Nasal Congestion During Pregnancy

What is nasal congestion during pregnancy?

That plugged-up, stuffy, can’t-breathe sensation in the middle of your face? Yep, that’s nasal congestion. Some moms-to-be find they get it more during pregnancy.

What might be causing my nasal congestion during pregnancy?

When you’re pregnant, your body produces more mucus (ahem, everywhere), so nasal congestion “is a really common pregnancy symptom,” says Sarah Prager, MD, an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington. So it may just be because you’re pregnant, or it could be a sign of illness, like a cold, the flu, a sinus infection or allergies.

When should I go to the doctor with my nasal congestion?

If you don’t have any other signs of a cold or allergies, nasal congestion isn’t worrisome, Prager says. (Even though it’s a pain.) You’ll only need treatment if you’re experiencing other symptoms, like watery eyes or a sore throat. “Without those, it’s just a normal part of pregnancy,” Prager says. If you’ve got other symptoms, see your doc.

How should I treat my nasal congestion?

You actually don’t want to decrease mucus production, because it’s helpful in other areas of the body, Prager says. There are multiple pregnancy-safe cold and allergy medications, but there are also plenty you’ll want to avoid, so check with your doctor before taking anything.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Allergies During Pregnancy

Cold During Pregnancy

Nosebleeds During Pregnancy

-- Erika Rasmusson Janes

Oct 18, 2011

See More: Pregnancy Symptoms , Pregnancy Health , Pregnancy Conditions