Don't Lose Sleep Over Congestion, Especially During Pregnancy

Getting adequate sleep during pregnancy is difficult enough; if an expectant mother can’t breathe through her nose, it will only make a trying situation worse.

Howard Landsman, D.O.
Ocean Medical Center
 

Congestion during pregnancy - often referred to as vasomotor rhinitis or rhinitis of pregnancy  - is caused by

hormonal changes which can cause swelling of mucous membranes and increased mucous.

While rhinitis of pregnancy is not dangerous in and of itself,  it can impact sleep, which is especially important to expectant mothers.

Congestion during pregnancy usually starts around the second month and can be exacerbated if the expectant mother has allergies or gets a cold.

When it comes to easing congestion and sleep more comfortably, always try conservative remedies first, which can include:

• Nasal saline
• Steam
• Humidifiers
• Elevating the head of your bed

If conventional methods prove ineffective, there are also category B prescription medications that can help, particularly if there are underlying allergies or the congestion is severe.

Learn more with these helpful resources:

• Common Discomforts During Pregnancy
• Understanding Newborn Reflexes and Behavior