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How to relieve your Blocked Nose during pregnancy

How to relieve your Blocked Nose during pregnancy

Published by Debby Pharmacist on 4th Aug 2024

With all the symptoms that you get whilst pregnant, you now have a blocked nose.  But how do you know if it is pregnancy rhinitis or is it the common cold that’s circulating around now it is winter?  But more importantly, what can you do about it because it is really affecting your sleep and sense of smell?

 

What is Pregnancy Rhinitis?

Pregnancy rhinitis affects around 32% of pregnant women.  The first main difference, the common cold is caused by a virus whilst pregnancy rhinitis is caused by changes in your hormones including progesterone and oxytocin.  Like the common cold, you still get the nasal congestion.  However, with pregnancy rhinitis, this nasal congestion lasts for 6 weeks or more without other signs of respiratory tract infection or known allergic causes.  You may also experience sneezing, nasal itch and blocked ears.  Needless to say, a blocked nose might also mean you are breathing more through your mouth and snoring when you sleep. 

 

Having pregnancy rhinitis is no shield against the common cold.  In fact, pregnancy rhinitis actually increases your risk of catching the cold.  Sinusitis has been reported to be 6 times more common in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women.  So make sure you still rug up this winter and take precautions against catching the cold.  

5 ways to help clear nasal congestion during pregnancy

Saline nasal sprays during pregnancy

Pregnancy rhinitis won’t last forever, although it does feel that way sometimes.  It usually disappears 2 weeks after delivery.  In the meantime, here are 5 things you can do to help relieve your blocked nose.

 

1. Avoid allergens that make your nose run
2. Avoid cigarette smoke and other non-specific nasal irritants
3. Physical exercise may help reduce symptoms
4.Saline nasal rinses may help shift some of the nasal congestion so you can breathe a little easier
5. Sleeping with your head elevated not only helps with the nasal congestion but may also help minimise post nasal drip that causes that irritating cough that is keeping you awake at night

 

Having a blocked nose during pregnancy is quite normal.  Speak to your doctor if you are unsure whether your blocked nose is caused by your pregnancy or the common cold.  Some cold medications are not suitable to take during pregnancy so always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements.

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