WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Nasal congestion, a pregnancy symptom

Nasal Congestion
This is when your nose feels congested or blocked.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
Absolutely! Nasal congestion during pregnancy is a totally normal thing to experience!

It's all thanks to the wonderful hormones at work in your body. As your hormone levels increase, it causes the blood vessels in your nasal passages to become more expanded, leading to that "stuffed up" feeling.

Don't worry though, this is all just part of the journey to meeting your little one. 

Plus, the extra blood flow and mucus production in your nasal passages just means your body is doing a fantastic job keeping you and your baby healthy.

So embrace the congested nose and take comfort in the fact that this too shall pass!
Prevent and care
Proper management of nasal congestion is essential to avoid discomfort and potential complications.
  • Expect a stuffy or blocked nose, often due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the mucous membranes. 
  • Use saline nasal sprays or a humidifier to alleviate symptoms. 
  • Consult with a healthcare provider before using decongestants.
Propping your head up on pillows can also encourage mucus to flow out of your nasal passages.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
If you are feeling extra stuffy and it's not improving, or if you're experiencing any other symptoms like:
  • fever
  • persistent coughing
  • difficulty breathing
it's always a good idea to reach out to your doctor for some added peace of mind.

Remember, taking care of yourself and your little one is always a top priority!

And don't forget, your doctor is your best resource and is always there to support and guide you.

So, go ahead and give them a call for a check-in. It's a chance to connect with your healthcare team and make sure you and baby are both doing fantastic!
Top Asked Questions
What causes nasal congestion during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the nasal membranes can lead to nasal congestion.

When is nasal congestion most likely to occur during pregnancy?

Nasal congestion can happen at any time during pregnancy and may vary in severity.

Are there any over-the-counter remedies for nasal congestion that are safe during pregnancy?

Saline nasal sprays and humidifiers are often recommended, but consult with a healthcare provider before using any medications.

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All I Need To Know
E
Elisabeth
22 Oct 2023

Does anyone know if this is ok to take for nasal congestion, my doctor gave me a paper that says Sudafed, but when I looked up if this was ok to take it says its not safe.. I am confused.. need help.

5 comments
A
Amie
I think regular Sudafed is fine, not Sudafed PE
27 Mar 2024

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K
Keisha
Use vicks, and they have a stick of vicks too it helped me 😊and i.drank lemon ginger tea with honey I got better in 3 days
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amber
10 Sep 2023

Anyone else sick? I went to a public office on Tuesday and come Wednesday night I started to get sick, cold like symptoms and the only thing that seems to work is hot tea and severe congestion nasal spray. I’m drained and tired, no fever or anything but just over it cause now due to my congestion I have small bloody noses here and there. I just wanna get better!!!

1 comments
T
Tania
Be sure to take a covid test. I was asymptomatic but I had it and only tested because I was around people who had it and didn't know. Just to be safe. The only thing I had was a scratchy throat for 1 day. No fever. No chills. No headache. But it is going around heavy again. ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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B
Blocked user
15 Jun 2023

Is nasal congestion normal at 19 weeks? Hey girls I’m 18 weeks + 6 days and I’ve been having nasal congestion the past two days which I’ve never had with any of my other pregnancies it’s a little better today what are some home remedies for this nasal congestion?

7 comments
c
cheyenne
i need help on my last post. i just want more opinions if it looks positive or faulty
27 Mar 2024

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🍹Jenni
I would suggest a vaporizer/humidifier running while you sleep! I’ve had this problem my whole pregnancy, even random nose bleeds.
27 Mar 2024

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Q
Quila
21 May 2023

Being pregnant with nasal congestion is just torture! Bad enough I barely can breathe as it is! Nowww you gonna clog my nostrils 🤧😷🥹

9 comments
M
Mariam Diana
Same thing happening to me. 😩
27 Mar 2024

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Q
Quila
What do you do for relief? I hate it
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ashleyrenee
16 May 2023

This Congestion Is So Uncomfortable And I Can’t Even Use Nasal Decongestant 😩 That Clears All This Up The Saline Doesn’t Help Much 😢

1 comments
C
Cassandra
I’ve had none stop migraines from the beginning to almost 12 weeks never went away only an ice packed help. The congestion. It never leaves. I am still dealing with it. Sucks :(
27 Mar 2024

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R
Regina
9 Jan 2023

Any recommendations for newborns with nasal congestion? #congestednewborn #nasalcongestion

7 comments
M
Melissa
It sucks! My 6 week old recently was congested and I quickly bought a humidifier, the frida baby nose sucker (the blue tube one where you manually suck it out and there’s a filter so no boogies go anywhere near your mouth), Little Remedies saline drops which is safe for newborns, and the Boogie micro mist mask included saline spray. I also put babyrub on her chest and back and did lots of steam sessions in the bathroom. Good luck mama!
27 Mar 2024

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M
Melissa
Some moms also swear by putting purple onion slices in their sock while they sleep. I did it one night and I did see some slight improvement!
27 Mar 2024

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E
Eunice
15 Dec 2022

Its been a month since my nasal congestion started (2nd trimester) and its exhausting. Has anyone experience it? Nasal spray isnt working much anymore🤢

4 comments
O
Olivia
Order a Navage nasal care on Amazon it’s spendy but worth it you’ll feel a million times better ♥️
27 Mar 2024

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O
Olivia
It’s a machine that’ll clear everything out of you’re sinuses stop using nose spray it’ll make it worst unfortunately
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sabryna
1 Nov 2022

At first I thought it was just nasal congestion now I’m actually starting to think I’m sick. The top it all off being pregnant and sick really sucks and I get headaches all the time🥺

2 comments
C
Crystal
I’ve heard sinus infection and nasal congestion is pretty common during pregnancy. I had it for 3 weeks couple weeks ago. I asked my best friend if it was normal and she said almost her whole pregnancy she had a sinus infection.
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sabryna
I was so miserable!!! Thankfully I’m getting better !!! Thanks for the reply
27 Mar 2024

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H
Hazel
23 Oct 2022

Did Anybody Else Suffer With Serious Nasal Congestion During Pregnancy? Or currently dealing with it? It went away but now it’s back 🙄🙄🙄🥺🥺🥺🤦🏽‍♀️

4 comments
H
Hazel
Girll Beyond Annoying 😂🙄🥺🤦🏽‍♀️ It’s so hard to breathe! What do you do to help it ?
27 Mar 2024

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H
Hazel
Well I will say that I do have a Steamer I forgot the brand but it does help me for about 2-3 days to a week and then I’m back feeling congested again.
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mayra
27 May 2022

Home Covid test negative but I’ve been sick since Monday nasal congestion headache sore throat tight chest body ache abs chills I don’t feel good and there is no phone appointment any suggestions mamas help

10 comments
A
Arlene
U can be dehydrated
27 Mar 2024

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A
Arlene
Try drinking Gatorade or pedyalite
27 Mar 2024

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