Congestion during pregnancy?

Question

Did anybody have this problem during pregnancy? I"m 22 weeks.
My nose is so stuffed up and has been for atleast a month. It is hard to sleep at night and it keeps running into my throat. And when I blow my nose there's blood on the tissue. I also have been getting alot of headaches. I've read that congestion can be a problem during pregnancy...but this just sucks. What did you do to make it better?

Answer 1

You'll probably want a drug-free "solution". Something you can do at home and protect the baby's fragile system.

Try a saline nasal RINSE (not a spray) A full warm water saline rinse goes in one nostril and out the other. It draws out all the gunk and shrinks the tissue (like swimming in the ocean).
The buffered salt doesn't 'sting' as much as plain salt water. You can use a new method like Nasopure, or the vintage, Netipot

You can do this a often as you like with no side effects.

You don’t need a prescription for this therapy. If you live in a state like mine, they’ve pretty much “outlawed” sudafed medicine. Drug-free is really the way to go on a frequent-use basis.

Answer 2

There really isn't a whole lot you can do other than invest in a BIG box of Puffs and blow your nose constantly. You might also want to sleep with more than one pillow under your head to help ease drainage. That will also help ease heartburn, which you'll probably get in your last trimester.

An increase in mucus happens because, not only are you lubing up "below the equator" for your little one's exit, but the same membranes that increase discharge down below (I know this is so personal) are also present in your nose. So consider a stuffed nose a good thing... it means your body's processes are working normally. It's frustrating now, but after the baby gets here it should go away.

Answer 3

I'm 20 weeks right now and I've been having the same problem for about as long. I read in What to Expect When You're Expecting that this is normal starting in your second trimester.
It's also normal to have nosebleeds during this time. The book says it's because your blood volume is increasing. You can also get bleeding gums for the same reason. It's nothing to worry about, it just sucks. I haven't done anything for mine....just waiting it out. The indigestion is what bothers me, but I'm taking Tums for it.

Answer 4

Ask your doctor what you can take for relief. As for the bleeding, when you are pregnant, there is increased blood flow to every part of your body. That's why nose bleeds are so common during pregnancy. I have them at least once a week. Good Luck and I hope you begin to feel better soon.

Answer 5

You already got a lot of good answers but I feel your pain. The night after my son was born I could finally breath again. My congestion set in at 7pm every evening for 6 months :)

Hang in there! You won't even remember it as a problem once you hold your little gift in your arms.

Happy Pregnancy!

Answer 6

Nasal problems during pregnancy are commen. i have them too. I thought i had a cold, but the doctor said it was normal.

*Quoted From the book: Pregnancy - week by week*

Changes in you

Nasal Problems
Some women complain of stuffiness in their nose or frequent nose bleeds during pregnancy. Some rechers believe these symptoms occur due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. this can cause mucous membranes of your nose and nasal passageways to sweel and bleed more easily.

If your nose really bothers you, try a saline solution. Its a nasal spray made up of salt and water. Or get a humidifer.

Answer 7

Ugh! I feel your pain! Try putting a couple of blocks of wood (or phone books) under the legs of your bed to prop up the head-end. I found that helped and I didn't want to take any medications.
You can breathe thru your nose again as soon as the baby is born, its like someone throwing a switch and your sinuses come back on.
Good luck mommie!

Answer 8

get a vick's humidifier and make sure that it is the kind that you put the medicine in and keep it on at night when it gets to the point where you cant stand it use either some sudafed or ask you doctor if you can use tylenol allergy sinus and get some breathe right strips that has helped me alot with this pregnancy

Answer 9

Ohhh I had the same problem from like 18 to 28 weeks but it slowly got better it should quit but your right it really sucks try a humidifier, Good Luck and Congrats!!!

Answer 10

Vicks and saline solution can help. Ask your doctor if there are prescription nasal sprays safe for pregnancy. Those work better than anything else, and they aren't addictive like over-the-counter varieties.