment, which means there are fewer irritating factors for difficulty breathing. Another plus is that wet cleaning will be needed less often. And this is important after the birth of the baby!
The air in the room must be constantly updated. In other words, try to ventilate all rooms more often, take walks, and breathe fresh air. If possible, it is better not to be in a smoky room. Passive smoking is no less harmful than active smoking. First of all, your baby will suffer, secondly, the nose will again be stuffy during pregnancy.
Try to drink plenty of fluids, ideally plain water. It is usually recommended to drink about 8 glasses a day, evenly, without getting drunk at night. But if, for example, your legs are swollen, it is better to limit the amount of liquid, especially avoiding its consumption before bed!
You can try inhalation; we will talk about this in more detail in a separate chapter.
Rinsing is perfect not only as a treatment for the nose during pregnancy, but also as a prevention against colds and viral diseases. You can purchase ready-made solutions at any pharmacy, or prepare them yourself, based on the following proportions: a teaspoon of sea salt per 0.5 liter. water.
You can do acupressure facial massage yourself or ask someone close to you. Usually they massage the wings of the nose, the sinuses from the nose to the ears, and the area under the eyes.

During pregnancy, the most common allergies may suddenly arise, which again causes sinusitis. Then the doctor prescribes decongestants and antihistamines.

Stuffy nose during pregnancy due to rhinitis

If a pregnant woman has a runny nose, then there are two possible sources of its occurrence: a virus or an allergy.

Only your doctor can determine this for sure, so you should not neglect a visit to him, much less engage in independent treatment.

Allergies are not uncommon during pregnancy; your doctor will definitely tell you how to deal with it.

Viral rhinitis is the most dangerous, because any virus can cause serious harm to the baby! And most of the usual drugs are simply prohibited.

Nasal congestion during pregnancy: treatment of rhinitis

Since only a doctor can prescribe an exact treatment regimen, let’s try to at least alleviate the unpleasant symptoms ourselves:

Again, try to improve air quality: cool, moderately humid and clean air promotes a speedy recovery.
Rinsing the nose during pregnancy with the same saline solution.
Try to drink more liquids with an emphasis on vitamin C. For example, water or tea with lemon, cranberry or lingonberry fruit drinks.
Try to find a comfortable sleeping position with your head slightly elevated above your body. For example, you can place a second pillow under your upper back, neck, and head.
As a last resort, buy nasal drops; they are not advisable during pregnancy, but if nothing else helps, there is no point in suffering either. Let's talk about this separately.

How to drip your nose during pregnancy

Ideally, of course, nothing. The fact is that absolutely all vasoconstrictor drops narrow these very vessels not only where they need to be - in the nasal passage, but also where it is better not to touch at all - in the placenta.

The placenta is present in a woman's body only during her pregnancy. Its function is to protect the unborn baby from all kinds of viruses and infections, as well as its nutrition and supply of necessary vitamins, minerals, and oxygen.

What happens in the body of a pregnant woman when using vasoconstrictor drugs, such as drops? Based on their name, they affect the vessels of the placenta, through which everything so necessary for the development of the baby is transmitted. Hence the lack of nutrients and oxygen, and this in turn can lead to such a phenomenon as fetal hypoxia.

It is clear that a one-time use will not cause any serious damage. Therefore, if you decide to use it, then only as a last resort, try not to use it too often. In general, use for more than three days is not indicated for all people, pregnant women and even more so.

What nasal drops can be used during pregnancy?

If you decide to buy nasal drops, then buy them for children, or better yet, for newborns. It is worth instilling once before going to bed (the feeling of stuffiness mainly occurs in a horizontal position). Next - as the nose stuffs up.

What will traditional medicine tell you?

A fairly well-known method that uses onion juice or aloe flowers. Any juice is slightly diluted with boiled water and dripped into the nose 2-3 times a day, two drops.
For a glass of brewed black tea there is one teaspoon of soda. You also need to drip 2 drops into each nostril 3 times a day.
The use of certain medicinal oils also effectively combats runny nose in pregnant women. Peach, rosehip or sea buckthorn oil should be diluted with olive oil in a ratio of 1:20 and the resulting solution should be instilled into the nose.
A decoction of chamomile or sage herbs can be used as a nasal rinse.
Warming up the sinuses. Due to the flow of blood to the inflamed area, the mucus thins and comes out more easily, freeing the nasal passage. This method is suitable if the woman does not have an elevated body temperature. You can apply freshly boiled eggs in the shell to your sinuses, or soft bags filled with heated buckwheat or salt. There are no restrictions on the frequency, duration and number of procedures.
Inhalations during pregnancy are best carried out using special devices - nebulizers, if this is not possible, then covering your head under a towel over a saucepan. It is recommended that pregnant women do inhalation for no longer than five minutes, and after it they should not go outside for some time. Infusions of chamomile, calendula, eucalyptus leaves, St. John's wort and sage are suitable for inhalation.

Let's sum it up

There can be several reasons for nasal congestion. Swelling of the nose during pregnancy (sinusitis) is the simplest and easiest thing that can happen. Only a doctor can determine how to treat nasal congestion during pregnancy after a diagnosis has been made. But you can alleviate your condition at home: more fresh, clean, humidified air, less tobacco smoke in the area, and so on. Washing, inhalation - all this is easily available in the 21st century. Everything else - medications, nasal drops and the like should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.

Nasal congestion is an unpleasant and fairly common phenomenon. There is no particular danger for both the mother and her unborn child, unless, of course, it is neglected. Otherwise, nasal congestion may become chronic, and the baby will suffer from a lack of necessary oxygen. He will immediately let you know about this with intense kicks and constant restless movements.

Help yourself and try not to go to extremes! Forewarned is forearmed, that is, prevention is always better than cure!