Stuffy nose in pregnancy

Why do I always feel as if I have a cold?

A runny or stuffed-up nose, even when you haven't got a cold or allergy, is a common pregnancy niggle. It's called rhinitis of pregnancy and is thought to affect at least one mum-to-be in five (Angier et al 2010, Scadding et al 2008). In addition to feeling stuffed up, your nose may be itchy and you might sneeze a lot (Loock 2009).

It's thought to happen because higher levels of oestrogen, and hormones made by the placenta, have an effect on the mucous membranes that line the inside of your nose (Goldstein and Govindaraj 2012, Kumar et al 2011, UKMI 2012).

Having a blocked and stuffy nose can be a real nuisance. You may have wakeful nights. And if you have asthma, a stuffy nose could make it worse (Loock 2009).

The good news is that it usually goes away on its own once you've had your baby (Angier 2010, Scadding et al 2008, UKMI 2012). In the meantime, there are things you can try to ease the congestion.

How can I clear my stuffy nose?

Some of the simple measures that work for a cold may provide relief for your stuffy nose.

Try a steam inhalation, especially before going to bed:

• Fill a bowl with hot water.
• Cover your head with a towel and lean over the steaming bowl as if you were giving yourself an old-fashioned facial.
• Inhale and exhale a few times.
• This should help to relieve the congestion, feel very soothing, and enable you to breathe better. A warm shower or bath may also help.

You could use a sea water or saline spray to help clear your nose. Ask a pharmacist to recommend a suitable product. If you want to make your own nasal douche, which will do roughly the same job (Angier et al 2010, Kumar et al 2011, Scadding et al 2008), here's how:

• Take one pint of tepid, previously boiled, clean water.
• Add one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and mix well.
• Pour a little into the palm of your hand and sniff up into each nostril. Repeat until your nose feels better.
• Make a fresh solution each time you use it (Royal Berkshire 2011).

Can I take medicines for my stuffy nose?

If you're really suffering, there are some medicines you could try. Always check with your doctor or midwife before taking medicines while you're pregnant. They'll weigh up how bad you're feeling against the risks to your baby of taking a drug at your stage of pregnancy (Angier 2010, Goldstein and Govindaraj 2012, Scadding 2008, UKMI 2012). In addition to your doctor or midwife, pharmacists are another good source of advice.

You shouldn't take decongestants during pregnancy. But there are some nasal sprays that don't contain decongestants that you can use, and your doctor may recommend some antihistamine tablets (Angier 2010, Scadding 2008).

The symptoms can be annoying, but it helps to remember they should clear up after you've given birth (Angier 2010).

Read about natural remedies for sinusitis.