Stuffy Nose During Pregnancy

Doctors come across about 20-30% of pregnancy cases wherein mothers suffer from nasal congestion with signs of runny or stuffy nose. Stuffy nose during pregnancy isn't caused by ailments such as common cold and allergies. It is known as rhinitis of pregnancy. This condition usually begins from the second month onwards and stays until birth. Some moms-to-be may suffer from constant stuffy nose and even after few weeks of delivery.

Causes

During pregnancy, there is an increase in the estrogen levels in the body. This increase may cause inflammation of the mucous lining of the nose. This in turn leads to production of more mucus. Also, in an expecting mother, there is a surge in the supply of blood to the respiratory tract. Even this causes congestion in the respiratory tract and thus, the stuffy nose. Although viral infections such as cold is usually not the cause, but associated symptoms like sore throat and stuffy nose during pregnancy indicate that the culprit is cold.

Treatment

Treating a stuffy nose while you are pregnant may give rise to the thought of using a variety of medications. However, this may not be a safe step to take, considering the health of the unborn. There are other remedies which are considered safe and effective too.

Taking a hot shower or a bath early in the morning helps in clearing up the nasal passages and helps in improving the breathing. Also, filling up the bathroom with steam and then inhaling it also help relieve stuffy nose . This is however, a temporary solution.

Using a vaporizer with a few drops of Eucalyptus oil, helps relieve congestion and makes sleep more peaceful. Rub a bit of vapor rub on the chest. It is best to use it before going to bed or any time during the day when you are planning to take a nap. Do not ignore the need to change the water daily, as it may play host to bacteria.

Another recommended method is to make use of saline nasal drops. Drip a bit of it into each nostril and you would be able to breathe more comfortably after about 5-10 minutes.

While sleeping, make arrangements to keep your head elevated. Keeping the head in this position avoids the mucus from accumulating in one place and worsening the nasal congestion.

Apart from following these instructions to manage the symptoms of stuffy nose, pregnant women must also try to avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke, pollution and alcohol, which, of course, must be avoided anyway. Also make provisions so that you can avoid exposure to temperature changes.

Neti pot is also one smart natural treatment for to relieve stuffy nose. Fill the pot with a saline solution and insert its conical tip in the nostril. Flush each nostril with roughly 7 ounces or so of the saline solution. It works in the same way as that of the saline nasal spray, but proves to be more effective. Look for the instructions to make sure that you are using it as it should be. Initially, it might be a bit bothersome, but as you get used to it, you will get a great deal of relief from your stuffy nose problem.