Do you also get a stuffy nose during pregnancy? Let's learn about this (Pregnancy Rhinitis)!

You've probably heard a lot of people talk about cravings and heartburn during pregnancy. But something that no one talks about much, but many people experience, is this stuffy nose. It can feel like you have a cold for months. This is what we call `(Pregnancy Rhinitis)`. But the good news is that this annoying stuffy nose will most likely get better within two weeks after you have the baby.

What is `(Pregnancy Rhinitis)`? Let's understand it simply, shall we?

Simply put, `(Pregnancy Rhinitis)` is a condition that occurs during pregnancy, especially in the latter half of the pregnancy . This condition can last for at least six weeks. Most of the time, it is not caused by a cold, an allergy, or a sinus infection. That's what makes it special.

You might be thinking, "Oh, I always feel like I have a cold these days." But this is a little different. Let's see how it goes.

What are the symptoms of `(Pregnancy Rhinitis)`? Do you have this too?

The main symptom of this condition is nasal congestion . It feels like something is stuck inside your nose. In addition, you may experience the following:

• Mucus: There may be watery or thick mucus coming out of the nose.
• Nasal swelling: The inside of the nose may feel swollen.
• Sneezing: Frequent sneezing is also a symptom.
• Postnasal drip: This is the sensation of mucus dripping down the back of the nose and into the throat. This can cause a slight itch and discomfort in the throat.
• Loss of smell (Anosmia): Some people may have a reduced or complete loss of their sense of smell.
• Difficulty sleeping: A stuffy nose can make it difficult to breathe, especially at night, which can make it difficult to sleep. This discomfort is often felt most at night.

Imagine how difficult it must be to live with such discomfort, right? But don't worry, there are reasons and solutions for this.

Why does this `(Pregnancy Rhinitis)` occur? What is the connection between hormones?

Like many other changes in your body during pregnancy, hormones are the main culprit behind this stuffy nose. Inside your nose, there are special proteins that respond to signals from the body, called receptors. These recognize hormones like estrogen.

Although experts are still not sure exactly why, when these hormones increase in some people, these receptors in the nose respond by widening the blood vessels in the nose and producing more mucus. This causes a stuffy nose and makes it hard to breathe. Simply put, this is how your nose responds to hormonal changes in your body.

How do doctors diagnose `(Pregnancy Rhinitis)`?

A doctor will diagnose this as ``Pregnancy Rhinitis`` based on several factors:

• If you have a stuffy or runny nose for several weeks during pregnancy.
• Unless you have an allergy.
• Unless you have another illness, such as a cold or sinus infection.

If all of these factors match, you most likely have `(Pregnancy Rhinitis)`.

What are the treatments for `(Pregnancy Rhinitis)`?

Your doctor may suggest the following treatments for this condition:

• Corticosteroid nasal sprays: Examples include Flonase® and Nasacort®. These help reduce swelling in the nose.
• Nasal irrigation (saline nasal rinse): Rinsing the nose with saline water using a neti pot or rinse bottle. This helps to remove mucus from the inside of the nose and reduce congestion.
• Decongestant sprays: For example, sprays containing oxymetazoline, such as Afrin® and Sinex®, are generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, using them for more than a few days can cause a rebound effect, which means your nasal congestion will get worse. This means that when you stop using the spray, your nose will be even more congested than before. You will then have to rely on the spray to relieve your nasal congestion. This rebound congestion can continue after you have your baby. Therefore, if you use these sprays , be sure to use them only for the recommended period of time, as directed by your doctor.

Very important: You should always ask your doctor before using oral decongestants (e.g., Sudafed®, Nexafed®) during pregnancy. Some studies have shown that these can be harmful to the fetus, especially during the first three months of pregnancy. Do not use these medications if you have high blood pressure.

What are other ways to reduce nasal congestion during pregnancy?

In addition to medication, you can also try these things to reduce this discomfort:

• Exercise: Exercise can help reduce swelling in the blood vessels in your nose by improving blood circulation. However, it's important to ask your doctor about safe exercises during pregnancy.
• Drink plenty of water: Drinking enough water throughout the day helps thin mucus and make it easier to clear from the nose.
• Sleeping with your head slightly elevated: Elevating your head with one or two extra pillows while sleeping can help reduce nasal congestion, especially at night.

How long will this `(Pregnancy Rhinitis)` last?

Pregnancy Rhinitis can last for a few weeks or even up until the baby is born. But for most people, the condition subsides within a few days or two weeks after the baby is born. So you have to be patient.

When should I see my doctor?

If your nasal congestion or runny nose is so severe that it's interfering with your daily activities , be sure to talk to your prenatal care provider (your doctor or midwife). They can rule out other causes of your nasal congestion (such as allergies) and give you advice on how to relieve it.

What questions should you ask the doctor?

When you visit your doctor, it may be helpful to ask questions like these:

• "Doctor, is this `(Pregnancy Rhinitis)`, or is there another reason why my nose is stuffy?"
• "What treatments are there that can help this?"
• "What medications are safe to use during pregnancy?"
• "When should I see the doctor again?"

It is very important to ask these questions and clear your doubts.

Can I use nasal spray during pregnancy?

Most nasal sprays are safe to use during pregnancy. Corticosteroid sprays (e.g., Flonase, Nasacort) and saline sprays can provide relief. However, be careful with decongestant sprays that contain oxymetazoline. As mentioned earlier, they can cause rebound congestion, making it difficult to stop using them. So always seek medical advice.

Feeling sleepy at any time of the day, getting stuck in your shoes, having to go to the bathroom all the time... With all of this, it seems like your nose has decided to join the pile of pregnancy experiences, right?

The constant stuffy nose caused by `Pregnancy Rhinitis` can be really annoying. Even knowing that "this won't be a thing forever" can be a big relief when you need to breathe better right now. Some people find relief with things they can do at home, like rinsing their nose with saline and sleeping with their head slightly elevated. You may need to try a few treatments together to find what works for you.

The most important thing for you to remember (Take-Home Message)

Never hesitate to ask for help to relieve this discomfort or to ask about the appropriate medications to use during pregnancy. Your doctor is there to help you make your pregnancy as safe and comfortable as possible. If nasal congestion is a problem, be sure to seek medical advice. There is nothing to worry about, this is a temporary condition that most people experience.

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