Runny, Stuffy Noses and Pregnancy


About 30% of pregnant women have problems with runny or stuffy noses and nosebleeds. The nasal passages swell as a result of changing hormones and the 30-40% increase in blood volume in pregnancy can also make you prone to congestion and nosebleeds. Some women notice that their noses become more runny while others complain about thier noses being too dry.

Nasal congestion is common with pregnancy and does not improve until after you deliver your baby. Avoid using a nasal decongestant spray. It can actually make the congestion worse.

To relieve nasal congestion, try using a cool mist vaporizer or a humidifier if the air in your home is very dry or you use a wood burning stove. An over the counter rememdy, like buffered saline nasal spray or mists, like AYR brand saline nasal gels/drops/mists, can also help soothe and moisturize dry nasal membranes. Nosebleeds are not serious unless you cannot control the bleeding or you bleed heavily. Notify your doctor or midwife if your nosebleeds are frequent and difficult to control.

It is also important to avoid allergens or irritants that may make your symptoms worse. Common culprits include hairspray, alcohol, temperature changes and smoke.

Maurenne Griese is a registered nurse, doula and mother of four. Check out her website at http://konzababy.tripod.com

The copyright of the article Runny, Stuffy Noses and Pregnancy in Pregnancy & Childbirth is owned by Maurenne Griese. Permission to republish Runny, Stuffy Noses and Pregnancy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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