Prolonged runny nose during pregnancy: how to treat

How to treat a runny nose in pregnant women

Before starting therapy, women should ask their doctor what pregnant women can use for a runny nose. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to use vasoconstrictor drops and preparations containing xylometazoline to treat a runny nose. Drugs such as Otrivin, Rhinorus, Dlynos, Galazolin and others are prohibited. In extreme cases, the pathology is treated with drugs whose active ingredient is oxymetazoline. A good effect in treating the disease is given by:

• Nazol;
• Nesopin;
• Nazivin;
• Afrin.

If it is necessary to use drops in the nose for pregnant women with a runny nose, it is better to give preference to a child's dosage and use them for no more than 5-7 days. Experts recommend getting rid of rhinitis with indirect vasoconstrictors, which have a mild effect on the woman’s body.

To treat a runny nose during pregnancy, you can use sprays that contain natural ingredients. With their help, it is possible to relieve the expectant mother of unpleasant symptoms and make breathing easier. Most doctors say that it is best to use sprays that contain sea water. The Aqua Maris series of drugs are considered to be effective medicines, which not only prevent a runny nose, but also activate the immune system.

Most often, rhinitis in women during pregnancy is accompanied by the appearance of additional cold symptoms. In such a situation, treatment is required not only for the nose, but also for the throat. Experts recommend that a woman use special ointments to eliminate the pathology, which help restore the woman’s health and do not have a negative effect on the fetus. During pregnancy, a quick effect can be obtained using the following drugs:

• Fleming;
• Star;
• Evamenol;
• Doctor Mom;
• Oksolin.

During pregnancy, taking many antibiotics is prohibited, so it is better for women not to get sick. If bacterial rhinitis is diagnosed and the use of conventional methods does not bring relief, a reduced dosage of a potent drug may be prescribed under the supervision of a physician. Preference is given to antibiotics from the macrolide group, and Isofra is considered its most common representative. As an additional treatment, local antiseptics and anesthetics are allowed.

For allergic rhinitis, antihistamines can be prescribed, but the list of approved medications is quite limited. The fact is that the medication taken has a negative effect on the fetus, which can affect its development. During pregnancy, it is allowed to use a spray for the common cold such as Nazaval and Prevalin Alerji. They are completely safe because they do not contain active ingredients. The main purpose of their purpose is to cover the internal mucous surface with a thin film that is impenetrable to allergens.

Conditionally safe antiallergic locally active drugs containing mometasone are:

• Nosephrine;
• Nasonex.

From the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, you can use drugs based on cromoglycic acid with increased caution:

• Cromoghlin;
• Cromohexal.

When a woman is diagnosed with acute rhinitis, corticosteroids may be prescribed. It is best to give preference to topical hormonal drops, but if indicated, systemic glucocorticosteroids can be prescribed.

Folk remedies for the treatment of runny nose in pregnant women

Treatment of a runny nose in pregnant women with folk remedies should be carried out with the same caution as treatment with tablets or ready-made drops, since many herbs and plants have harmful side effects on the placenta or fetus.

For example, a pregnant woman should not drip aloe juice into her nose, as this may cause increased uterine tone. It is also quite dangerous during pregnancy to drink decoctions of some herbs with pronounced disinfectant properties (sage, mint) due to their ability to constrict the blood vessels of not only the nose, but also the uterus.

The following ways can help a pregnant woman with any type of runny nose:

1. “Nasal shower” - frequent rinsing of the nasal passages with saline solutions or herbal solutions. It can be done using a small syringe or a nebulizer with a nasal attachment.
2. Constantly humidify the air in the rooms where the pregnant woman spends most of her time, so that the mucus does not thicken and worsen the symptoms of a runny nose. If the weather and general condition permit, you need to spend more time in the fresh air.
3. Steam inhalations for the nose. Inhalations are carried out over a container of boiling water, to which a little soda and a couple of drops of aromatic oils have been added. Instead of boiled water, you can use steam from decoctions of chamomile, St. John's wort and plantain. The pregnant woman covers herself with a towel and breathes in the vapor until the liquid cools down.
4. Adding an extra pillow or raising the head of the bed so that your head is higher than your body while sleeping. This will reduce blood flow to the vessels of the nasal passages and reduce unpleasant nasal congestion.
5. Distractive thermal procedures. This method should be used with extreme caution - general thermal procedures are contraindicated for pregnant women. Pregnant women are not given any hot foot baths or mustard plasters, as this provokes spontaneous miscarriage in the early stages or premature birth in the second half of pregnancy.
6. You can use warm hand baths (so that blood flows into the upper extremities and nasal congestion decreases) or warming up the bridge of the nose (if there is no elevated body temperature or signs of a bacterial infection).
7. Acupressure massage of acupuncture points in the area of ​​the wings of the nose and bridge of the nose. It is believed that if you perform such a massage with eucalyptus or fir essential oil, after a short time breathing through the nose will become easier. But you can use essential oils during pregnancy only in extreme cases, in small concentrations and if other methods do not help.
8. Consuming a sufficient amount of vitamin C, the effect of which is aimed at strengthening the vascular wall, which prevents swelling and increased secretion by the cells of the nasal mucosa. Vitamin C can be obtained in food by consuming ready-made vitamin complexes or through food (greens, citrus fruits, rose hips). But at the same time, it is very important not to overdo it and not get an overdose, since this can lead to premature aging of the placenta.

In addition, if a pregnant woman wants to get the necessary ascorbic acid by eating large amounts of citrus fruits, she risks increasing the allergic readiness of the unborn child's body. In simple terms, the child will be prone to various manifestations of allergies, and not necessarily to citrus products. During pregnancy, daily nasal instillation of freshly squeezed carrot, apple or beet juice is considered safe. A good effect is also achieved by using soda-tannin drops, which can easily be prepared at home.

Since tannin is contained in tea, to obtain it, you need to evaporate a glass of strongly brewed black tea for a quarter of an hour over low heat. Then cool, strain and add a teaspoon of baking soda. Place the resulting solution, 5 drops, into each nostril every 8 hours.

Pregnancy is one of the happiest states of a woman. To prevent a woman from being plagued by a runny nose or other illnesses during this period, at the first suspicious symptoms, she needs to discuss with her doctor (first a gynecologist, and, if necessary, an ENT doctor) the best tactics of action in this particular situation.

If the expectant mother follows all the doctor’s recommendations, then the treatment of a runny nose will be effective and it will quickly stop.

Based on materials from otvetprost.com

Runny nose in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

A runny nose in the third trimester of pregnancy is an unpleasant phenomenon of various etymologies: it can be either independent or a symptom of a specific disease, and is difficult to treat due to the impossibility of using most medications when a woman is in an interesting position.

If you let everything take its course, do not pay due attention to health, do not apply therapeutic measures, or, conversely, treat it incorrectly, you can put the health of the unborn child at great risk and bring the birth closer.

What kind of runny nose occurs in pregnant women, how to treat it and how to prevent it, find out in this article.

A runny nose during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester occurs for various reasons. The most common among them is the so-called rhinitis of pregnant women. This is a phenomenon that occurs due to high levels of hormones.

Apart from the effect on the nasal mucosa, it does not cause any other symptoms: neither nasal discharge nor temperature are observed.

A runny nose, along with a pain or sore throat, high fever, headache, and weakness can be one of the signs of an acute respiratory viral infection or a cold.

Although it usually manifests itself earlier, so worried mothers, having undergone special tests, have time to identify what causes such a reaction and eliminate the allergens.

Ideally, if a woman has had such cases even at the stage of planning pregnancy, she should consult a doctor to ease the symptoms of the disease in the future.

Some women react this way to too dry indoor air. This happens mainly in winter, when radiators and heaters are running, and the house is rarely ventilated. The nose becomes dry and inflamed. You must also remember: a moist mucous membrane is the key to the absence of viruses in the body. Therefore, take care of yourself and open the window more often so that there is fresh air in the apartment.

Is it dangerous?

Answer to the question: “Is a runny nose dangerous in the third trimester of pregnancy?” depends on the exact date. This unpleasant phenomenon affects the fetus much more in the first weeks of the trimester than in subsequent weeks. If it occurs a week or a week and a half before birth, it has almost no effect on its development.

It is also important how long it bothers you: if you cannot get rid of nasal congestion for more than a week, this is fraught with hypoxia for the baby due to lack of oxygen. As a result, the baby is born weighing less than usual

And in the case of a prolonged illness, underdevelopment of some organs is possible.

The cause of the runny nose is also important. ARI can cause premature birth due to the rapid deterioration of the pregnant woman's condition. And the infection that provoked ARVI can affect the fetus, and after birth “move” into the child’s body.

The first rule is to immediately consult a doctor and strictly follow his recommendations; you cannot self-medicate, as this can harm your unborn child.

To alleviate the symptoms, you need to walk outside more, ventilate the room more often, monitor the air temperature (should not exceed 22° C), put another small pillow or small cushion under your head at night to make it easier to breathe.

Rinsing with water with sea salt or saline, inhalation with carbonated water helps

And you need to be very careful when putting drops in your nose: drops based on essential oils can be harmful.

It is important to use these drugs for no more than three days, otherwise there will be intoxication of the fetus. Homemade drops are good for eliminating a runny nose: apple and carrot juice, infusions of St. John's wort and mint, linden blossom, willow and oak bark, a decoction of oregano, yarrow, sage, viburnum bark and violet root.

Vasomotor rhinitis in recent weeks is generally not treated, so as not to subject the fetus to stress. After childbirth, it goes away without therapy, as the hormonal levels of the female body normalize.

How not to get sick?

A runny nose during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester can be prevented from developing. After all, it is much easier to protect yourself from a disease than to treat it. We must try not to become infected with viral infections.

To do this, it is better to spend less time among large crowds of people, in particular, do not sit in line at the clinic; you should make an appointment in advance and come at a clearly appointed time.

If this is not possible, wear a mask and avoid contact with sick people.

It is important to walk a lot outside, in particular in the park area, where there is more oxygen, but dress according to the weather so as not to freeze, but also not to sweat. If it’s raining or wet snow outside, it’s better to refrain from walking or stock up on reliable waterproof and water-repellent shoes so as not to get your feet wet

Don’t forget to ventilate the room and maintain the correct temperature.

Features of the course of a runny nose during pregnancy

Pregnant women have an increased predisposition to the development of tachyphylaxis syndrome - rapid (after the first dose) addiction to the drug and a sharp decrease in its therapeutic effect. Studies have shown that in 56% of women who note a worsening of bronchial asthma during pregnancy, the symptoms of a runny nose also increase at the same time. This suggests that asthma and rhinitis during pregnancy are closely interrelated, and both diseases must be treated simultaneously. Increased symptoms of a runny nose during pregnancy:

1. smoking - the risk increases to 69%;
2. allergy to house dust mites.

Seasonal allergies, month of conception, sex of the fetus and previous births do not in any way affect the likelihood of developing this disease. During pregnancy in the 3rd trimester, a runny nose is caused by infections, allergic agents, and hormonal changes in the body. Therefore, it is important to determine the form of the disease:

• allergic rhinitis during pregnancy;
• hormonal rhinitis of pregnancy;
• infectious runny nose in a pregnant woman.

It is not always possible to draw a clear boundary between these conditions, since the disease can occur in a mixed form. But it is necessary to consider different clinical situations. Allergic rhinitis affects 20–30% of women of childbearing age. About 10–30% of these women note a worsening of rhinitis symptoms with the onset of pregnancy. The causes of hormonal runny nose in pregnant women have not been studied enough. The main hypothesis is an increase in the secretion of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy. It is believed that estrogenic hormones increase the level of acetylcholine in the blood, a neurotransmitter that mediates the transmission of nervous excitation to nerve tissue. The effect of acetylcholine is manifested by expansion and overflow of the tissue of the nasal turbinates, swelling, and increased secretion of the nasal mucosa. Severe forms of hormonal rhinitis begin to develop from the 2nd trimester. When hormonal levels change, a sudden onset of increased activity in the nose may occur. This can quickly develop a decrease in the therapeutic effect of taking medications, even if vasoconstrictor drops were used for a short time, and increase the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Changes in the immune system that develop during pregnancy make a woman more susceptible to respiratory viral infections. A runny nose that occurs against the background of such an infection is persistent, does not respond well to conventional treatment, and is often complicated by purulent inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (rhinosinusitis). During pregnancy, a woman needs to limit contact with people with respiratory infections and spend less time in public places during flu epidemics. At the first symptoms of an infectious runny nose, you must immediately begin to treat it - rinse the nasal cavity to prevent complications.

Runny nose in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the size of the uterus increases, and the vertical size of the chest decreases. Therefore, the likelihood of the appearance or intensification of an existing reflux (backflow) of stomach contents into the esophagus and pharynx increases. Gastroesophageal (pharyngolaryngeal) reflux is another cause of runny nose in pregnant women. It occurs more often during sleep as a result of acidic gastric contents entering the pharynx and nasal cavity. To prevent these undesirable effects, a woman should:

• raise the head of the bed by 15 cm;
• eat food 1.5 - 2 hours before bedtime;
• eat small and often – 5 – 6 times a day;
• limit fat intake, increase the amount of protein in the diet;
• Avoid caffeine-containing drinks (coffee, strong tea, Coca-Cola), carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, and tomato juices.

With severe manifestations of reflux, it may be necessary to prescribe drugs - proton pump inhibitors. Clinical manifestations of pharyngolaryngeal reflux and the symptoms of runny nose caused by it are significantly reduced after the first 3 to 5 days of regular use of omeprazole at a dose of 40 mg per day.

How to treat nasal congestion during pregnancy with medications

Only a gynecologist and therapist, taking into account the duration of pregnancy, the characteristics of its course and general well-being, can decide which medications are allowed to be taken:

• If your nose is stuffy during pregnancy, you can treat it with Zvezdochka antiseptic balm. The composition is lubricated on the wings of the nose and the area under the nose. The swelling decreases and breathing becomes easier.
• If your nose is constantly stuffy during pregnancy, most likely the cause is a runny nose during pregnancy. Fleming's ointment, which is allowed to be used in the first trimester, can come to the rescue. A cotton swab with ointment is inserted into the nasal passages for 12 minutes.
• You can remove congestion by rinsing your nose with an antiseptic solution called Miramistin. It restores damaged mucous membranes and increases resistance to microbes. Instill 4 drops of the solution and after a couple of seconds blow out the liquid along with the contents.

• If congestion occurs due to allergies, you can use Nazaval spray. Vibrocil helps well, but it is only allowed during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester. These drugs eliminate the feeling of tingling and burning in the nose and protect against irritants. During late pregnancy, when the disease becomes severe, corticosteroids may be prescribed: Prednisolone, Nasonex.
• If severe congestion is a concern, vasoconstrictors may be prescribed. The duration of their use should not exceed three days. Children's drops, such as Nazol Baby, Nazivin, Otrivin, are considered the safest during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester. They quickly relieve swelling and make breathing easier.
• Nasal congestion during pregnancy can be combated with plant-based Pinosol drops. The medicine can eliminate inflammation, relieve swelling, accelerate the healing of damaged mucosa, and protect against re-entry of microbes. The composition contains no components that constrict blood vessels.

• In the second trimester, congestion can be treated with the drug Sinupret. The herbal composition helps to liquefy viscous mucus, stop the inflammatory process and alleviate the condition.
• Homeopathic medicines such as Edas 131, Delufen and Euphorbium Compositum are considered safe and effective during pregnancy. Contains plant and mineral components. They are prescribed for any form of rhinitis. Improvement occurs on the fourth day. Breathing is restored, swelling and inflammation are eliminated, itching and dryness disappear.
• When the nose is very stuffy during pregnancy due to a bacterial infection, Polydex and Bioparox drops can be prescribed. They fight bacteria and prevent their proliferation. If the dosage is observed, the medicine does not affect other organs.

In the third trimester, if a woman is often sick, Derinat drops may be prescribed. The medication increases the body's defenses, eliminates inflammation, and heals damaged surfaces. Does not have a vasoconstrictor effect. Since the drug has a strong effect on the immune system, it cannot be used in the early stages.

Runny nose during pregnancy - 1st trimester.

First of all, it is worth immediately noting that any exclusion of the occurrence of a disease is its prevention. And any prevention must be timely. The best time to start pregnancy is considered to be autumn. The expectant mother has enough time to prepare for all the “threats” that await her with the onset of cold weather, in particular, to prevent the risk of a runny nose as much as possible.

Its funny feature is that a runny nose in the early stages of pregnancy can be one of the “symptoms” of beginning pregnancy. The reason for its occurrence lies in the hormonal changes of a woman who will soon become a mother. This etymology of the origin of the runny nose suggests that it will soon go away on its own, and if not, it will not cause severe inconvenience.

At this stage, the formation of the internal organs of the fetus occurs. That is why it is so important not to self-medicate, which can be fraught with disturbances in fetal development and even miscarriage. And delaying treatment can smoothly develop into more serious diseases, such as pneumonia or sinusitis.

Runny nose during pregnancy - 2nd trimester.

This stage of childbearing is characterized by less vulnerability to adverse factors. However, the use of any unwanted medications can be fraught with infertility in the future girl, since right now her eggs are being formed. Any treatment should only be carried out strictly according to the prescription of the attending physician and under his constant supervision.

The use of homeopathic remedies for the treatment of a runny nose at this stage negatively affects the development of the child’s nervous system and may be the cause of his low birth weight, or even the occurrence of premature birth.

Runny nose during pregnancy - 3rd trimester.

The occurrence of a runny nose at this stage is no less dangerous than in the early stages of pregnancy. Premature birth, deprivation of the fetus of proper nutrition and protection, disruption of hormonal preparation for the production of breast milk, infection of the fetus - all this can be a consequence of a runny nose in late pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman does not have time to cure a runny nose before giving birth , then she is isolated from the newborn baby for the period of treatment. Thus, the defenseless baby is deprived of breastfeeding, which was intended for him by nature. Runny nose during pregnancy - what to do?

Runny nose during pregnancy - what to do?

First of all , do not self-medicate! The health of your future baby will depend only on how seriously you approach the issue of treating a runny nose. The best option in any case would be to visit a specialist doctor and get his advice.

But the current hospital system is organized in such a way that we cannot always get the help we need in a timely manner, and treatment of the disease must begin immediately. An auxiliary remedy in this case will be preparations based on sea salt, which include such as the well-known Aqua Maris, no less effective Salin and Dolphin. As for homeopathic remedies that have a vasodilating effect, you should wait a while before visiting a doctor. Even if they are still prescribed, the dosage is usually for children.

as folk remedies - breathing over boiled potatoes, chopped onions. However, it is worth carefully studying the effect of herbs before resorting to this method, since some of the currently known ones can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

Summarizing all of the above, we can conclude that any disease, including a runny nose, during pregnancy requires immediate treatment. Careful treatment of a runny nose until complete recovery is the “golden mean” that every pregnant woman should adhere to.

Video: runny nose during pregnancy.

Treatment with drugs

Find out how to treat a runny nose that occurs, for example, at 5 weeks of pregnancy, so as not to affect the pregnancy itself. First of all, of course, you need to determine the cause of rhinitis, and for this you should contact a qualified specialist. He will make a diagnosis and, if necessary, recommend harmless or gentle therapy for pregnant girls.

Pinosol

A pediatric dose is given to all women during pregnancy, that is, 1 drop 3 times a day. This remedy for the common cold is suitable for everyone, because it is completely natural. Of course, the expectant mother’s body needs care and support, but there is no need to harm such a susceptible fetus.

Otrivin

An infectious disease, if rhinitis in pregnant women is accompanied by headache, fever, sore throat during a cold, is treated with Otrivin. 1 drop of 0.1% product is used 2 times a day. This dose is for children, therefore it is gentle for the expectant mother. Before instillation, you need to clear your nose of mucus.

Drops are prescribed even for allergic rhinitis.

Derinat

Drops should be used carefully, 1 drop once a day. Monitor your condition

The doctor must draw a conclusion and prescribe the drug for allergic rhinitis, acute respiratory viral infections, and bronchitis.

Grippferon

The drops are safe and non-toxic. Place 3 drops in the nose 3 times a day. After this, you need to massage the wings of the nose so that the drug is evenly distributed.

Sanorin

These drops should also be used as a last resort and under close medical supervision, as they constrict blood vessels. 1 drop for 5 days, but no longer, while wiping the nostrils with a cotton swab to avoid swelling.

Oxolinic ointment

A runny nose in pregnant women in the early stages is also treated with ointments. For example, Oxolinic ointment, since it has no contraindications, does not pose any danger. Smear the inside of the nose 3-4 times a day to stop bacteria from entering through the nose when inhaled.

Viferon

Let's find out how to treat a runny nose that occurs, for example, at 5 weeks of pregnancy, so as not to affect the pregnancy itself. The ointment is used 3 times a day for no longer than 6 days. This is a useful drug as it contains vitamins C and E.

Golden Star

It is good to use Golden Star balm for a runny nose during pregnancy. You need to smear the wings of your nose 2-3 times a day to freshen your breath.

Let us draw a conclusion on the peculiarities of treating a runny nose during pregnancy:

• Natural drops are suitable: Pinosol, Otrivin, Sanorin.
• The following medications are safe: Grippferon drops, Derinat, Viferon ointment.
• Golden Star balm will help freshen your breath.
• Monitor air humidity by turning on the humidifier.
• Raise your pillow to make it easier to breathe at night.
• The air temperature should not exceed 22 degrees.
• You should abandon strong drugs in favor of natural remedies and harmless procedures.
• Eliminate the cause of the allergy, for example, cat hair, dust.

It is not recommended to take vasoconstrictor drugs DlyaNos, Vibrocil, as they have a detrimental effect on the development of the nervous and cardiovascular systems of the fetus, as well as:

• influence the increase in blood pressure;
• narrowing of the blood vessels of the uterus and placenta leads to oxygen starvation of the fetus;
• dry the nasal passages from protective mucus;
• addictive.

You should not put Naphthyzine in your nose. The drug constricts blood vessels, and if the nose is stuffy for a long time during pregnancy, problems with oxygen saturation of the fetus may arise, that is, there is a risk of hypoxia. Oxygen starvation leads to pathology of the brain and organs of the embryo.

In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, a runny nose must be treated, as it can contribute to complications. To do this, you need to strictly follow all the doctor’s recommendations and take this seemingly harmless ailment seriously.

What to do if you have a runny nose in the third trimester of pregnancy

It is in the late stages of pregnancy that women most often develop a runny nose. The statistics are eloquent: at 30 weeks, nasal obstruction is observed in 40% of pregnant women, at 40 weeks - in 42%. At the same time, a runny nose during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester occurs in different ways, has different durations and occurs due to a large number of reasons. Accordingly, treating a runny nose in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy for each specific case requires an appropriate set of means and methods.

In many cases, a runny nose in the third trimester of pregnancy occurs just before childbirth, sometimes literally on the eve of it, more often 10-12 days before. A woman gives birth with a runny nose, and then its symptoms disappear within a week or two after birth. This is typical for the so-called hormonal runny nose. It may be associated with laryngopathy (sore throat and hoarseness), which is normal for women in labor, as well as decreased hearing and sense of smell.

It is wrong to say that a runny nose is a disease. A runny nose is just a set of symptoms that arise as a consequence of the disease itself - rhinitis. In common parlance, rhinitis and runny nose are considered synonymous and therefore it is customary to talk about runny nose as a disease.

Many women give birth safely with vasomotor rhinitis

But this is not all the consequences of a runny nose during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester.

Why is a runny nose dangerous in the later stages?

A runny nose in itself in late pregnancy can affect the development of the fetus. If constant nasal congestion lasts more than a week, the child does not receive enough oxygen and develops in hypoxic conditions. Because of this, there may be a lack of weight and, in the case of a runny nose that lasts too long, underdevelopment of individual organs.

The earlier a runny nose appears during gestation and the longer it lasts, the more likely the risk of undesirable consequences for the fetus. A runny nose that appears a week and a half before birth has virtually no effect on the development of the fetus.

A runny nose in itself in the last days of pregnancy does not in any way affect the health of the unborn baby.

“I had a runny nose three times throughout my pregnancy, but all three times it went away very quickly. The first time was at week 12, but there I was just frozen. Then I had a runny nose at 28 weeks of pregnancy, I don’t even know why. It probably lasted three days, and when I went to the doctor, it had already disappeared. And the last time happened at 40 weeks, five days before giving birth. I had read about such a thing in pregnant women, so I was ready to be patient and knew that I might have to give birth with a runny nose. But no, it passed. On the day of the trip to the maternity hospital, I still had nasal congestion in the morning, but in the chaos and getting ready, I didn’t even notice that it had gone away. And already in the maternity hospital, I didn’t even notice that he wasn’t there. The next morning after giving birth I was breathing normally. I never used any products, I just did inhalations with St. John’s wort and smeared Zvezdochka on my nose. In my opinion, this is like a poultice for the dead.”

The presence of ARVI in a pregnant woman is an indication for referral to the infectious diseases department of the maternity hospital

Diseases accompanying a runny nose are also dangerous for the fetus. If nasal congestion occurs due to a cold, the infection can affect the fetus and lead to infection of the baby after birth. A general deterioration in the mother's condition due to a cold or acute respiratory infection can cause premature birth.

But even more dangerous are the medications that many women habitually take to treat a runny nose without consulting a doctor. During pregnancy in the 3rd trimester, most popular vasoconstrictors are strictly contraindicated: if they enter the body, they easily pass through the placental barrier and poison the fetus. The use of strong corticosteroids (most nasal drops contain them) or antihistamines can even lead to fetal poisoning or affect the labor activity of the uterus and the course of labor in general.

“I had a runny nose at 32 weeks of pregnancy. He had a cold and a sore throat. I was treated only with folk remedies - I steamed my legs, did inhalations, and went to the sauna twice. She didn't take any medications. It all went away in 8 days, there were no consequences, and then the birth was completely normal.”

Causes of a runny nose in the third trimester and diagnosis of its different forms

As in other stages, in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, a runny nose can be caused by many reasons. However, according to statistics, the leading one among them is the effect of the release of hormones on the condition of the nasal mucosa. With such a hormonal runny nose (in otolaryngology it is simply called rhinitis of pregnant women), only swelling of the mucous membrane is observed. Sneezing, snot and fever usually do not occur.

A cough in a pregnant woman is much more dangerous than a runny nose

Allergic rhinitis can also appear in the later stages, but this happens less frequently: usually the expectant mother manages to react to all allergens earlier and by the end of pregnancy they are eliminated. An allergic runny nose is characterized by mucus discharge from the nose, lacrimation, and the appearance of a rash on the body. In the clinic, it is diagnosed by increased levels of antibodies in the blood, as well as by checking the skin's reaction to allergens.

Vasomotor rhinitis does not occur suddenly in late pregnancy. The woman lives with him constantly, and when planning a pregnancy, she prepares and coordinates with the doctor all measures to alleviate his symptoms.

A runny nose caused by an acute respiratory infection or a cold is usually accompanied by a sore throat, fever, headaches, and a general deterioration of the condition.

Headaches are a symptom of quite serious diseases.

“I almost lost my footing while running around the hospitals. I got a runny nose at 35 weeks of pregnancy, no snot, no cough, just a stuffy nose. My gynecologist is just coming back from vacation, at the district clinic there is a line for ENT specialists on two floors, and everyone has the flu, I only made it to Intosana. I didn’t think about money or anything anymore. I shouldn't have panicked. There are such good doctors there. They reassured me and said that this happens to many pregnant women. They prescribed nasal drops made from sea water; it was necessary to humidify the air at home. Indeed, after this the runny nose did not go away, but it became easier. There, at the clinic, I met a girl with a runny nose at 38 weeks, but she had a terrible allergy, because it happened in August, ragweed was blooming everywhere. Of course, she was treated with various medications, but again, very carefully. By the way, I recently met her. She gave birth to a healthy boy, ttt.”

An air humidifier is often necessary in the room where a pregnant woman lives.

And in very rare cases, a runny nose may appear as a reaction to very dry indoor air. As a rule, if microclimate conditions are violated, dry nose, the appearance of crusts in the nose, cracks and inflammation of the mucous membrane appear in the early stages and are eliminated by the end of gestation. But when moving or sudden weather fluctuations, this can also happen.

Rules for safe treatment of runny nose in the third trimester

It is necessary to treat a runny nose in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy strictly according to the doctor’s instructions. Self-prescribing either medications or folk remedies is not acceptable here because of the possible impact on both the fetus and the mother’s body.

Rinsing the nose with salt water can reduce swelling of the mucous membrane

To treat a runny nose during pregnancy, standard procedures are first prescribed, the purpose of which is to alleviate the symptoms as much as possible. In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, they are no different from those in other stages - they include humidifying the air in the room, frequent walks in the fresh air, rinsing the nose with salt water, raising the head of the bed, maintaining the room temperature at 20-22°C.

In some cases, this set of measures is enough for a woman to be able to breathe through her nose and not need medications.

The effect of such procedures can be enhanced by inhaling mineral water, dropping it into the nose or rinsing it with saline or plain salt water. But with drops based on essential oils you need to be more careful: if a simple saline solution in the 3rd trimester can be used without fear to treat runny nose in pregnant women of any etiology, then the same natural drops are dangerous to use for allergic rhinitis, and if it worsens, avoid it altogether such a remedy.

By the way, to treat allergic rhinitis, the drug Nazaval is often used - a finely dispersed solution of cellulose fibers, which, when sprayed in the nose, creates a barrier to allergen particles and protects the mucous membrane from contact with them.

“I had a runny nose that started at 34 weeks of pregnancy and lasted until the birth and for another week after. I held on, didn’t drip a drop, although the ENT told me that if it becomes completely unbearable, I can drip Tizin. Inhalations and potatoes helped me well - after them, my nose breathed almost normally for a couple of hours, then gradually it became numb again. I did inhalations in the morning, after sleep, lasted until lunch, and then usually went for a walk. In the air it immediately became easier. Then, two hours before bed, I made chamomile with eucalyptus and smeared the star on my nose. It was possible to fall asleep with my nose still breathing, but by the middle of the night it was stuffy. But in general it’s tolerable.”

In the fresh air, nasal swelling noticeably subsides

Treatment of a runny nose in pregnant women in the 3rd trimester with the help of pharmacological agents is prescribed only by a doctor and only in cases where the runny nose itself, its causes or complications can lead to more severe consequences than medications. For example, some topical hormonal sprays are prescribed if needed. In some cases, the doctor decides to prescribe decongestants such as Otrivin, Faryal, Vibrocil in a very short course and in reduced quantities to relieve swelling and ensure patency of the nasal passages.

Naphthyzin is one of the most famous means for quickly relieving swelling

Doctors prefer not to treat vasomotor runny nose at 39-40 weeks of pregnancy, since in most situations after childbirth it goes away on its own as the hormonal balance normalizes.

“We often have patients with a runny nose in late pregnancy. We explain to everyone that this is the specificity of hormonal surges in the body, we convince them to do without medications, but not everyone listens. Here everything depends on the future mother: if the child’s health is more important to her, she listens to advice, if her well-being is important to her, then she does what she wants. Usually, only in the maternity hospital, immediately before childbirth, you can drip any vasodilating drops into your nose, this will help you breathe normally during childbirth. But you must first determine the cause of the runny nose. If it is associated with an infection, it cannot be hidden so as not to infect the entire maternity hospital. In this case, the woman in labor will be admitted to the infectious diseases department. If it is vasomotor rhinitis, the ENT specialist will give the pregnant woman the appropriate confirmation, with which she will be admitted to the maternity hospital.”

Protect yourself and your baby!

A runny nose in late pregnancy is inevitable for many expectant mothers. Other forms of it - colds, infectious - can be prevented and not allowed to develop.

In any case, to reduce the risk of a runny nose as a consequence of other diseases or to reduce the severity of symptoms of hormonal and allergic runny nose, not much needs to be done:

1. Avoid infection with ARVI - spend less time in crowded places, do not sit in queues at the hospital (come to the doctor by appointment or wait in line outside, if the weather permits), wear a gauze bandage, do not communicate with obvious carriers of infection;
2. Maintain a normal indoor microclimate - a temperature of about 21? C and a humidity of 65-75%;
3. Raise the head of the bed;
4. Walk a lot in the fresh air, do gymnastics for pregnant women, do not stop, but slightly ease the regime of hardening the body;
5. Dress warmly;
6. Avoid places with known allergens.

And most importantly, if a runny nose appears and its symptoms manifest for more than 3 days, you need to see a doctor. It is he who will decide whether it is worth prescribing treatment, and if so, what kind. It is very important to find in advance, through the recommendations of friends, a good specialist who you can completely trust. Then a runny nose will be neither severe for the mother nor dangerous for the unborn baby.

Video: colds in pregnant women

Miramistin during pregnancy

Miramistin does not penetrate the systemic bloodstream, therefore it is not dangerous for a pregnant woman and her unborn child, and does not have a toxic effect.

The drug belongs to the pharmacological group of antiseptics.

Ingredients: Miramistin, purified water.

Pharmacological properties: Miramistin solution has a bactericidal effect on bacteria, pathogenic fungi, and viruses. The drug accelerates tissue regeneration, stimulates local immunity, prevents infection of the mucous membrane, and stops inflammatory processes.

Indications: treatment of inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx.

Contraindications for use: hypersensitivity to the main active ingredient.

Side effects: extremely rarely allergic reactions, burning at the site of application.

Use of medications in the 3rd trimester

Treatment of a runny nose during pregnancy is carried out only when its causes or complications can lead to even more serious consequences than taking medications.

In case of severe runny nose caused by acute respiratory infections, a woman may be prescribed decongestant medications (Farial, Vibrocil). These drugs will relieve swelling and ensure normal air passage through the nasal passages.

It is important to know that such drugs can be used in a minimal dose and for no longer than three days in a row. If they are treated for a longer period of time, this can lead to intoxication (poisoning) of the fetus in the womb.

Effective drugs for the treatment of a runny nose are sprays Pinosol (eucalyptus), Salin, Humer, Dolphin, Aquamaris and Aqualor. These medications can relieve the inflammatory and infectious process. The duration of therapy with them should also not be 3-5 days.

Causes of runny nose in pregnant women

The main cause of rhinitis during pregnancy is considered to be viral infections that penetrate the body of the expectant mother. In addition to mucous discharge from the nose, they can cause pain in the throat, a rise in body temperature, aching joints and other symptoms. However, in addition to the main causes of colds, a woman may experience other manifestations, depending on the stage of pregnancy. A runny nose is an unpleasant condition that causes a lot of discomfort to a woman who has managed to become pregnant.

During late pregnancy and in the first months of pregnancy, a runny nose often appears in women, especially at night. If rhinitis is not a manifestation of a cold, then it does not pose any danger to women's health. Colds in the first weeks of pregnancy may appear for the following reasons:

• diseases that are accompanied by the appearance of additional symptoms such as cough and runny nose;
• injuries and damage to the internal mucous membrane;
• an allergic reaction that worsens during pregnancy;
• The air in the room is too dry.

Women should remember that coping with a runny nose during pregnancy is only possible if the root cause of its occurrence is eliminated. A short-term runny nose in early pregnancy most often does not pose any danger to the woman and the developing fetus. However, when it becomes chronic, you should be wary and begin effective treatment as soon as possible.

In the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, hormonal changes in the female body can cause nasal congestion. The fetus begins to actively develop and increase in size, and requires increased nutrition. In this situation, the endocrine system begins to produce increased amounts of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This causes dilation of blood vessels in the body and nose, which causes a runny nose.

There are many objects around a woman that can cause an allergic reaction. Exposure to allergens in the body causes a runny nose, which greatly complicates life. It is possible that a woman may develop rhinitis as a symptom of viral infections entering the body.

Women should remember that a runny nose that lasts too long in the second trimester is especially dangerous for the body. The fact is that normal breathing is disrupted and the amount of oxygen that reaches the fetus is reduced. This pathological condition is accompanied by the development of various complications in the development of the fetus, which can cause defects and anomalies. If a woman inhales air through her mouth, various infectious particles accumulate in the cavity that can affect the unborn child.

In the later stages, a runny nose is often diagnosed in women as a consequence of changes in the hormonal levels of the body. Often, nasal congestion appears just a week before childbirth, accompanied by deterioration of hearing and hoarseness of the voice.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, there is no need to catch a cold, because a prolonged runny nose poses a particular danger to the fetus. The fact is that insufficient oxygen supply to the female body prevents the full development of the fetus. If rhinitis is provoked by an acute respiratory infection, this may result in premature labor and affect the health of the child.

How dangerous is a runny nose during pregnancy?

If in a non-pregnant state women often do not pay practically any attention to a runny nose, then, being in an interesting position, many questions arise about this. Chief among them is what is the danger of a runny nose?

In the early stages, the greatest danger is not the runny nose itself, but what caused it. This may be the result of an infection entering the body. In turn, viruses enter the baby’s blood, which can cause miscarriage in the early stages.

In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, a runny nose and its symptoms, in particular nasal congestion, prevent oxygen from entering the body of both mother and child. If nothing is done, this can provoke the development of hypoxia.

In addition, complications that can cause a runny nose are also dangerous. Among them:

• acute sinusitis;
• proliferation of polyps in the nasal cavity.

How to treat cough and runny nose during pregnancy

If the preventive procedure of rinsing the nose does not bring results, it means that the attempt to stop the respiratory infection was made late and viruses or bacteria managed to provoke an inflammatory process in the body. Characteristic signs of a cold developing in a woman during this period are a runny nose and cough during pregnancy.

How to treat this condition if most effective medications, especially in the first trimester, are contraindicated for women? Obviously, you will have to choose “the lesser of two evils,” that is, compare the possible risks of using a particular drug and its therapeutic benefits for the patient. You can additionally read information about drugs approved for cough in the first trimester in the article How to cure a cough in early pregnancy.

Leaving colds and coughs during pregnancy to take their course, in the hope that they will “resolve” on their own, is extremely risky - if the infection moves to the lower parts of the upper respiratory tract or even deeper, acute pharyngitis, tracheitis or even pneumonia may occur.

As a rule, they try to cure a runny nose and cough in a pregnant woman using the safest methods, for example, inhalations, moisturizing sprays, warm drinks, cough syrups.

Inhalations for a runny nose

Inhalation of a saline solution or saline solution with the addition of menthol drops, bay oil, and citrus essential oils (if you are not allergic to these products) will help ease nasal breathing. You can breathe over decoctions of such medicinal plants as:

To prepare decoctions, use the traditional recipe: a tablespoon of crushed raw materials (can be dried) per glass of boiling water, leave, strain. The duration of inhalation for runny nose and cough during pregnancy should not exceed 5 minutes. The temperature of the inhaled substance should not exceed 45 degrees or, if using a nebulizer, according to the instructions for the inhalation device.

Cough inhalations

To get rid of the first signs of cough, which usually begins after a runny nose, you can also do inhalations for the lower respiratory tract, inhaling medicinal vapors through the mouth and exhaling through the nose.

For this, decoctions of medicinal plants and aromatic oils (except basil, rosemary, cypress, cedar and some others) are used.

Mucolytic agents approved during pregnancy (for example, Mucaltin) can be dissolved in saline or mineral water for inhalation. In any case, consultation with a doctor before starting a course of inhalations is mandatory.

Nasal sprays

When your nose is stuffy or constantly leaking mucus, it's tempting to hit your runny nose with quick-acting nasal drops or sprays. But, despite local use, the active ingredients of vasoconstrictor drugs have side effects such as increased blood pressure, tachycardia, nausea, convulsions, addiction to the drug and other conditions incompatible with pregnancy.

Therefore, if it is absolutely necessary to make breathing easier, it is better to use drops or sprays with a child’s dosage - for example, Nazivin or Vibrocil, as well as nasal preparations with natural ingredients, such as Pinosol. But these relatively safe products should not be used for longer than 3-4 days.

Hydration

A severe runny nose with copious nasal discharge is often replaced by dryness and burning of the nasal mucous membranes, especially if vasoconstrictor drops were used. This condition is no less dangerous with a cold, since the upper respiratory tract is essentially deprived of a protective barrier - mucus - in the path of microbes.

How to treat cough and runny nose during pregnancy if rhinitis becomes dry? In this situation, rinsing the nose will also help. But if this procedure causes a gag reflex, you can simply moisturize the nasal mucosa by pouring regular saline solution, sea salt solution or a strained decoction of sage or chamomile into a nasal spray bottle and injecting it into the nasal passages 3-4 times a day.

Warm drink

To eliminate a cold cough as quickly as possible, it is necessary that as much fluid as possible enters the body. But drinking too much during pregnancy can cause swelling of the extremities (especially if the fetus is already large and restricts the work of the ureters). Therefore, you need to drink herbal teas, berry and fruit drinks, warm compotes, but at the same time carefully monitor your condition.

If you have a cough during pregnancy and a sore throat due to pharyngitis, you need to provide your throat with a gentle diet - do not eat seasoned, sour, rough foods, give preference to pureed soups, pureed porridges, jelly, drink warm rather than hot drinks, so that do not irritate the back of the throat.

How to treat a runny nose during early pregnancy?

Every pregnant woman tries in every way to protect herself from any diseases, so that neither the infection itself nor its treatment harms the fetus.
However, this is very difficult to do during the off-season, so those who are pregnant in the spring and autumn months often catch a cold and get a runny nose (rhinitis). In pregnant women who are allergic to plants, exacerbation of allergic rhinitis occurs mainly in the summer months: in June - to poplar fluff, in August - to ragweed pollen.

The expectant mother should know how to treat a runny nose during pregnancy with maximum efficiency and the least harm to the child’s health.

There are different types of runny nose during pregnancy: infectious (cold), allergic and hormonal (vasomotor).

The 1st trimester is the period when most pregnant women experience colds, since at this time the woman’s natural immunity decreases to prevent the processes of fetal rejection, and the body becomes more vulnerable to infections. In addition to a runny nose, women are worried about fever, headache, hoarse voice and sore throat.

Women who normally suffer from allergies are also prone to allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis during pregnancy. Usually, already in adulthood, every woman knows what she is allergic to, so during pregnancy she tries in every possible way to avoid contact with the allergen.

A separate type of runny nose in women in an interesting position is vasomotor rhinitis, or runny nose of pregnant women. Its occurrence is associated with the effect of pregnancy hormones on the mucous membranes.

Thus, during pregnancy, under the influence of estrogens, the mucous membranes swell, and progesterone increases the secretion of cells, which is why many people have severe difficulty in nasal breathing, which is accompanied by copious, colorless nasal discharge.

The usual onset of vasomotor rhinitis in pregnant women is the 2nd trimester. Often its duration affects the 3rd trimester of pregnancy right up to the birth itself, and then, due to changes in hormonal levels, it goes away on its own a week or two after the birth of the baby.

Unlike an infectious runny nose, rhinitis in pregnant women never leads to an increase in temperature and is not accompanied by purulent nasal discharge.

It is distinguished from an allergic runny nose by the absence of contact with any allergen, as well as the absence of a sore nose and eyes, as well as profuse lacrimation, which is characteristic of allergies.

Allergic rhinitis during pregnancy

The majority of all anti-allergy medications should not be used during pregnancy. In the event of an allergic rhinitis, they begin by eliminating the cause of the pathology and determining the type of allergen. To do this, it is enough to take allergy tests and a blood test. If, after eliminating the allergen, the runny nose persists, only then is appropriate therapy prescribed.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators - prostaglandins and histamines. It is histamine that has a destructive effect on the mucous membranes of the nose and provokes a runny nose. To prevent and treat hay fever, the following drugs are prescribed:

• Telfast;
• Cetirizine;
• Levocyterizine;
• Fexofenadine.

The use of these drugs can affect the development of the heart in the fetus, so it is important to use the drug according to the dosage regimen and dosage. Treatment is most difficult in the first trimester of pregnancy.

During this period, doctors generally do not recommend the use of any medications due to the increased effect on the overall development of the fetus. In the first trimester, treatment can be limited to regular rinsing of the nasal passages with saline solutions.

Decongestants for runny nose

Decongestants are a group of drugs that affect vasoconstriction, eliminate swelling, restore blood circulation and vascular permeability. Vasoconstrictor drugs are prescribed only in case of actual benefit in relation to potential harm. Approved medications during pregnancy are:

• Rinomaris;
• Phenylephrine;
• Pseudoephrine;
• Ephedrine.

While taking the drugs, the secretion of the mucous component is normalized, the patency of the nasal passages is restored

It is important to understand that inadequate use of drugs contributes to disturbances in fetal development. In fact, there is no data on studies of drugs in pregnant women, so the risk of side effects that affect the condition of the fetus cannot be excluded

Preparations-cromones against allergic rhinitis

Is it possible to take cromones during pregnancy? Preparations for the common cold based on cromoglycate directly affect the state of cellular mast cells (otherwise, mast cells), in which histamine is concentrated. The drugs inhibit the development of allergic reactions. Cromones are allowed to be used only in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Popular drugs are:

• Ketotifen;
• Tailed;
• Sodium cromolyn;
• Ketoprofen.

Local sprays and drops almost do not penetrate into the general bloodstream and practically do not overcome the placental barrier. Compliance with an acceptable dosage completely eliminates the risk of developing unpleasant consequences for the woman and fetus.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid drugs are recommended to be used only in the second or third trimester of gestation. Prescribed for complicated allergic rhinitis and severe forms of hay fever. Intranasal corticosteroids are:

• Nasonex:
• Metipred;
• Prednisolone;
• Dexamethasone.

Long-term use of hormonal drugs contributes to delayed fetal development and negatively affects the function of the pituitary gland. Hormonal treatment in the first trimester can cause irreversible consequences for the child associated with the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

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How and what to treat a runny nose during pregnancy

1st trimester

When treating a runny nose in the first weeks of pregnancy, it is worth remembering that the placenta is still at the stage of formation, and everything that enters the mother’s body easily reaches the fetus. Using simple techniques will help get rid of the problem without harming the unborn child.

Among them, we note the following options.

• It is necessary to ensure the humidity level in the room is not lower than 60-65%. This prevents the nasal mucosa from drying out and makes breathing easier.
• It is necessary to ensure regular ventilation for 15-20 minutes and keep the temperature no more than 22-23° C. This will eliminate the virus as soon as possible.
• If discharge appears, you should regularly clean your nose with saline solution. You can prepare it yourself, or you can buy it ready-made at the pharmacy.
• To make breathing easier, you can use “Star” balm, which is applied to the wings of the nose.
• To moisturize the mucous membrane after washing, it should be lubricated with peach or sea buckthorn oil.

2nd trimester

From about 12-13 weeks, in addition to the usual cold, a pregnant woman may develop vasomotor rhinitis. The phenomenon is not rare and is caused by increased production of progesterone and estrogen, which provokes swelling of the mucous membrane and, as a result, difficulty breathing.

This condition does not require special treatment, however, if the symptoms are severe, the doctor may prescribe approved vasoconstrictor drops.

If you have a cold,
it is recommended to:

• regular rinsing of the nose with saline solution;
• maintaining the required level of humidity in the room.

In particularly severe cases, the doctor may prescribe drug therapy to avoid complications. The drug is selected individually, taking into account how the pregnancy progresses.

Why do colds and runny nose often occur during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the expectant mother's body begins to produce an increased amount of progesterone. First, the temporary gland of the ovary, the corpus luteum, is responsible for its secretion, and then the placenta takes over this function. Among the main tasks of progesterone is to ensure the safety of the embryo. It prepares the endometrium for implantation and thickens cervical mucus. Low progesterone levels can cause miscarriage.

Another function of progesterone is to reduce immunity. The immune system perceives the embryo as a foreign body that needs to be gotten rid of. To prevent embryo rejection, progesterone reduces maternal immunity. As a result, the expectant mother often gets sick, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. She catches colds easily, especially if she is forced to visit places with large crowds of people.

The second cause of chronic rhinitis is hormonal changes in the body. The nasal mucosa swells, which leads to constant nasal congestion. As a rule, after delivery, vasomotor rhinitis goes away on its own.

Why a runny nose may occur during pregnancy

A runny nose can darken the condition of almost every woman who is in an interesting situation. It is a pregnant woman who is more susceptible to acute respiratory infections than other people. And there is a completely logical explanation for this.

• Colds. The immunity of a woman carrying a child decreases, which makes her more susceptible to viral and infectious diseases.
• Changes in hormonal levels. Due to hormonal changes and increased production of progesterone and estrogen, swelling of the nasal mucosa occurs, causing the woman to feel stuffy.
• Drying of the nasal mucosa during pregnancy. Firstly, this occurs due to an increase in the amount of blood in the body. Secondly, the cause of trouble may be insufficient air humidity or the presence of allergens in it.
• Chronic diseases of the nasopharynx existing even before pregnancy - deviated septum, sinusitis, adenoids. They can worsen during pregnancy. That is why it is important to visit an otolaryngologist at the planning stage.

How to treat a cold during pregnancy

The first step is to cancel plans, take time off from work and spend a few days in bed, even if the illness is not accompanied by a fever. A woman is advised to provide herself with warmth and rest, put on socks, wrap herself in a blanket and sleep

This will make it easier for the immune system to cope with inflammation. The next step is a consultation with your doctor: only he can distinguish a common cold from an acute respiratory viral infection or flu, and prescribe appropriate treatment

It is very important to adhere to a proper diet and drink plenty of water during illness. The liquid helps remove toxins and viruses from internal organs

What to do if you have a fever

One of the early signs of a cold is the appearance of a fever. If your body temperature has not reached 38 degrees, you can do without pills.

To bring down the fever, you can resort to the following methods:

• Rub the body with weak apple cider vinegar diluted with water or lemon juice. Such methods will cause increased sweating and reduce high fever;
• put a cold compress on your forehead and change it as it warms up;
• even if a sick person develops a chill, she should not wrap herself in warm clothes: this can lead to an increase in temperature;
• To prevent dehydration, as well as speed up the elimination of toxins, you need to take care of drinking. To do this, it is recommended to drink linden or oregano tea, or regular green or black tea with a slice of lemon and honey during the day. Cranberry juice, currant compote and cherry juice increase the secretion of sweat. These drinks contain vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system;
• Before going to bed, it is recommended to drink warm milk with honey and butter. For swelling of the legs and kidney disease, fluid intake should be moderate;
• at temperatures above 38 degrees, you can take a tablet of pure Paracetamol. Other products based on it can negatively affect the fetus and cause kidney problems.

How to deal with a runny nose and cough

Cough and runny nose during pregnancy often accompany colds. First of all, when nasal congestion occurs, it is necessary to relieve swelling and restore nasal breathing.

Among the effective folk remedies are the following:

Nasal rinsing

In addition, herbal decoctions made from knotweed, clover and sage have a positive effect on the nasal mucosa. It is recommended to rinse the nasal passages as often as possible.

Inhalations

To cope with cough, rhinitis and sore throat, use steam inhalation over a saucepan or using a nebulizer. Such procedures are prohibited at elevated temperatures.

Inhalations can be carried out using herbal infusions:

• eucalyptus;
• chamomile;
• yarrow;
• sage;
• violets;
• pine buds.

Well relieve irritation and suppress inhalation viruses with the addition of eucalyptus oil and tea tree. Treatments using mineral water and sodium chloride showed excellent results.

However, this method is not suitable for eliminating prolonged rhinitis, as well as when there is a threat of its progression to sinusitis.

Homemade nasal drops

You can moisturize the mucous membranes with essential oils of rose hips, peach or sea buckthorn, which are pre-diluted in vegetable or olive oil. Instilling juice from onion or aloe will help cope with heavy discharge.

Drink plenty of fluids

During the period of a cold, a pregnant woman is recommended to drink more fluids, for example, tea with lemon. Decoctions of lingonberries, wild rosemary, string, and yarrow will help eliminate a dry cough.

Milk with sage will help get rid of sore throat and discomfort, which should be taken before bed, adding a spoonful of honey to the mixture.

Rinse

• calendula;
• oak bark;
• eucalyptus;
• sage;
• chamomile;
• birch buds.

Add soda to the finished broth on the tip of a knife and 2-3 drops of iodine.

Propolis tincture with alcohol perfectly relieves redness in the throat. To prepare, add 1 teaspoon of solution to 200 g of water. You need to gargle several times a day.

You can reduce inflammation and swelling and get rid of soreness by dissolving sea buckthorn oil in your mouth or a piece of aloe.

How to cure a runny nose during pregnancy

Treatment of pregnant women differs in that only means that are safe for the fetus are used. These are mainly natural medicines, traditional medicine, and physiotherapeutic procedures.

Basic recommendations for treatment:

• Ventilate the apartment twice a day;
• use a humidifier;
• spend more time in the fresh air;
• eat foods high in vitamin C;
• Place chopped onions around the apartment and inhale their smell more often. Onions will help clear the nasal mucous membranes and make breathing easier;
• use a high pillow to sleep;
• Rinse your nose with saline or sea salt solution. This will relieve inflammation and swelling of the nose.

Treatment of runny nose in pregnant women with home remedies

A runny nose caused by hormonal imbalance does not need to be treated. It will go away on its own after birth. Common rhinitis due to hypothermia can be treated at home. To do this, use the usual means that are usually found in every home:

• rinsing the nose with a decoction of chamomile, sage (or the already mentioned salt solution);
• warming up the sinuses. To do this, you can use a blue lamp, heated salt or sand in a fabric bag;
• nasal inhalation. For inhalations, use onions, garlic, essential oils of tea tree, menthol, herbal infusions, and boiled potatoes. Breathe the warm steam through both nostrils alternately;
• hot drinks: juices, herbal decoctions, fruit drinks, jelly, compotes and much more. This will not only make breathing easier, but also help strengthen the immune system.

When treating with herbal mixtures and decoctions, you need to remember: not all medicinal herbs are safe for women during pregnancy. Be sure to consult your doctor.

Physiotherapeutic procedures against runny nose during pregnancy

The most effective physiotherapeutic procedures against a runny nose, which are allowed in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, are:

1. Nasal rinsing. To do this, you can use special devices (sold at the pharmacy) or use a regular porcelain teapot. To prepare such a solution, you need to dilute 5 grams of sea salt in a glass of hot water. Wait until the liquid cools down a little and rinse the nasal cavity. Repeat the procedure 3 times a day. With its help you can quickly relieve swelling of the nasopharynx and remove inflammation.
2. Rinsing the nose with saline solution is done when saline procedures do not help expand the nasal passages and the pregnant woman suffers from strong mucous discharge that interferes with normal breathing. To prepare this solution, you need to mix half a glass of warm water with 100 ml of saline solution. Rinse your nose with the prepared liquid 4 times a day.

What is the danger of a runny nose during pregnancy?

The last stage of bearing a child is not the easiest for a woman. Sharp releases of hormones explain such a changeable mood of the expectant mother.

If we add to all this a cold and the inconvenience associated with it, a not very rosy picture emerges. Another thing that can cause a lot of discomfort to a pregnant woman is a significantly increased belly.

The uterus reaches its peak in growth, beginning to squeeze neighboring organs. For this reason, a woman begins to sleep and eat worse. A runny nose that suddenly attacks an expectant mother can completely undermine her well-being.

Doctors begin to worry about how to treat a runny nose in a pregnant patient throughout all three trimesters of pregnancy. What caused such increased attention to this problem? Rhinitis is dangerous not only for the pregnant woman’s body, but also for the health of the fetus.

The level of well-being of the woman in labor also affects the process of childbirth itself. For this reason, the expectant mother should not try to overcome the disease on her own or ignore it. Otherwise, complications may occur due to rhinitis:

1. Oxygen starvation of the fetus. If a woman at 37 weeks of pregnancy has difficulty breathing through her nose, the body of the unborn child begins to suffer.
2. Untreated runny nose in pregnant women quickly becomes chronic. If this happens, the woman will need intensive care or possibly a course of antibacterial drugs. In this situation, the likelihood of exacerbation of existing pathologies in the body also increases.
3. Inability to contact the baby after birth. If a woman enters the maternity hospital with an infection and a runny nose, then immediately after giving birth she will be placed in a box, where she will remain until she recovers. Such cruel measures are needed to ensure that the mother in labor does not infect the still very weak baby.

Traditional recipes for the treatment of runny nose during pregnancy

Due to the fact that almost all medications that can cure a runny nose are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy, the use of traditional treatment methods is an excellent alternative.
Despite this, it is important to remember that some herbs (licorice, ginseng) and essential oils can negatively affect the condition of the fetus, so you should definitely consult a specialist before using them.

The most effective folk recipes for a runny nose are:

1. Inhalations with potatoes. To do this, you need to boil several potatoes in their skins and place them in a deep bowl. The woman should breathe in the warm steam for several minutes. For the best effect, cover your head with a thick towel.
2. Inhalations with chamomile and essential oil will also help get rid of a runny nose. To do this, you need to pour 100 grams of dry chamomile with a glass of boiling water and add 3 drops of orange oil. Breathe in the steam for 10 minutes.
3. Ordinary horseradish will be a good assistant in treating a runny nose. It needs to be grated on a fine grater and mixed with sugar. Take a teaspoon once a day. Horseradish has a strong antimicrobial effect, so it can help quickly get rid of infection.
4. Iodine. It needs to be poured into small glass containers and placed around the room. As the iodine evaporates, the woman will inhale its vapor. This will help get rid of germs.
5. Drink decoctions of rose hips and mint.
6. Make herbal inhalations. To do this, you need to take chamomile, St. John's wort and sage in equal proportions and pour boiling water over them. Inhale warm steam for 15 minutes. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day. It will help soften the inflammatory process and reduce mucous discharge from the nose.
7. Pour boiling water over blackcurrant, eucalyptus and birch leaves. Use for inhalation.
8. Grate a few cloves of garlic on a fine grater. Place it in a deep bowl. Use for inhalation twice a day. Garlic will help get rid of germs and inflammation in the nose.
9. Apply “Star” balm to the temple area and the bridge of the nose. It will help relieve headaches.