The period of bearing a child is accompanied by a number of cardinal changes in the female body. Such a spontaneous manifestation as a stuffy nose during pregnancy is not uncommon, because the body of a young mother is very susceptible to various infections.

There is no clear reason for the appearance of this condition, since various factors can provoke this phenomenon. Effective treatment of nasal congestion during pregnancy is a very painstaking process that requires due attention and caution. To understand how to treat a stuffy nose during pregnancy, you need to familiarize yourself with the main causes of this condition.

This problem can occur for a number of reasons. In order to understand what to do if you have a stuffy nose during pregnancy, and how to effectively deal with such a symptom, you need to know the root of the problem. Below are the main causes of nasal congestion during pregnancy.

Rhinitis

In simple terms, we are talking about a common runny nose. This explains the fact why the nose is stuffy during pregnancy during a cold. Rhinitis can occur due to inhalation of a viral infection, as well as as a result of contact with allergenic substances. Allergic rhinitis in a pregnant woman can occur through contact with a pet, or through inhalation of household dust and pollen from certain plants. Infectious rhinitis is characterized by seasonality, when there is a peak incidence of ARVI and influenza.

Sinusitis

When carrying a baby, a pregnant woman's body experiences an urgent need for oxygen. If the nose is stuffy during pregnancy, there is a significant decrease in the amount of oxygen consumed, which equally negatively affects the body of the mother and the fetus.

One of the causes of congestion is sinusitis. This condition is characterized by swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, which provokes stagnation of mucous secretion in the maxillary and frontal sinuses. In case of nasal congestion during pregnancy, a bacterial infection may develop, causing a purulent-inflammatory process in the nasal cavity.

Any inflammatory disease can have a negative impact on the development of the fetus. If a pregnant woman has been given a similar diagnosis, then she needs specialized treatment.

Hormonal rhinitis

From the very moment of conceiving a child, various hormonal changes occur in the female body, accompanied by an increase or decrease in the level of certain hormones. Full or partial nasal congestion as a sign of pregnancy is a very common occurrence.

A runny nose caused by hormonal changes does not require outside intervention, as it goes away on its own after the birth of the child.

Nasal congestion during early pregnancy

This symptom often occurs at the beginning of pregnancy. If we take into account that during this period a woman experiences increased emotional stress and toxicosis, then difficulty in nasal breathing can cause severe discomfort.

If a pregnant woman cannot breathe fully through her nose, this causes poor sleep, increased irritability, dizziness and headaches. The problem of nasal congestion in early pregnancy should be approached with the utmost seriousness and caution. Independent use of vasoconstrictor drops and sprays can be fraught with serious consequences for the fetus.

The use of any medications must be previously agreed with a medical specialist.

From the point of view of danger, nasal congestion in the early stages of pregnancy is not a threatening condition, but only if the disease does not drag on for several months.

Nasal congestion during late pregnancy

The approach of childbirth is accompanied by an increase in the volume of circulating blood, which often causes a constantly stuffy nose during late pregnancy. Often, this condition begins to bother a woman immediately before giving birth. Hormonal runny nose in the later stages goes away on its own 1-2 weeks after the birth of the baby.

Particular attention should be paid to nasal congestion caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Such a runny nose is a threatening condition for the mother and child’s body. It is important to remember that any attempts at self-medication can have unpredictable consequences. Only a qualified specialist can tell you how to treat nasal congestion during pregnancy.

Treatment

Nasal congestion during pregnancy can be treated using conservative methods, as well as alternative medicine methods.

Conservative methods

A mandatory procedure is to rinse the nasal passages and sinuses. This is necessary to ensure that the nasal cavity is promptly cleared of residual mucous and purulent contents, as well as dust particles and pathogens. For rinsing, it is recommended to use regular saline solution, a weak solution of table or sea salt, as well as special pharmaceutical solutions (Marimer, Dolphin). The frequency of washing is 3-4 times a day.

For antiseptic purposes, “Star” balm can be used, which should be applied to the wings of the nose. The use of such a product is permissible only after prior consultation with a doctor and in the absence of individual intolerance to the components of the balm.

If a pregnant woman suffers from allergic rhinitis, she is recommended to use Nazaval spray. The action of this drug is based on the creation of a barrier between the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and various allergens.

Treatment of viral and bacterial rhinitis is carried out under the strict guidance of a medical specialist. In this case, the pregnant woman may be recommended to take antibacterial and antiviral medications. Independent selection and use of such nasal decongestants for pregnant women is strictly prohibited.

If your nose is very stuffy during pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe short-term use of vasoconstrictor drops. The period of use of such funds should not exceed 2-3 days. Otherwise, addiction and a number of other serious consequences may develop. Nazol Baby is considered to be the safest remedy, used to treat nasal congestion in pregnant women and children of all ages.

An effective addition to drug therapy is physiotherapeutic effects on the sinus area. Unfortunately, such techniques are strictly contraindicated for use in pregnant women.

Folk remedies

Although folk remedies for nasal congestion during pregnancy cannot guarantee a 100% recovery result, however, these methods can serve as an effective addition to the overall conservative treatment plan.

The most common folk remedies for nasal congestion during pregnancy are:

• Inhalations. To do this, a woman should inhale vapors of herbal infusions and boiled potatoes through her nose. To enhance the effect, you can add 1-2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the decoction.
• To relieve inflammation and cleanse the nasal mucosa, it is recommended to instill freshly squeezed Kalanchoe or aloe juice daily, 2 drops into each nasal passage. This nasal decongestant for pregnant women is very effective. If the juice is too concentrated and causes a burning sensation, it can be diluted with a few drops of boiled water.
• Every woman can prepare nasal drops on her own. To do this, you need to mix 25 ml of lemon juice, 40 ml of boiled water and ½ tsp. table salt. The resulting product must be instilled 2 drops into each nasal passage.
• Thermal effects on the sinus area can be achieved by applying a boiled chicken egg wrapped in cotton cloth.
• If the nose is stuffy during pregnancy, and the mucous membrane of the nasal passages dries out, it is recommended to lubricate it with natural honey mixed with vegetable or butter. This product has an anti-inflammatory and nutritional effect.

Self-treatment with folk remedies for nasal congestion during pregnancy should be previously agreed with a doctor.

To prevent nasal congestion in the early and late stages of pregnancy, expectant mothers should adhere to the following rules:

1. Avoid close contact with people suffering from influenza and ARVI.
2. Limit visiting crowded places.
3. Take a regular course of vitamin therapy.
4. Observe the work and rest schedule.
5. If a woman is allergic, she is advised to completely limit contact with the potential allergen.
6. If nasal congestion does appear, the woman should promptly consult a medical specialist.

If the expectant mother did not complain about her health before pregnancy, then in most cases her body will remain resistant to adverse factors. In the absence of chronic diseases, a runny nose and nasal congestion during pregnancy do not pose a danger to the expectant mother.

Useful video about nasal congestion during pregnancy

From the first days of gestation, a woman begins to notice changes in the functioning of almost all internal organs and systems, and the nasopharynx is no exception.

Indeed, during this period, the body of the expectant mother becomes especially vulnerable, all its functions are aimed at protecting the fetus from the negative effects of the environment. A woman’s immunity decreases, the level of hemoglobin in the blood changes, and a runny nose or nasal congestion during pregnancy becomes a frequent companion until childbirth. Today we will talk about the reasons that provoke the appearance of rhinitis and how to cope with this unpleasant phenomenon.

Since a pregnant woman cannot take any medications without urgent need and doctor’s recommendations, and it is almost impossible to calmly tolerate nasal congestion, it is necessary to find out the causes of the disease as soon as possible, and there may be several of them:

• acute respiratory infection;
• sinusitis or sinusitis;
• allergic reaction;
• hormonal rhinitis;
• proliferation of nasal polyps;
• indoor air is too dry.

It is not always possible to figure out on your own why pregnant women have a stuffy nose, and many expectant mothers begin to panic when they lose the ability to breathe properly.

You cannot use vasoconstrictors, and a clogged nose prevents you from getting enough sleep, communicating with people, and poses a threat to the fetus in the form of the development of its hypoxia. Factors that provoke the syndrome may be different at certain periods.

Early congestion

A common reason why a pregnant woman may have a stuffy nose is ARVI. In the first weeks and months of gestation, the mother’s body becomes vulnerable, immunity drops, so it is easy to catch a viral infection in the early stages.

It is accompanied by the following signs:

• sneezing;
• lacrimation;
• sore throat;
• temperature increase;
• nasal congestion;
• weakness and fatigue.

Any infectious diseases that a pregnant woman suffers can negatively affect the development of the fetus, because during the first trimester the formation of its main systems and organs occurs.

What to do? Urgently contact your doctor, or better yet, call him at home, so that when going to the clinic you do not aggravate the situation by layering a secondary (already bacterial) infection.

Sinusitis - becomes the result of constant nasal congestion. Motivating her reluctance to treat a runny nose by the fact that it is impossible to use medications during pregnancy, the woman “endures” the manifestations of rhinitis, thereby creating a favorable environment in the nasal cavity for the proliferation of pathogenic microbes.

Stagnation of mucus, which over time becomes thick and viscous, leads to infection of the exudate and the development of sinusitis. At this stage, it is important to begin effective treatment, since, once they enter the general bloodstream, bacterial agents spread throughout the expectant mother’s body, threatening the normal development of the fetus.

Late congestion

In the second or third trimester, those diseases that a woman did not even know about before conceiving a child can worsen. Against the background of a sharp hormonal change in the body, an allergic reaction may occur.

It can be provoked by anything - dust, the smell of flowers, any foods from the diet, the material of bed linen or a nightgown. The body of a pregnant woman on the eve of childbirth, especially against the backdrop of a hormonal storm, is able to react to any little thing.

And if previously a woman calmly used body cream, during this period its use can lead to itching, skin rashes and nasal congestion of an allergic nature.

Therefore, it is better for the expectant mother not to take risks, not to introduce unfamiliar products into the menu, to avoid inhaling the smell of household chemicals, to ventilate the apartment more often and to do wet cleaning (to reduce the amount of external irritants).

The second reason why the nose can be severely stuffy during late pregnancy is dry air in the room.

In the middle and at the end of the third trimester, the period of late toxicosis (preeclampsia) begins, which is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• mood swings;
• hormonal imbalances;
• swelling.

It becomes increasingly difficult for a woman to walk, her legs and arms swell, even if the expectant mother does not drink a lot of liquid, and the resulting nasal congestion only aggravates the situation.

The situation worsens if the air humidity in the apartment does not reach 60-70%, the epithelium of the nasal passages becomes thin and dry, trying to compensate for this condition by increased mucus production and dilation of the capillaries in the nose.

Hormonal rhinitis

This type of runny nose is also called vasomotor or rhinitis during pregnancy; according to doctors, every second pregnant woman experiences this phenomenon. The cause of nasal congestion is not viral, bacterial agents or allergic irritants, but an increase in hormonal levels.

More often, this symptom begins to bother the expectant mother in the second or third trimester, but a particularly sensitive body can react to pregnancy in the first weeks. Sometimes it is precisely by the appearance of causeless nasal congestion that a woman realizes that she is pregnant.

Reasons why vasomotor (hormonal) rhinitis may develop:

• deformation of the nose due to injury;
• a sharp decrease in immunity;
• taking hormonal medications during pregnancy;
• unfavorable living conditions for a pregnant woman (increased gas pollution, dust, dry air);
• frequent mood swings, nervous overload, stress.

During the maturation of the placenta, the hormonal status of a woman changes dramatically; active production of estrogen occurs, affecting the nervous system and the vascular elements of the body. This effect is manifested by swelling due to increased permeability of the capillary walls. The airways narrow, resulting in constant nasal congestion.

Hormonal runny nose may be accompanied by dry mucous membranes, night snoring and sleep disorders. After childbirth, this phenomenon goes away on its own, without specific treatment. However, it is necessary to treat manifestations of severe congestion in order to avoid oxygen starvation of the fetus.

When to see a doctor

If a runny nose is caused by hormonal changes in the body or too dry air in the room, there is no cause for concern; you need to take measures to make breathing easier - humidify the air, drink more fluids, rinse your nose with saline solution.

However, there are signs that the expectant mother should seek medical help when they appear:

• the appearance of mucopurulent nasal discharge that accompanies congestion;
• temperature increase;
• headache;
• sneezing, watery eyes, skin rash;
• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath;
• increased blood pressure;
• dizziness, weakness.

The listed symptoms may indicate either a layer of secondary infection of a bacterial nature or a generalized allergic reaction - both of these conditions can pose a danger not only to the expectant mother, but also to the condition of the fetus.

Against the background of hormonal imbalance, pronounced signs of gestosis may appear, which is accompanied by severe swelling and increased pressure; this condition also needs correction and requires the help of a doctor.

Treatment regimens for different periods

Since in the first months of pregnancy all the important systems and organs of the child are formed, taking any medications at this time is prohibited. The same as using vasoconstrictor drops - they cause contraction of the muscular walls of the uterus and can provoke premature birth. What should a woman do if she constantly has a stuffy nose in the early stages?

You can alleviate the condition with the following procedures:

• Prepare a saline solution by adding half a teaspoon of salt to 500 ml of water. Rinse with a warm solution at least 2-3 times a day - this will wash away thick discharge from the nasal cavity, ease breathing and moisturize the mucous membrane.
• Apply “Star” balm or Doctor Mom ointment to the bridge of the nose and temples. The menthol vapor contained in these products will help clear your nose and allow you to rest peacefully at night.
• Make a hot bath for your hands - take hot, but not scalding water into a basin or sink, lower your hands there up to your elbows and hold for 5-7 minutes. It is forbidden for a pregnant woman to hover her legs this way!

Second trimester

If congestion occurs in the second trimester, to the listed measures to ease breathing, you can add drops prepared from beets and carrots - they need to be grated, squeezed out the juice and injected into the nostrils a few drops three times a day, and it is better to dilute the composition with water 1:1.

In the absence of elevated temperature and pus in the nasal sinuses, you can warm it up - pour hot salt into two bags, place them on both sides of the bridge of the nose and hold for 10-15 minutes.

Inhalation with a solution of Sodium chloride helps to cure congestion - this composition effectively replaces a saline solution, without the need to rinse the nose, just pour the required amount into a nebulizer and breathe for 10 minutes three times a day.

At the same time, it is recommended to purchase an air humidifier, and add a few drops of essential oil to the reservoir with liquid, to which the pregnant woman is not allergic - tea tree, juniper, mint, lavender, eucalyptus.

Features of the treatment of runny nose in pregnant women

Third trimester

In the third trimester, with severe congestion, not aggravated by a bacterial infection or allergy, the use of vasoconstrictors is allowed, but under the strict supervision of a doctor, in a dosage reduced by half.

It is advisable to use drops only in situations where it is not possible to ease breathing using other methods; it is better to take a product intended for children with a lower concentration of the active substance.

In case of severe congestion caused by a bacterial infection or allergy, the doctor assesses the risk for the mother and fetus and prescribes systemic drugs that do not enter the bloodstream and do not have side effects - Polydexa, Vibrocil, Rinofluimucil. They must be used in a strictly specified dosage.

In case of a diffuse inflammatory process in a pregnant woman, rinsing with the “Cuckoo” method is indicated; in extreme cases, a puncture of the sinus is done under local anesthesia, followed by rinsing the sinuses with an antiseptic.

Safe folk remedies

In the collection of folk recipes for the runny nose, there are also those that can be used by pregnant women to relieve nasal congestion. It is advisable to discuss any traditional medicine that the expectant mother will use with a doctor in order to avoid an unexpected reaction to its components. Here are the most popular and effective ways to get rid of congestion:

• Steam inhalation - it can be carried out in the absence of temperature.

Adding decoctions of chamomile, coltsfoot, thyme, sage, plantain, calendula, and eucalyptus to hot water will help get rid of nasal congestion. After the procedure, it is better not to go outside, but to lie under a blanket for half an hour.

• Herbal collection for oral administration.

Mix raspberry and anise fruits, add chamomile and linden flowers, coltsfoot leaves to them. Boil 2 tbsp. l. mixture in 500 ml of water for about 5 minutes, then cool and strain. Drink the prepared composition 100 ml four times a day, this will increase immunity and have an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect on the body.

• Carrot juice.

Freshly squeezed carrot juice should be mixed in half with olive oil, the resulting mixture should be dripped into the nostrils a few drops every 2-3 hours.

• Onion and garlic.

These root vegetables are known for their bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. You can choose a simple way to use them - cut one fruit into small pieces, place them in saucers and place them around the room. Inhale the aroma of onions and garlic for 2 hours, this will help clear the nose and kill germs in the nasopharynx cavity.

• Eucalyptus oil.

You can prepare it yourself by chopping 2 tbsp. l. dry eucalyptus leaves and pour a glass of olive oil over them. Next, you need to bring the composition to a boil over low heat, boil for 10 minutes, then cool and strain. You need to instill this oil 3-4 times a day, 4 drops in each nostril.

It is better not to use recipes containing honey during pregnancy, although this product has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Since the body’s reaction to bee products during this period can be unpredictable, it is better not to take risks and not provoke the development of allergies.

Preventive measures

To avoid nasal congestion caused by acute respiratory viral infections, allergies or bacterial infections, the expectant mother needs to take care of herself and follow preventive measures:

• avoid visiting places where many people gather;
• wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after visiting the clinic, public transport and the street;
• instill isotonic solutions of Aqua Maris, Humer and others into the nose, they will moisturize the nasal mucosa and prevent harmful microbes from penetrating the epithelium;
• monitor hormone levels;
• spend more time in the fresh air;
• clean and ventilate the room;
• drink more fluids, eat vegetables and fruits in unlimited quantities;
• eat right, get plenty of rest.

Such simple methods of prevention will help you avoid contracting a viral infection and causing allergies. During pregnancy, it is better to limit contact with sick people, since against the background of reduced immunity it will be much easier to become infected.

Let's summarize

If there is constant nasal congestion, a pregnant woman is recommended to visit her doctor to identify the causes of the unpleasant phenomenon. Since the reason may be hidden not only in a hormonal runny nose, which happens to every second expectant mother, it is better not to risk the health of yourself and your child, but regularly visit the doctor and inform him of any change in your state of health.

Medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding – School of Dr. Komarovsky

In contact with

You will need

• - sea salt;
• - antihistamines;
• - aloe;
• - Kalanchoe;
• - chamomile;
• - calendula.

Instructions

Nasal congestion during nasal congestion is not always a symptom, so if there are no other signs of illness, you can try to eliminate the discomfort without the help of medications. Rinse your nose with a weak solution of sea salt (a teaspoon of salt per glass of water) and perform simple breathing exercises. Close your right nostril, inhale through your left, then close it and exhale through your right. Repeat the same exercise, but only starting with the other nostril.

Massage the bridge of your nose first, and then the wings of your nose. Repeat the procedure several times until you feel improvement. The effectiveness of the massage will be higher if it is carried out in a bathroom with hot water. This way you will kill two birds with one stone: moisturize the dry nasal mucosa and make breathing easier.

Sometimes it is a sign of an allergy. Moreover, even those who have not previously experienced hypersensitivity to certain substances are susceptible to it. Just in case, exclude foods from your diet and consult your doctor about taking medications.

If nasal congestion is accompanied by deterioration in health, pain and cough, the culprit is most likely a common virus. Drink a rosehip infusion rich in vitamin C. It will boost your immune system and speed up recovery. Rinse your nose not only with salt water, but also with decoctions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, calendula, etc.). For relief, instill aloe or Kalanchoe juice into each nasal passage.

Video on the topic

note

If nasal congestion does not go away despite the measures taken, consult a therapist or ENT doctor. The specialist will select a drug approved for use during pregnancy.

Sources:

• how to treat nasal congestion during pregnancy

Toxicosis and changes in eating habits are by no means the only “side effects” of pregnancy. In the second trimester, most expectant mothers experience stuffy nose syndrome; a characteristic runny nose appears, which disappears only a couple of weeks before giving birth.

It may seem strange, but along with the usual toxicosis and other external manifestations, many women complain about the appearance and congestion of the nose. Among the main causes of such unpleasant phenomena that can complicate the life of an expectant mother, doctors call swelling of the nasal mucosa or, simply put, rhinitis, which causes unwanted discharge and difficulty breathing. The first two trimesters of pregnancy are very susceptible to the influence of environmental factors and such manifestations, as a rule, are simple allergic reactions.

It's all due to hormones

Some scientists argue that the basis of “pregnant” rhinitis is certain hormonal changes associated with an increased concentration of estrogen in a woman’s body. This hormone is the main cause of mucus discharge, nasal swelling and symptoms such as sneezing, itching and even coughing.

Often, manifestations of rhinitis are a simple consequence of everyday colds, which occur with an increase in temperature, sore throat, and a state of weakness.

Safe runny nose

A runny nose and nasal congestion do not have any serious consequences for the health of the baby, with the exception of cases of bacterial rhinitis, which requires a special approach and consultation with a specialist.

Over time, rhinitis continues as usual, however, the discomfort from sleepless nights, irritability from a constantly stuffy nose, and increasing fatigue require a fairly serious and responsible approach to this process, its treatment and alleviation of symptoms.

Among other things, lack of proper attention to the problem of rhinitis can cause serious problems associated with sinusitis or inflammatory processes in the ears.

Doctors advise increasing fluid intake during this period and avoiding foods that dehydrate the body.

Particular attention should be paid to room humidity, cleaning and constant ventilation. It is necessary to get rid of obviously dangerous allergens and take the animals away for a while. You should also pay special attention to the woman’s physical activity; appropriate exercise helps blood circulation and reduces unpleasant runny nose and nasal congestion during pregnancy. Don't forget about doing breathing exercises, warming up your feet, inhaling hot potatoes or garlic, which can reduce swelling of the mucous tissues.

Video on the topic

Sources:

• how to get rid of nasal congestion during pregnancy

Tip 3: How to get rid of nasal congestion during pregnancy

A runny nose in pregnant women is common. Weakening of the immune defense and restructuring of the body often lead to nasal congestion. How to treat a runny nose if the use of pharmacological drugs is prohibited?

You will need

• - vasoconstrictor drops;
• - fresh apple juice;
• - saline solution;
• - tea;
• - soda;
• - rose hip;
• - onion;
• - garlic;
• - teapot.

Instructions

Running your nose on your own is prohibited. First of all, you should find out the reason for its appearance and select methods to eliminate nasal congestion without harming the fetus. When it appears, contact your gynecologist, who will select the necessary medications. As a rule, drops with a vasoconstrictor effect are prescribed. They can lead to fetal hypoxia; they can be used for no longer than 3 days.

A relevant phenomenon during the cold season, which occurs not only during pregnancy. Nasal congestion occurs when tissue in the nose becomes inflamed and swollen. As a result, breathing becomes difficult and a runny nose appears. During pregnancy, nasal congestion most often appears in the first place, after which it disappears without a trace.

Pregnant women with nasal congestion experience itching in the nose, which may be accompanied by sneezing and even coughing. Nasal congestion may also be accompanied by a headache. However, we note that some studies have confirmed that nasal congestion during pregnancy is hormonal in nature. The fact is that during pregnancy, the hormone estrogen is actively produced, which actually affects the increase in mucus and provokes swelling of the tissues in the nose. Naturally, this phenomenon should not be left to chance, although nasal congestion during pregnancy does not pose any danger to either the mother or the unborn baby. However, in order not to feel discomfort and prevent the development of rhinitis, which can cause complications in the ears or turn into chronic sinusitis, let's look at how you can relieve nasal congestion in pregnant women.

How to relieve nasal congestion during pregnancy

Let's start with the fact that any ailment should be treated under the supervision of a doctor. Therefore, first of all, you should consult a specialist and identify the cause of nasal congestion at a consultation with a doctor. However, in many cases, nasal swelling and accompanying discomfort can be relieved with the help of traditional medicine.

At home, you can reduce the manifestation of nasal congestion during pregnancy in the following ways:

• try to drink enough fluids and avoid coffee to prevent dehydration;
• Make sure that the apartment has a normal level of humidity. If necessary, purchase special air humidifiers to reduce the load on the nose and prevent drying and irritation of the tissues;
• avoid allergens such as tobacco smoke, chemical powder, etc.;
• dress warmly in cold weather;
• do exercises to speed up the blood and thereby relieve swelling in the nose.

As for home procedures that will help relieve nasal congestion during pregnancy, pay attention to the following non-drug treatment:

Breathing exercises

Close one nostril with your finger and take a deep breath in and out through the other. Repeat the exercise for the other nostril. Next, do the same exercise, but inhale and exhale through your mouth, while pinching your nostrils alternately.

Acupressure

Find a point on the bridge of your nose and massage it for minutes in a circular motion with your index finger. Next, move on to the points that are on the wings of the nose. Massage them with your index fingers, pressing lightly. After this, press on the hollow, which is located in the area between the nose and lips. There is a similar depression on the chin. The entire massage takes about 5-7 minutes and significantly relieves nasal congestion.

Warming up your feet

Put on warm socks, into which you first sprinkle mustard powder. This heating significantly reduces swelling of the tissues in the nose and alleviates the condition.

Healing elixir

Mix finely grated horseradish with apples and sugar and take two teaspoons a day to relieve nasal congestion and boost immunity.

These simple recipes and recommendations will help you quickly relieve nasal congestion during pregnancy without putting your unborn baby in danger. However, remember that some women may be allergic to mustard, so before resorting to self-medication, it is better to consult a doctor.

Take care of yourself and be healthy!

Especially for Ira Romaniy

The time of bearing a child is accompanied by a number of cardinal changes in the female body. Such an unexpected phenomenon as nasal congestion during early pregnancy is not uncommon, since the body of the expectant mother is quite susceptible to various infections.

There is no exact reason for the appearance of this condition, since a variety of factors can provoke this phenomenon. Effective treatment of nasal congestion during pregnancy is a rather painstaking process, which requires caution and due attention. In order to understand how to relieve nasal congestion during pregnancy, you need to get acquainted with the main causes of this condition.

Reasons why nose is stuffy during pregnancy

This problem can occur for several reasons. To know what to do if you have a stuffy nose during pregnancy, and how to effectively deal with this symptom, you need to directly determine the root of the problem. Next, we will describe the main causes of nasal congestion during pregnancy and how you can get rid of them.

In the female body, from the very moment of conceiving a baby, various hormonal changes occur, which are accompanied by a decrease or increase in the amount of certain hormones. Partial or complete nasal congestion as a sign of pregnancy - this is a fairly common occurrence.

A runny nose, which is caused by hormonal changes, will not require outside intervention, since it goes away on its own after the baby is born.

Sinusitis

While carrying a child, a pregnant woman's body begins to experience a greater need for oxygen. If the nose is stuffy during pregnancy, then there is a significant decrease in the amount of oxygen consumed, which equally negatively affects the body of the fetus and mother.

This state is expressed swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, this begins to provoke stagnation of the mucous membrane in the frontal and maxillary sinuses. With this nasal congestion during pregnancy, a bacterial infection may appear, which causes a purulent-inflammatory process in the nasal cavity.

Any inflammatory diseases have a negative impact on the child’s development process. If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with this, then she requires specialized treatment.

In simple terms, in this case we are talking about a simple runny nose. This may explain the fact why the nose is stuffy during pregnancy with a cold. Rhinitis may occur due to contact with allergenic substances, as well as due to inhalation of a viral infection.

In a pregnant woman, allergic rhinitis can develop during contact with pets, by inhaling pollen from certain plants or household dust. The infectious type of disease is characterized by seasonality, when there is a peak incidence of influenza and ARVI.

Congestion during early pregnancy

This symptom is most often noted at the beginning of pregnancy. If we consider that at this time a woman begins to experience toxicosis and high emotional stress, then complications of nasal breathing can cause significant discomfort.

If a pregnant woman cannot fully breathe through her nose, this becomes the reason:

• increased irritability;
• poor sleep;
• headache;
• dizziness.

The issue of nasal congestion in early pregnancy must be approached with the utmost caution and seriousness. Independent use of vasoconstrictor sprays and drops can be fraught with significant consequences for the unborn child. The use of any medications must first be agreed with a doctor.

Nasal congestion in early pregnancy In terms of danger, it is not a threatening condition, but only if this condition does not begin to drag on for a very long time.

Nasal congestion during late pregnancy

As labor approaches, the amount of circulating blood begins to increase; this is very often the cause of regular stuffy nose during late pregnancy. Often, this condition begins to bother a woman just before giving birth. In the later stages, hormonal runny nose goes away on its own 10–14 days after the birth of the child.

Much attention must be paid to congestion, which is caused by viral or bacterial infection. This runny nose is very dangerous for the child’s body and the mother itself. We must not forget that any attempts at self-medication can have completely unpredictable results. Only a qualified doctor can tell you how to treat nasal congestion during pregnancy.

Stuffy nose during pregnancy: what to do?

Congestion during pregnancy can be treated using conservative methods, as well as traditional medicine.

Conservative methods

An indispensable procedure will be rinsing the sinuses and passages. This is required so that the nasal cavity is cleared in a timely manner from the remains of purulent and mucous contents, as well as pathogens and dust particles. For rinsing, it is best to use special pharmaceutical compositions (Dolphin, Marimer), a weak solution of sea or table salt, as well as regular saline solution. The number of washes should be 4–5 times daily.

For an antiseptic effect, you can use the “Star” balm; it must be applied to the nasal wings. The use of this balm is possible only in the absence of personal intolerance to the components of this product and after preliminary consultation with a specialist.

If a woman suffers from allergic rhinitis during pregnancy, then she is prescribed spray Nazaval. The main effect of this remedy involves the formation of a barrier between various allergens and the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity.

Treatment of bacterial and viral rhinitis is carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician. In this case, the woman may be prescribed antiviral and antibacterial medications. Independent selection and use of these funds is strictly prohibited.

If your nose is very stuffy during pregnancy, your doctor will prescribe short-term use of vasoconstrictor drops. The duration of use of these drugs should not be more than 3–4 days. Otherwise, addiction and many other complications may appear. The safest drug is considered Nazol Baby, which is used to treat nasal congestion in children of different ages and for pregnant women.

An effective addition to drug treatment would be physiotherapeutic action on the sinus area. However, these techniques, unfortunately, are strictly prohibited for use by pregnant women.

Sujok treatment for nasal congestion

During gestation, when it is necessary to protect yourself as much as possible from the use of medications, then with nasal congestion You can also fight with massage, su-jok treatment is best suited for this. This modern type of acupuncture, which was created by the famous doctor Park Jae-woo from Korea, implies a therapeutic effect on the body by massaging biologically active points that are located on the feet and hands. This method is quite young (only about 30 years old), but in such a short time it has become very popular all over the world, and most importantly, its effectiveness has been proven by official medicine.

In order to get rid of nasal congestion using su-jok treatment, first of all, you need to note the main areas of influence. The big toe and the thumb of the hand are responsible for the head, and, accordingly, all the organs located here. In this regard, in order to clear the sinuses, it is necessary to act on the center of the pad of the toe or hand. Minor pain symptoms during pressure will indicate that you have found the right point.

Taking into account the fact that in Eastern medicine the feet belong to the feminine principle, and the hands belong to the masculine principle, then pregnant women need to pay special attention massage of the toe. It should also be added that to facilitate nasal breathing, active points can be massaged either with your fingers or with various special devices: spiked balls, massagers, or even the back of a ballpoint pen. You can make circular, pressing or stroking movements, periodically changing the intensity, the most important thing is that this process does not cause discomfort.

When you have sinusitis, you will need more thorough treatment. It is necessary to apply a warming balm to the active points described above or perform applications using garlic. By performing this treatment daily, in the morning and before bed, you will not even notice how nasal congestion will disappear, and breathing will be much easier.

Though traditional methods of treatment during pregnancy during nasal congestion do not guarantee a 100% recovery effect, but these methods can be an excellent addition to the general scheme of conservative therapy.

The most popular folk remedies for nasal congestion during pregnancy are:

Self-treatment using traditional methods for nasal congestion during pregnancy should be agreed upon in advance with a doctor.

As a preventative measure For nasal congestion in late or early pregnancy, you must adhere to the following rules:

When nasal congestion does appear, the pregnant woman must consult a doctor promptly.

If before pregnancy the expectant mother did not complain about her health, then most often her body will remain resistant to the influence of negative factors. In the absence of chronic diseases, nasal congestion and runny nose during pregnancy do not pose a danger to the expectant mother.