Stuffy nose during pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about a plethora of symptoms, some of which are pretty awesome (feeling the baby kick), and some that cause you to panic (leaking fluid). Along with swelling, cravings, insomnia and more, one symptom that isn't talked about much is pregnancy rhinitis (stuffy nose).

​How does this happen?
Due to an increased amount of estrogen, the lining of the nasal passages start to swell, thus producing an increase of mucus. At the same time, blood circulation increases during pregnancy, which causes blood vessels in the nose to swell. This causes the congestion you may be experiencing.

Pregnancy rhinitis affects up to 30% of pregnant women and tends to occur in your second month of pregnancy. In some cases, your stuffy nose may worsen throughout pregnancy, but it will go away after your baby is born.
If you are wondering if your stuffy nose may be the result of a cold, evaluate your symptoms. If the only symptom you have is a stuffy nose, then it is pregnancy rhinitis. If mucus changes color and you have facial pressure, make an appointment with your doctor, as sinus congestion is common during pregnancy.

​What can you do to alleviate Pregnancy Rhinitis?

• Take a warm shower
• Use a humidifier (I been using mine forever and it has been a Godsend during my pregnancy. You should consider buying one for your baby, as the humidifier will help baby breathe easier when he/she sleeps).
• Increase your fluids!
• Elevate your head. I highly recommend getting a wedge pillow (You'll need one later on in pregnancy).
• Go for walks (Having some activity in your life does alleviate the stuffy nose symptoms, along with helping you sleep better at night).

As far as medicine is concerned, consult your doctor for a list of medications that are safe for pregnancy.

​(source:  www.babycenter.com/0_stuffy-nose-during-pregnancy_1076.bc)