Swelling of the nose during pregnancy 3rd trimester

If swelling of the nose is observed during short-term pregnancy, then most likely these are signs of sinusitis or vasomotor rhinitis. The disease is not infectious, but as is known, bacteria can multiply in the sinuses.

Following childbirth, nasal swelling disappears and the mucous membrane stabilizes, but during pregnancy it is necessary to maintain health and get out of this condition.

Reasons for nasal swelling

As a rule, regardless of inflammation of the nasal mucosa or vice versa, edema processes occur for the following reasons:

Weakening of the immune system. As a rule, with weak immunity it is easy to catch various viruses and diseases, including rhinitis.
Hormonal imbalance or disturbances. The swelling is known to remain stable without mucus discharge. This is influenced by estrogen and progesterone.
Allergic reactions. As a rule, skin itching, redness and even hives begin.
Lack of vitamins and vitamin deficiency. As a rule, due to a lack of vitamins A, B, C and D, a disease such as vitamin deficiency occurs in the body, therefore, various viruses and microbes can easily attack the victim.

Ways to feel better with swelling

It is not advisable to use drugs that constrict blood vessels. If you already have to, it is recommended to use Vibrocil, Nazivin and Nazol-Baby.
It is allowed to use oil and herbal preparations, that is, pinosol.
Use homeopathic medicines compositum and euphorbium.
Medicines against viruses, more precisely nazoferon and geneferon.
To moisturize the mucous membrane, you need to rinse your nose with saline solutions, aquamaris, aqualor and humer.
Rinse your nose with herbal decoctions, or rather chamomile and calendula.
Drink warm water.
Massage the nose and near it.
Stable humidity and fresh air in the room.

Nasal swelling during pregnancy

For every woman, being pregnant and waiting for the birth of a baby is a real miracle, however, the health of the expectant mother is often under threat. The most upcoming and dangerous problem is nasal swelling during pregnancy, which affects almost 80% of women.

Doctors confirm that this phenomenon is natural and arises in certain periods of life, and in the rarest cases it can be a fundamental illness. To make sure it is safe, you should go to a doctor and get additional advice.

Swelling appears mainly on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and even genitals. In the last stages of pregnancy, women notice that swelling appears in the lower and upper extremities.

It is recommended to immediately find out and immediately eliminate the cause of the occurrence, or seek treatment from your doctor.

Basically, a woman’s body quickly reacts to hormonal and physical disturbances. It is known that edema occurs as a result of a lack of necessary substances in the heart and kidneys.

In the final months of pregnancy, a woman has a chance of encountering toxicosis, which is expressed in this way. It is also known that being in a cold or damp environment interferes with stable breathing, which tends to cause swelling.

Women encounter the problem of nasal swelling during pregnancy in the early stages. And most often, the cause is hormonal changes in the body. With the onset of pregnancy, progesterone immediately increases in the female body.

The main goal for every mother is to give birth to a child and ensure that the contraction of the uterine walls is blocked, because this can lead to miscarriage.

As a result of this, potassium accumulates in the body, which is considered a side effect, because it retains fluid in the body and swelling of the nose. Congestion may occur in the nasal sinuses, which is why bacteria will multiply freely, causing various diseases.

The symptoms of nasal swelling and a common runny nose undoubtedly coincide, however, doctors categorically prohibit changing the preventative treatment of the situation. The cure of one disease promotes the appearance of another, and this is much more difficult and dangerous.

Drugs for constricting blood vessels are unlikely to be suitable. They can help relieve you of a runny nose, however, their effect actively affects not only the sinuses, but also the placenta and umbilical cord.

Due to vasoconstriction during pregnancy, the baby may experience acid starvation of the brain or nutritional deficiencies. It is worth considering that drugs for the common cold enter not only the mother’s body, but also the baby.

Is a runny nose during pregnancy dangerous for the fetus?

To answer the question of how a runny nose affects an unborn child, you need to understand that the greatest danger is a runny nose during pregnancy caused by colds and viral diseases, since there is a risk of infection affecting the fetus and the development of pathologies. To prevent these consequences, it is necessary to eliminate the infection.

Infectious diseases threaten not only swelling of the nasal mucosa, as mentioned above, but can also provoke thickening of the walls of the placenta, as a result of which the child will receive an insufficient amount of nutrients and oxygen. Such a negative effect on the fetus leads to a lag in its development and growth, and in the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to miscarriage.

In addition, viral diseases are often accompanied by an increase in body temperature, which disrupts metabolism and blood circulation. When a woman has a fever, she loses her appetite, eats less food, and therefore the child receives less nutrients, which will certainly affect his growth.

So, a runny nose is, first of all, dangerous because the woman experiences difficulty breathing, and this limits the supply of oxygen and leads to fetal hypoxia. A runny nose makes breathing difficult, prevents the flow of oxygen, which causes dizziness, headaches, increased blood pressure, which can cause a pregnant woman to experience weakness, constant fatigue, and loss of strength. This causes decreased performance, drowsiness, bad mood, and nervousness.

Is a runny nose dangerous during pregnancy? The third trimester of pregnancy is not the easiest period for the expectant mother, which can be accompanied by sudden mood swings. This is due both to hormonal changes occurring in the body and to understandable inconveniences, the main reason for which is a greatly enlarged belly.

Why are doctors so concerned about rhinitis in pregnant women during the third semester? Because in addition to unpleasant sensations, it is fraught with complications during pregnancy and subsequent childbirth. Here is a short list of reasons why expectant mothers should never self-medicate, much less ignore the disease.

Fetal hypoxia. The mother's difficulty breathing can cause a lack of oxygen in the fetus, which can lead to hypoxia.
Possible complications. With a stuffy nose, we involuntarily begin to help ourselves and switch to mouth breathing, especially during sleep. Because of this, the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx dry out, which makes these organs even more vulnerable to viruses, and a runny nose can be complicated by bronchitis, sore throat and even pneumonia, and this is a very serious blow to the health of the baby’s mother.
Untreated rhinitis threatens to develop into a chronic disease that requires enhanced medical intervention, possibly even antibacterial.
Possible exacerbation of existing chronic diseases, for example, pyelonephritis.
Separation from the newborn: a postpartum woman with a runny nose after childbirth is 100% at risk of isolation in an infectious disease ward, where she will remain until complete recovery. The radical nature of this measure is not caused by the doctors’ desire to upset the young mother, but by their concern for the baby’s health.
And finally, what should alert a pregnant woman more than anything else is that the infection can be transmitted to the child and cause intrauterine pneumonia.

Effective treatments

It is absolutely necessary to protect yourself from this dangerous phenomenon, because swelling of the mucous membranes makes breathing difficult, therefore. Less oxygen enters the body, and this threatens the unborn child with hypoxia.

The most effective method of treatment is rinsing the nose with saline solutions, concentrated solutions or infusion of sea salt. Sea salt can be purchased at a pharmacy or prepared at home.

To prepare it, just dissolve 0.5 liters of sea salt or boiled salt. in hot water and then use.

To alleviate a woman’s external condition during pregnancy, it is recommended to use humidifiers and drink more fluids.

Also, you should stay away from cigarette smoke, because this makes nasal swelling even worse and negatively affects the unborn baby.

The healthy health of the mother and the unborn baby is influenced by many external factors. Your attending physician will help you cope with any problems and diseases. The most important thing is not to harm the mother and her unborn child.

Rhinitis in pregnant women

As you know, rhinitis goes away on its own after childbirth, but with frequent swelling of the nose, it can be the basis for the occurrence of acute and dangerous sinusitis. And it negatively affects sleep, well-being, appetite and even mood.

When treating rhinitis, it is recommended not to use drops and drugs that constrict blood vessels. If you use them frequently, blood circulation in the uterus and placenta may worsen, and there is also a chance that your health will worsen and this may be the beginning of serious consequences.

If you really have vasomotor rhinitis, then it is recommended to rinse your nose with saline solutions made from sea salt. It is also recommended to use such drugs as: aquamaris, salin, dolphin and humer.

If difficulty breathing becomes extremely unbearable, then you can use different nasal sprays, but again, do not overdo it. Also, ointments with menthol and eucalyptus are considered effective; they are contained in pinosol drops or in special lozenges, which can be bought at a hospital or pharmacy.

If you have allergic rhinitis, then first of all you need to understand what exactly you are allergic to and how best to eliminate it. If the doctor prescribes special syrups and drops, then they can certainly be used.

Please note that hyposensitization is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy.

For an infectious runny nose, the correct treatment would be:

Antiviral antibiotics and drugs that are allowed to be used only as prescribed by a doctor. Also, it is worth considering that you should not abuse pills during pregnancy, especially Sinuforte and Vibrocil.
Instillation of a solution of protargol into the nose, which can dry out and at the same time not harm the mucous membrane.
It is recommended to drink more liquid to clear mucus from the throat.
Sinupret (not from alcohol infusion).
Drinking a drop of Pinosol or even Doctor Mom, which contains menthol oil.
Massage and massage of the nose.
Cold inhalations during a runny nose, as well as a decoction of soda and other medicinal plants.
Humidity in the room and less in cold air, because this is how you protect yourself from other viruses and cure rhinitis.

Please note that using hot baths, warm procedures and steaming your feet during pregnancy is strictly prohibited.

What is the danger of a runny nose?

A runny nose during pregnancy often accompanies the 3rd trimester and always causes concern to the attending physician. This unpleasant symptom not only worsens a woman’s quality of life during pregnancy, but can also lead to various serious consequences. Among them:

Fetal hypoxia. The growing uterus puts pressure on a woman’s internal organs, which leads to shallow breathing, and nasal congestion in pregnant women leads to a decrease in oxygen supply and aggravates the situation.
Infectious complications - sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia. They can occur both against the background of ARVI, and due to the transition to mouth breathing and drying out of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract with severe nasal congestion.
The transition of the disease into a chronic, sluggish form with periodic exacerbations, which will be difficult to get rid of with the help of traditional medications.
The occurrence of an intrauterine infection in a baby or infection of an already born baby.

This is why it is important not to self-medicate. Untreated rhinitis is much more dangerous than the possible risks from taking medications. A timely visit to a doctor is the key to successfully establishing the correct diagnosis, selecting the correct safe therapy and recovery. Treatment of a runny nose in pregnant women in the 3rd trimester should only be carried out by a doctor after a thorough comprehensive examination.

Treatment should be aimed primarily at relieving symptoms. Due to the side effects of most medications, medications should be used strictly as prescribed by a doctor. This applies not only to medicines, but also to traditional medicine.

Depending on the type of medication used, the following drugs are distinguished:

Decongestants;
Anti-inflammatory;
Antihistamines.

Long-term use of these drugs (Noxprey, Farmazolin, Vibrocil) can provoke disturbances in the normal development of the fetus and lead to fetal hypoxia. These medications are completely contraindicated in the 1st trimester, and in subsequent periods they are prescribed very carefully, taking into account the possible harm.

Uncontrolled use of decongestants can cause rhinitis medicamentosa. If the medicine does not give the desired effect, some try to increase the dose, causing the body to become addicted. Against the background of drug intoxication, an allergic rhinitis develops, which should be treated with a completely different drug.

Antihistamines used to treat a runny nose in the 3rd trimester belong to a new generation: Zodak, Aleron, Alerzin. Some doctors, when the disease is mild, prefer not to prescribe medications, based on the fact that in most pregnant women, such a runny nose stops on its own after childbirth. And the threat of intoxication with strong drugs in this situation can be more serious than the consequences of a runny nose.

Depending on the factors of the disease, the following types of rhinitis are distinguished:

allergic;
viral (for respiratory viral infections);
hormonal (“runny nose during pregnancy”).

Allergic rhinitis most often occurs during the flowering period. Symptoms include constant sneezing and colorless nasal discharge. A distinctive sign of the disease is the absence of cough and headache, fever and sore throat - those symptoms that are characteristic of viral diseases.

Allergic rhinitis requires special treatment, so if symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor.

Rhinitis caused by ARVI and other viral respiratory tract infections involves fever, cough, watery eyes, pain in the temples and bridge of the nose, weakness and dizziness.

Such rhinitis must be treated immediately after the first symptoms appear, since the infection that causes a runny nose is dangerous for the mother and baby, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. You can use nasal drops for pregnant women for colds.

A woman's runny nose can begin even before she finds out she is pregnant, and often lasts for 9 months. The so-called “runny nose of pregnant women” is a common symptom that occurs against the background of hormonal changes.

Restructuring in a woman’s body provokes swelling of the nasal mucosa, which leads to the appearance of rhinitis.

Distinctive features of “runny nose in pregnant women”:

a runny nose occurred immediately after pregnancy;
clear nasal discharge;
runny nose worsens when lying down;
frequent sneezing;
absence of fever, cough and headaches (symptoms of viral rhinitis).

Hormonal rhinitis can continue throughout pregnancy. It does not require special treatment, but it is possible to alleviate the painful condition by using nasal drops. Read more about rhinitis in pregnant women→

Firstly, viruses that provoke rhinitis can enter the uterus through the blood and cause abortion. Secondly, a runny nose makes it difficult for the expectant mother to breathe, and therefore for the baby to breathe, both in late and early stages.

Therefore, at the first manifestations of the disease, treatment should begin. But what drops can be used during pregnancy?

Viral rhinitis should be treated after consultation with a specialist. It is better not to resort to the use of vasoconstrictor medications, such as Naphthyzin, Tizin, Vibrocil, but to use drops based on sea water and oil extracts from medicinal plants.

Children's nasal drops can also be used during pregnancy.

It must be remembered that nasal drops should be used by pregnant women only in critical situations. Firstly, they are addictive. Secondly, any medication can adversely affect the fetus.

Patients who come to the clinic complaining of a runny nose during pregnancy are prescribed treatment with ascorbic acid and preparations based on sea water.

Why? Firstly, drops based on sea water are an absolutely natural remedy. Secondly, such preparations are effective due to the salts and trace elements they contain. Salt destroys pathogenic bacteria and quickly restores the protective functions of the nasal mucosa.

The swelling decreases, the blood vessels narrow, as a result of which the amount of discharge decreases. In addition, such drops moisturize the mucous membrane and, most importantly, have no side effects.

Popular nasal drops containing sea water:

Aqua Maris;
Aqualor;
Dolphin;
Marimer;
Physiometer;
Morenasal;
Salin.

Nasal drops of this group are based on oil extracts of pine, eucalyptus or mint. They do not cause side effects and at the same time quickly relieve a woman of nasal congestion and moisturize the mucous membrane.

A popular drug in this group is Pinosol. These are oil drops that contain a substance isolated from eucalyptus (guaiazulene). This remedy quickly reduces the secretion of the nasal glands and reduces dryness.

The only contraindication to the use of Pinosol is individual intolerance to the components that make up the drug. Drops are used 3-4 times a day. If nasal congestion is not severe, a one-time use of drops is sufficient. This drug is suitable for use during pregnancy not only in the 2nd, but also in the 3rd trimester.

Sometimes homeopathic medicines are used to get rid of viral rhinitis. They are absolutely safe for both mother and child, but they do not begin to act immediately, but after some time. Such drops relieve swelling, eliminate inflammation, and reduce the amount of mucous secretions.

Experts recommend using homeopathic drops such as Euphorbium Compositum and EDAS-131. They contain calcium carbonate and silver nitrate, which effectively relieve the runny nose.

The fight against a runny nose during pregnancy comes down to general strengthening procedures and eliminating the symptom of nasal congestion. In this case, any prescribed drugs must be allowed during gestation. Most often, nasal drops or sprays are used, the active substances of which relieve swelling of the mucous membrane, wash out the mucus and make breathing easier.

Unfortunately, most of them exhibit a vasoconstrictor effect. With prolonged use, a woman's blood pressure may rise, the mucous membrane may atrophy, and even blood vessels in the uterus or placenta will contract. Therefore, most drops are contraindicated during pregnancy, and those that are prescribed with caution can be used for no more than 3 days.

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Below is a list of medications for the common cold that should not be taken during pregnancy:

Sprays based on xylometazoline - Dlynos, Nazolin D. Taisa, Galazolin, Otrivin, Farmazolin.
Drops with oxymetazoline - Nazol, Nazivin, Fervex spray.
Drops with naphazoline - Naphthyzin, Sonarin, Naphazolin.

The choice of nasal sprays during pregnancy is very limited, so only a doctor, and not a pharmacist at a pharmacy, should prescribe a suitable remedy. In addition, the drops must be used strictly in accordance with the instructions. You cannot independently increase the number of instillations per day or extend the duration of treatment. This can provoke loss of smell and atrophic changes in the mucous membrane.

What then can you put in your nose to quickly cure a runny nose? There are several treatment options for this interesting condition.

The most effective and at the same time safe remedy for a runny nose during pregnancy is rinsing the nose with saline solution. This procedure well moisturizes the mucous membrane, makes mucus more liquid and removes it from the maxillary sinuses, and has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. Among pharmaceutical preparations there are dry powders for preparing a solution and ready-made preparations in the form of a spray. They include sea salt and may also contain extracts of medicinal herbs. The following medications are available for pregnant women:

Aquamaris is a spray based on sea water (distilled). It is used to rinse the nasal cavity during viral infections for the purpose of prevention, to moisturize the mucous membranes during a runny nose, and also to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Aqualor - drops with sea salt for the nose or throat. Indicated for the treatment of runny nose, sinusitis, to ease the passage of the nasal sinuses, for hygiene procedures in order to prevent ARVI. The drug restores damaged mucous membranes and increases its resistance to infections. This remedy is excellent for complex treatment if you simultaneously have a runny nose and a sore throat during pregnancy.
Marimer is an aerosol based on distilled water and natural sea salt. Available in the form of a can with a nozzle or in a disposable dropper bottle. The drug makes breathing easier, removes mucus and washes away pathogenic microflora.
Dolphin is a unique product that consists of a powder and a special reusable bottle for rinsing the nasopharynx. In addition to sea salt, the composition includes licorice and rosehip extract. The drug exhibits pronounced anti-inflammatory as well as immunomodulatory properties. It brings the mucous membrane to its normal physiological state, which serves as a prevention of possible complications after a runny nose.

Traditional methods of combating rhinitis

Using traditional methods, you can also get rid of rhinitis. If you have a stuffy nose and have difficulty breathing, it is recommended to thoroughly rinse your nose with salt water, onion juice, black currants, chamomile, eucalyptus or sage.

To strengthen the nasal mucous membranes, it is definitely recommended to rinse your nose with an infusion of onions or carrots, and also add vegetable oil to them.

It is also advisable to regularly ventilate the room and ensure that the air is always fresh and clean. After all, many people know that dirty rooms and air contain many viruses and harmful bacteria that cause not only rhinitis, but also other dangerous diseases.

A procedure where you need to breathe in potato steam and fir oil will be considered useful.

Please note that rhinitis and swelling of the nose during pregnancy are certainly dangerous, and thanks to this method, you can get rid of these diseases and enjoy the thought that a baby will be born soon.

We can conclude that any disease is dangerous, including rhinitis and swelling, but as a rule, the most important thing is to remain calm and find the right treatment, and best of all, consult a doctor.

Nasal swelling during pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence. Along with toxicosis and back pain, most women face it. Edema is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It is usually observed in the second trimester, accompanied by difficulty breathing and copious discharge of mucous mass. At best, nasal swelling leads to nervousness and sleep disturbance, at worst - to tissue hypoxia. The fetus experiences a lack of oxygen, which affects its immediate development. To eliminate the risk of posing a threat to the health of the unborn baby, it is necessary to understand the reasons and take measures to eliminate the problem.

Treatment

The first thing a woman should do when the symptoms described above appear is to go to a medical facility. A specialist with a medical education will be able to reliably differentiate allergic rhinitis from other types of rhinitis and select a competent treatment regimen.

Medication

The safest pharmaceutical products for the treatment of rhinitis in the third trimester are hypertonic saline solutions (Dolphin, Aquamaris, Marimer, Physiomer). The concentration of salts in these solutions is higher than in the cells of the body, so they help draw out excess fluid from the tissues (according to physiological laws, water moves from an area with a lower concentration of salts to an area more saturated with salts).

As a result, swelling decreases, congestion becomes less pronounced, and during the process of rinsing, allergens are mechanically eliminated from the nasal cavity.

You can prepare the saline solution yourself: you need 1 tsp. add sea salt to 200 ml of cooled boiled water and stir. The use of mineral water is also allowed, but it is better to use it for inhalations using a nebulizer.

Doctors often prescribe the drug Nazaval to pregnant women - this is a finely dispersed solution of cellulose fibers, which creates a mechanical barrier to allergens in the nasal cavity, thereby protecting tissues from contact with them and preventing the development of an immune response.

Important! During pregnancy, vasoconstrictor drops should not be used - they can narrow the lumen of blood vessels, thereby disrupting blood flow not only in the nasal wall, but also in the placenta, which has a negative effect on the developing fetus due to hypoxia. Taking antihistamines is also unacceptable - they can have a toxic effect on the baby.

Folk remedies

There is often advice on treating various pathologies during an interesting situation using folk remedies. But if you have allergies, you need to be extremely careful with them, because natural herbal remedies can also cause sensitization of the body and aggravate the course of the disease.

You should not get carried away with essential oils or drops based on them - they can both make breathing easier and cause additional harm.

Relatively safe folk methods for treating allergic rhinitis, which rarely lead to worsening of the condition:

Aloe juice. It must be diluted with boiled or distilled water in a ratio of 1:3 and instilled into the nose several times a day.
Chamomile decoction. Dilute 3 tbsp. chamomile raw materials in a glass of water and heat in a water bath, without bringing to a boil, for 30 minutes, then cool and drop into the nose. The prepared broth can be stored for up to 2 days, provided the temperature is maintained at up to 25 degrees.
St. John's wort decoction. It is prepared and used similarly to chamomile decoction, but the proportions are different - 1.5 tbsp. per glass of water.

Important! You should not rinse your nose more than 3-4 times a day: if you overuse the procedure, the mucous membrane may dry out and the symptoms will worsen.

Causes of nasal swelling in pregnant women

The reasons why nasal swelling may occur in pregnant women are physiological or pathological. Physiological reasons are due to natural changes in the body during this period. Pathological causes appear due to a malfunction of vital organs.

Among the physiological causes of nasal swelling it is worth highlighting:

Changes in hormonal levels. Increasing progesterone levels is a prerequisite for pregnancy. This natural process entails the accumulation of sodium in the body, which prevents the removal of excess fluid.
Increased blood volume levels. A woman’s body is subjected to a double load, because the supply of nutrients is necessary not only for her, but also for the child. The pressure on the walls of blood vessels increases, and as a result, blood enters the surrounding tissues.
Decreased immunity. During pregnancy, the female body is weakened: all its strength goes into forming and protecting the fetus. If the immune system is weak (in particular, with vitamin deficiency), the risk of catching a virus and getting a cold increases significantly.
Bacterial infection. It develops as a result of disruption of the natural microflora after bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci) enter the body. Swelling of the nose in this case is accompanied by the release of green mucus.

Treatment in these cases is aimed at eliminating negative symptoms.

Swelling of the nasal mucosa in pregnant women can occur due to the following pathological reasons:

diseases of the cardiovascular system;
disorders of the kidneys and liver;
the body's reaction to allergens;
the presence of a benign neoplasm;
pathologies in the structure of the nasal septum;
mechanical damage to the pharynx;
foreign body in the nasal passage;
symptoms of gestosis (late toxicosis);
the presence of rhinitis, polyps or adenoids;
alcohol abuse;
influence of environmental factors.

Pathological causes of nasal swelling pose a serious threat to the health of the fetus. They require immediate diagnosis. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the root cause of the problem.

Causes, characteristic symptoms

In the first trimester of pregnancy, the most common cause of nasal congestion is rhinitis, which appears against the background of colds (read more in the article Runny nose during pregnancy);
Also, the cause may be sinusitis, an allergic reaction of the body to a certain allergen;
The condition of a pregnant woman may be unstable and negative factors are manifested by possible headaches (read information on the topic in the article Headache during pregnancy), itching in the nose, difficulty breathing, sneezing, and sore throat.

Consequences:

If a runny nose occurs and is short-term in nature, goes away without complications, up to 8 weeks of pregnancy, it does not pose absolutely any danger;
But if rhinitis does not go away within several months, this threatens to delay the formation of the child’s organs. This can happen due to the fact that the fetus develops under conditions of hypoxia (lack of oxygen);
If nasal congestion is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, then it is dangerous for the fetus - it threatens miscarriage.

In the second trimester of pregnancy, another reason is added to those described above.

During this period, hormonal changes in the body occur, the fetus grows, forms and requires more and more attention from the blood vessels (they dilate), estrogens and progesterones are produced in greater quantities. As a result, blood vessels dilate throughout the body and in the nose, including thereby provoking swelling of the mucous membrane and the appearance of a runny nose;
This type of runny nose is called “hormonal” or “rhinitis of pregnant women” and does not pose any danger to the mother and fetus. Apart from nasal congestion, it has absolutely no symptoms (coughing, sneezing, sore throat).

Due to the release of hormones during pregnancy, a pregnant woman's sensitivity to various allergens may increase. A completely new allergic reaction may occur that you never thought of before.

Consequences:

During this period, a runny nose, which is caused by a cold (viral or infectious) disease, is much more dangerous than a runny nose in the first trimester of pregnancy - a child in the second trimester of pregnancy needs more oxygen (for more information about what happens to the baby, read the article Child Development in the womb);
If it is hormonal or allergic rhinitis, a woman can easily become infected with an acute respiratory viral infection by inhaling air through her mouth. The virus has the ability to infect the fetus. It turns out to be a kind of vicious circle.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, the main reason, just like in the second, is hormonal levels (what this is is discussed above).

As labor approaches, the volume of circulating blood increases. Medical statistics say that during this period, nasal congestion is noticed in 50% of pregnant women;
The cause may be an allergic reaction or dry air.

Consequences:

A runny nose that occurs against the background of an acute respiratory infection and is accompanied by inflammation of the larynx, increased body temperature, headaches, and deterioration in the general condition of the mother can lead to premature birth.

Important! Under no circumstances should nasal congestion be treated independently with medications. Most vasoconstrictors and corticosteroids are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy! These drugs easily penetrate the placenta and poison the fetus, which naturally has a detrimental effect on the baby and can have a negative impact on the labor activity of the uterus

Most vasoconstrictors and corticosteroids are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy! These drugs easily penetrate the placenta and poison the fetus, which naturally has a detrimental effect on the baby and can have a negative impact on the labor activity of the uterus.

Symptoms and signs

The following symptoms are typical for nasal swelling during pregnancy:

nasal congestion,
moist cough,
moderate sneezing,
feeling of dry mucous membranes,
itchy nose,
night snoring and apnea (stopping breathing during sleep for more than 10 seconds).

Difficulty breathing is caused by insufficient air entering the lungs. The level of oxygen supply in the body decreases. The mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract dries out and becomes damaged. All this provokes a deterioration in the woman’s general well-being. Lack of sleep leads to the fact that she is often irritated, becomes depressed, and loses her appetite.

With rhinitis, joint and muscle pain, impaired sense of smell and nasal voice are observed. In case of a bacterial infection, your body temperature may rise.

Why does a runny nose appear during pregnancy?

A runny nose can be caused by a number of reasons, which only a doctor can determine. But the main cause of nasal congestion is either ARVI, or hormonal changes and unfavorable climatic conditions.

Allergic rhinitis

During pregnancy, sensitivity to external stimuli increases. Often women have a runny nose with profuse lacrimation and constant sneezing. These are clear symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Allergens can include plant pollen in the flowering phase, pet hair, and common dust in the apartment. This problem needs to be resolved with an allergist.

Infectious rhinitis

In the winter season, pregnant women are exposed to various viral infectious diseases. As a result of poor functioning of the immune system, women often catch flu or colds, the constant companion of which is a runny nose. At the same time, a comprehensive treatment of the woman is carried out to avoid the “spread” of the infection to other ENT organs and to prevent possible complications.

Vasomotor rhinitis

A change in the quantitative ratio of progesterone and estrogen often creates discomfort for women such as vasomotor rhinitis. This is a runny nose of a physiological nature, caused by depletion of the mucous membrane and its swelling. The appearance of a constant feeling of nasal congestion and copious mucus secretion occurs in the second and third trimester. This condition does not require treatment, but your doctor can advise you on how to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms.

Chronic runny nose

If a woman has had inadequate treatment for a runny nose or its causes have been incorrectly identified, rhinitis can become chronic.

Among the causes of chronic runny nose during pregnancy are the following:

Growth of adenoids.
Displacement of the nasal septum.
Formation of tumors of the ENT organs (polyp, carcinoma).
General diseases (stress, heart failure, thyroid disease).
Violation of dosage and duration of use of nasal drops.
Unfavorable environmental conditions (dust, dry air, sudden temperature changes).

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Often, chronic runny nose during pregnancy is provoked by untreated diseases of the upper respiratory tract, chronic diseases and even dental caries. At the same time, a constantly forgotten nose can contribute to the appearance of sinusitis and pharyngitis.

Diagnostics

To know how to relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa, you need to conduct a diagnosis. At the initial stage, the otolaryngologist collects an anamnesis. The patient talks about unpleasant symptoms that bother her. After this, a manual examination (palpation) is performed. The doctor examines the nasal mucosa, determines the presence/absence of mucus, and also determines the severity of infiltrative changes. More detailed diagnostics include laboratory and instrumental research methods.

Diagnosis of the disease in laboratory conditions allows one to assess the level of pathological secretion in the nasal cavity.

The procedure allows you to identify the nature of the origin of bacteria in the body (blood, urine, feces, sputum are used as biological material)

Using biochemical analysis of fluid, it is possible to determine not only the degree of functionality of organs, but also the content of certain substances (enzymes and electrolytes) in them.

The cytological diagnostic method involves the study of test material in order to determine the nature of the pathological process in tissues

Assessment of the quality of systemic immunity includes analysis of interferon and infectious status indicators, as well as autoimmunological examination

Assessment of the quality of local immunity is based on data from sputum analysis, coprogram and determination of the level of secretory immunoglobulin A

The procedure for collecting skin allergy tests makes it possible to identify the degree of tolerance of the body to specific substances and allergens.

If we are talking about severe swelling of the nose, the diagnosis of a pregnant woman should be carried out on the basis of instrumental methods. In this case the following applies:

Rhinoscopy is a technique for assessing the condition of the patient’s nasal cavity. It allows you to establish the presence of an inflammatory process, as well as its form and nature of course in the nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses. Two instruments are used for the procedure: a speculum and a speculum. The mirror has the appearance of a metal funnel, which expands the passage to such an extent that it becomes accessible for inspection. Anterior rhinoscopy involves examining the bottom of the nasal cavity and the anterior part of the turbinate, posterior rhinoscopy - the posterior sections of all three passages, as well as the nasopharynx.

If it is not possible to examine anatomical changes using a conventional mirror, the doctor performs an endoscopy. Endoscopy involves a visual examination of the internal cavity, as well as the paranasal sinuses. During the examination, a light-conducting device with fiber optics is used - an endoscope. The diameter of the endoscope is only 3 millimeters, thanks to which it is possible to examine such hard-to-reach places as shells, vascular sinuses, and septums. A rigid or flexible endoscope can be used for the procedure.

Fluoroscopy is a diagnostic method that involves shining through the tissues of the nose with ultraviolet rays. It makes it possible to identify abnormal abnormalities in the development of an organ (tumors, polyps, neoplasms). Fluoroscopy allows you to diagnose the inflammatory process, as well as determine the presence of a foreign body and other injuries to the facial skeleton.

Diaphanoscopy involves examining the nasal sinuses using a diaphanoscope equipped with a xenon or halogen lamp. It creates a strong light flux that illuminates the upper jaw area. The purpose of the procedure is to diagnose pathological proliferation of the mucous membrane (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, sphenoiditis). Mainly used when there is pus or serous fluid in the nasal cavity.

How to treat nasal swelling during pregnancy?

Treatment of nasal swelling during pregnancy should be under the supervision of a doctor. Today there are many remedies for the common cold, but not all of them are suitable for the expectant mother and her child.

To help eliminate swelling:

Rinsing the nose with a solution of sea water (you can use ready-made products or make them yourself).
Physiotherapeutic treatment using ultrasonic inhalation based on products of plant origin.
The use of specific anti-allergy drugs in case of detection of an allergic reaction.
Taking antibacterial agents to fight infection (if local treatment does not work).
Drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

How to treat edema during pregnancy

Treatment of nasal swelling during pregnancy should be under the supervision of a doctor. Today there are many remedies for the common cold, but not all of them are suitable for the expectant mother and her child.

To help eliminate swelling:

Rinsing the nose with a solution of sea water (you can use ready-made products or make them yourself).
Physiotherapeutic treatment using ultrasonic inhalation based on products of plant origin.
The use of specific anti-allergy drugs in case of detection of an allergic reaction.
Taking antibacterial agents to fight infection (if local treatment does not work).
Drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

An effective remedy in the fight against nasal swelling is “Sialor Aqua” - an isotonic solution in a convenient release form. In addition to purified sea water, it contains valuable microelements: magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium and others. The drug is sold in anatomical ampoules, which reduce the likelihood of sinus injuries.

Irrigation of the nasal cavity with Sialor Aqua will help a pregnant woman maintain the natural microflora of the mucous membrane, clearing it of bacteria and viruses. With this drug you stimulate regenerative processes, reduce inflammation, and also normalize the production of internal defense factors of the immune system. All this will ensure proper breathing for a long period of time.

If the nasal mucosa is swollen and the condition does not improve, you should immediately contact a specialist. First of all, it is necessary to determine the reason for the swelling. When it turns out that a pregnant woman has a stuffy nose due to the development of a viral infection in the nasopharynx, complex treatment will be needed.

To ensure recovery occurs as quickly as possible, you need to follow these recommendations:

With the doctor's permission, you need to start taking medications that will help get rid of bacteria or viruses that have occupied the nasopharynx. The medicine should be chosen in accordance with the diagnosis, as well as taking into account the need to maintain pregnancy. The main argument in favor of this or that drug is the absence of harm to the expectant mother and baby. Doctors often prescribe drops to narrow blood vessels. They effectively relieve unpleasant symptoms. True, they can be used for no longer than 3 days. If the course of treatment is prolonged, the child will suffer from hypoxia.
To reduce swelling, it is necessary to regularly moisturize the nasal mucosa. This procedure should be done using ordinary saline solutions or pharmaceutical preparations (for example, “Salin”, “Aquamaris”, “Dolphin”). You can also use saline solution.
If it's damp or cold outside, dress warmly and try not to freeze.
It is advisable to constantly monitor the level of humidity in your home during pregnancy. If the need arises, you need to buy a humidifier. It will help the respiratory organs relax slightly. In this way, you can avoid the appearance of irritation and swelling on the nasal mucosa.
Unless absolutely necessary, contact with substances that can irritate the mucous membrane should be avoided. If irritation does occur, it is necessary to minimize the effect of the substance on the nasopharynx.

Often, the attending physician recommends that a pregnant woman visit a manipulation room to undergo a course of so-called cold inhalations. These procedures are performed using ultrasound. Such inhalations are supplemented by a complex intake of herbal infusions and decoctions. But physiotherapeutic activities for women while they are expecting a baby are strictly prohibited.

Sometimes the nose swells during pregnancy if a woman suffers from allergies. In this case, the doctor, first of all, finds out what is the source of the allergic reaction. After this, appropriate treatment is prescribed, which eliminates all symptoms - nasal swelling, lacrimation, and cough.

Most often, the doctor prescribes antihistamines that are acceptable during pregnancy. Note that there are very few of them - the instructions for most of them include pregnancy among the contraindications.

It is advisable to supplement the main course of treatment by rinsing the nose with saline solution and massaging the nasal septum.

Prevention

In order not to think about how to relieve nasal swelling later, you must adhere to the following preventive measures:

Keep the apartment clean: ventilate the room every day, use air ionizers.
Try to avoid direct contact with household chemicals, aggressive detergents, scented cosmetics and cigarette smoke. If contact does occur, it is necessary to minimize its impact on the nasopharynx.
Pay attention to your daily routine. The expectant mother should rest and get enough sleep. Light physical activity (including visiting the pool) will be beneficial. They will disperse the blood and, as a result, relieve swelling in the nose. It is not recommended to reduce the amount of fluid consumed - in conditions of lack of moisture, the body tends to store it.
Adjust your diet. Doctors recommend avoiding salty foods, since salt retains fluid and contributes to the formation of swelling. You need to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid coffee and other caffeine-containing products to reduce the risk of dehydration.

At the first signs of swelling, you should not use drugs that constrict blood vessels. Breathing exercises and acupressure of the nose are encouraged.

Summarize

The pregnancy period can be accompanied by various unpleasant symptoms, in particular swelling of the nasal sinuses. This process is caused by both physiological changes and pathological disorders in the body. If your nose swells during pregnancy, there is no need to hesitate and self-medicate. A correct diagnosis minimizes the risk of complications and also promotes a speedy recovery for the expectant mother.

Swelling in the nose is definitely an unpleasant phenomenon for absolutely any person. If a pregnant woman suffers from swelling of the mucous membrane, then the unpleasantness of the pathology increases significantly against the background of all sorts of biological changes in her body.

In order to neutralize the swelling itself and the problems that arise from it (restless sleep, fatigue, poor concentration), you will have to resort to a special kind of treatment procedures, permissible exclusively for expectant mothers. We will talk in more detail about how to relieve nasal swelling during pregnancy, doing everything correctly and safely, in the article below.

How to stop inflammation of the mucous membrane

Before drawing up a therapeutic regimen, it is important to correctly determine the nature of the pathology. The mechanism of action on pathogens involves the use of traditional medicine methods and the intake of pharmacological products of natural composition.

If swelling of the nasal mucosa is caused by mechanical injuries, then the degree of deformation of the soft and bone tissues is determined by the traumatologist.

In case of an allergic reaction, it is advisable to consult an allergist; an otolaryngologist specializes in relieving inflammation of the inner lining of the nose as a result of the development of viral and bacterial infections.

Aqualor is recognized as an effective drug for rinsing the nasal toilet.

Drug treatment

The goal of therapy is to clear the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of secretions, stop the process of reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, and normalize breathing.

The list of medicinal products that are allowed during pregnancy and breastfeeding includes the following medications:

“Aquamaris” is a solution based on sea water with an admixture of mineral elements (magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron). Contraindications for use include sensitivity to individual components. The drug is not addictive, the course of treatment can last from several days to a couple of months . It is necessary to irrigate each nasal opening in turn with 1-2 injections 3-4 times a day .
“Pinosol” is considered as an immunomodulatory product of natural origin, based on extracts of eucalyptus, mint, mountain pine oil, vitamin E. The active components have a softening effect on the mucous membrane. The therapeutic regimen involves using the medicine 3 times a day, 2 drops in each nasal opening. The frequency of the course varies from 5 to 7 days . For inhalation you will need 50 drops (2 ml) of solution three times a day . Gripferon has identical pharmacological properties.
" Sanorin " is a vasoconstrictor pharmacological product that ensures free nasal breathing. Allowed at all stages of pregnancy . Contraindications for use include hypertension, rapid heartbeat, and glaucoma. Using the drug for more than 4 days can cause atrophy of the mucous membrane and loss of smell. To enhance the effect of the active substances, it is recommended to toilet the nose, and then act on the mucous membrane. Manipulations are performed 3 times a day .
“ Suprastin ” is an antihistamine medication for the relief of allergic manifestations, preventing the possibility of allergen concentration in the body. The dosage and frequency of administration are determined by the doctor; the best option is 1 tablet 3 times a day after meals . Intramuscular administration of the drug is possible.

With the permission of the doctor, Vibrocil and Flixonase are used to relieve swelling. Before using any pharmacological product, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions to exclude the possibility of side effects.

The effectiveness of alternative medicine

The myth that folk remedies are not capable of causing harm is erroneous. Compared to synthetic products, they have a gentler effect on the body and are gentle on the gastrointestinal tract . However, for complex pathologies they are ineffective.

The main purpose of alternative medicine recipes is a general strengthening, immunomodulatory effect.

Special gymnastics helps normalize the respiratory process and prevent swelling of the mucous membrane

If your nose is swollen during pregnancy, the following recommendations will help reduce the symptoms at home:

inhalation on potatoes . It is necessary to boil several vegetable tubers in their peels, remove the water, inhale the steam over the pan, covered with a towel;
onion juice . For 250 ml of water at room temperature you will need 3 teaspoons of onion pulp, a teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture sit for about an hour. Instill the solution 5 drops into each nasal passage 3-4 times a day ;
aloe _ The juice obtained from the leaves of the plant is combined with honey in equal proportions, and 3-4 drops are applied to the mucous membrane several times a day . The procedure is aimed at relieving swelling and promoting active regeneration of the mucous membrane;
decoction of chamomile, calendula . Herbal treatment has an anti-inflammatory effect, activates immune defense, and soothes the mucous membrane. To prepare, you will need 10 g of dry product per glass of boiling water , simmer the mixture in steam for a quarter of an hour. Use the decoction to rinse the nose;
honey _ Effective natural raw materials for relieving swelling, in case of tolerance to the components of the beekeeping product. You can take the substance orally (up to 100 g per day) or dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio and treat the nasal openings several times a day.

If nasal swelling appears during pregnancy, do not ignore the body's signals. It is possible that the body’s defensive reaction was provoked by pathogenic microorganisms, but it is possible that the reason lies in more serious disorders. To protect your life and the health of your unborn baby, it is advisable to seek qualified medical help.

Causes of nasal swelling

Swelling of the nasal mucosa is a common problem during pregnancy!

Swelling of the nasal mucosa during pregnancy is a completely normal reaction of the body, manifested in response to the action of pathogenic microflora in the nasopharyngeal cavity. A similar phenomenon periodically occurs in completely healthy people and in pregnant women.

According to statistics, about 30% of expectant mothers during pregnancy encountered problems with enlarged nasal cavities, which caused them considerable discomfort.

Most often, congestion and swelling of the nasal passages occurs due to:

rhinitis of various etiologies
typical ENT ailments (sore throat, colds, etc.)
chronic pathologies of the body
anatomical features of the structure of the skull (as a rule, problems with swelling of the mucous membrane are observed before pregnancy)
nasal injuries

There are different ways to identify the exact cause of swelling of the nasal passages, which is extremely important for organizing therapy. The most reliable of them is, naturally, contacting a doctor. However, even in normal home conditions, you can try to identify the factors that precede the development of edema.

So, in the initial stages of rhinitis, in addition to problems with the nasopharynx, nothing else is observed, but with the development of ENT diseases, cough, fever, chills and similar symptoms are often added to swelling and nasal congestion.

In any case, in terms of diagnosing the cause of nasal swelling during pregnancy, it is better not to take risks and carry out the necessary procedures in a clinic.

It is important for pregnant women to remember that they are responsible not only for their health, but also for the life of the child, the normality of which can be disrupted by even minor problems with the mother’s nasal mucosa.

Swelling of the nasal mucosa can be caused by various bacteria, viruses or allergens

The phenomenon of swelling of the nasal passages, perhaps, does not require any special description. Often the swelling is pronounced and manifests itself in the form of poor patency of the nasal passages, as well as the presence of an excess of mucous secretions in them.

In addition, typical signs of problems of this kind include:

As a rule, nasal swelling is provoked by ordinary rhinitis, either viral or allergic. If timely and appropriate therapeutic measures are taken, any pregnant woman can avoid any complications without any special problems.

However, even slightly starting the course of the pathology, you can provoke its complication.

Surprisingly, ordinary and essentially harmless swelling of the nasal passages can cause in a pregnant woman:

ENT pathologies of moderate and severe forms (from tonsillitis to sinusitis)
severe decrease in immunity level
development of viral or bacterial infection of the whole body
pregnancy disorder

Naturally, each of the presented complications has considerable danger, so allowing them to develop is simply unacceptable. Especially if you take into account the risks of premature birth or, even worse, miscarriage.

Forms of runny nose in the third trimester of pregnancy

In the last trimester of pregnancy, a runny nose can be of various origins. During this period, three forms of rhinitis are diagnosed: infectious, allergic and hormonal, or runny nose of pregnant women. In terms of frequency, rhinitis in pregnant women is in first place.

This pathology is registered in almost half of women during pregnancy. Beginning in the second trimester, the hormonal form of the runny nose continues in most cases until childbirth. The second most common form is the infectious form, which develops when viral-bacterial microflora penetrates the nasal mucosa. Allergic rhinitis is most rarely recorded.

The hormonal form can be called a natural reaction of the mother's body during pregnancy to the growing fetus. This type of rhinitis has two development mechanisms: endocrine changes in the mother with the influence of the child’s hormones on her and the constantly increasing volume of circulating blood.

In the last trimester, these mechanisms lead to the fact that the hormones maternal estradiol and fetal estriol have a maximum effect on the capillaries of the nasal mucosa. They expand, their walls become permeable to blood plasma, which escapes into the mucous tissue. As a result, the swelling increases, the woman complains of constant or periodic nasal congestion and loss of smell.

In addition, the growing fetus increases the volume of blood circulating in the mother's body every day. This leads to an increase in pressure in the vessels of the nasal cavity, which allows plasma elements to leave the capillaries and increase swelling of the mucous membrane.

All these mechanisms for the development of hormonal runny nose during pregnancy are not pathological. In most cases, rhinitis in pregnant women does not require urgent and serious treatment. But there are situations when swelling of the mucous membrane is constant and significant, or when a woman has other diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Taken together, this can lead to severe difficulty in nasal breathing, a deterioration in the oxygen supply to the fetus, and the development of complications in the form of sinusitis. Therefore, in some cases, it is necessary to treat rhinitis in pregnant women in any trimester.

Every woman can get a runny nose of infectious origin, but during pregnancy her body is especially vulnerable. Having begun with a viral invasion, rhinitis continues with the addition of bacterial microflora. Inflammation of the nasal mucosa is characterized not only by the destruction of epithelial cells, the appearance of edema and copious mucopurulent discharge, which complicates nasal breathing and ventilation of the lungs of the mother and fetus.

Toxins of foreign microflora penetrate into the general bloodstream and have a pyrogenic effect on the mother’s body. Intoxication begins with increased body temperature, headache, severe weakness, and loss of appetite. And this cannot but have an undesirable effect on the growing fetus.

In addition, a runny nose of infectious origin in any trimester of pregnancy can cause complications. Most often these are various forms of sinusitis, or inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Therefore, treatment of a runny nose of an infectious nature during pregnancy must be carried out.

But it must be treated carefully and, at the same time, as quickly and effectively as possible.

Allergic rhinitis during gestation (pregnancy) develops mainly in women with the body's existing mood for allergies. Usually these are manifestations of skin forms of pathology. If rhinitis of an allergic nature was present before the gestation period, then its manifestations become more pronounced.

Characteristic symptoms in the form of congestion, sneezing, copious mucous discharge from the nose and lacrimation, deterioration of smell significantly complicate the life of a pregnant woman in any trimester. Therefore, it is also necessary to treat this form of runny nose.

Drug therapy

Drug therapy is aimed at eliminating the cause that caused the swelling

Treatment of swelling and nasal congestion during pregnancy takes place in three main stages:

The first step is to identify the cause or causes of the disease.
The second stage ensures relief of unpleasant symptoms.
On the third stage, relief from the causes of swelling and congestion of the nasal passages is realized.

Due to the specificity of the pregnancy process, pathology therapy requires the use of specialized medications. Considering this aspect of the treatment of pregnant women, it is extremely important for them to know that it is necessary to treat all manifested ailments only with the attending physician.

As a rule, the specialist prescribes:

Medicines necessary to eliminate the cause of swelling and nasal congestion (antivirals, antibiotics, antihistamines, etc.).
Medicines used to relieve unpleasant symptoms of pathology (nasal drops, rinsing solutions, painkillers, etc.).
Immunostimulants and vitamin complexes that help speed up the treatment process.

In addition to the drug course of therapy, the use of physiotherapeutic procedures is possible - from light inhalations to specialized measures in the hospital. Only the attending physician can judge the need to prescribe such, so there should not be any speculation, much less decisions made regarding the organization of treatment on the part of the pregnant woman.

Aqua Maris is an effective and safe nasal rinse

One of the main means aimed at relieving swelling and nasal congestion are rinsing solutions. Such liquids not only help reduce the degree of swelling and eliminate discomfort in the nasal cavities, but also contribute to an enhanced fight against the main cause of the pathology.

For pregnant women, the safest and most effective nasal rinsing solutions are considered to be:

Aqua Maris is a liquid used as a special composition for rinsing the nasal sinuses and reducing the degree of swelling of the mucous membrane. The course of its use should not exceed 2-3 weeks, except in cases where the drug has been prescribed for a long time by the doctor. The solution is used 4 times a day, 1-3 injections into each nostril. The only contraindication to the use of Aquamaris is the presence of an allergy in a pregnant woman to its components.
A solution of sea salt, prepared using a glass of water and 1-2 teaspoons of this raw material. The principles of using such a product are completely similar to those described earlier, with the exception that the liquid must not just be injected into the nasal sinuses and passed through them with further flow. There is also only one contraindication to the use of sea salt solution: the pregnant woman is allergic to either salt or water (which is borderline fantastic).
Furacilin solution is a product prepared from the same glass of water and one tablet of this drug. It is necessary to use Furacilin solution in complete analogy with sea salt solution. Many doctors recommend its use only in cases of significant development of ENT pathologies, so there is no need to rush into purchasing Furacilin. It is advisable to repeat washing with this product 2 times a day for 1-2 weeks. A contraindication to the use of the solution is an allergy to Furacilin or water.

We strongly recommend that all pregnant women, before resorting to rinsing their nose with one or another solution, consult their doctor. Do not forget that the wrong selection of fluid can not only reduce the effect of therapy to zero, but also actually harm the fetus.

Runny nose during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester

If a viral disease has reached an acute form, the woman may be prescribed decongestants (Farial, Vibrocil).
The dosage of the drugs is minimal, and the course of treatment does not exceed three days, otherwise you risk poisoning the fetus. It is acceptable to use the following sprays: Pinosol, Salin, Dolphin, Aquamaris, Aqualor. Under the supervision of a doctor, therapy with Nazivin (a solution of no more than one percent) can be carried out. For high fever and general weakness, it can be attributed to Grippfer (made from interferon alpha). A significant improvement in health can be achieved by taking immunostimulating drugs, the most popular of which is Curantil.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be relieved with Nazaval. The drug is made in the form of a cellulose-based spray; this substance covers the mucous membrane and blocks its contact with allergens. In the third trimester, it is not recommended to use drops with a vasoconstrictor effect. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to use Nazol, Otrivin, Sanorin.

Physiotherapeutic procedures, represented by nasal rinsing with saline, sea salt or medicinal herbs. Washing at home can be done using a porcelain teapot (can be purchased at any pharmacy). The medicinal solution has the following proportions: 5 grams of salt per 200 grams of hot water.

Pregnancy in women is accompanied by serious hormonal changes caused by an increase in the levels of estrogen and progesterone necessary for bearing a child and its normal intrauterine development. At the same time, the volume of circulating blood in a woman’s body increases. This affects the condition and functions of many organs and systems.

In this case, the nasal mucosa becomes dry and irritated. Negative factors - dust, dry air, chemicals contained, for example, in air fresheners, only increase swelling of the nasal sinuses and cause a runny nose, which can accompany a woman throughout pregnancy. Nasal congestion and flow significantly complicate breathing, reduce the supply of oxygen, the lack of which causes headaches and, moreover, negatively affects the development of the fetus. All this, together with a weakened immune system, explains the cause of frequent runny noses and colds in pregnant women.

Viral diseases are very dangerous for a pregnant woman and fetus. In the first trimester of pregnancy, miscarriages often occur due to infectious diseases. Therefore, if a runny nose appears during pregnancy in the early stages, especially accompanied by an increase in body temperature, cough, sore throat - integral companions of colds and acute respiratory viral infections - you must immediately consult your doctor.

Another cause of a runny nose during pregnancy in the 1st trimester is allergies. During pregnancy, the body's sensitivity increases significantly, so an allergic runny nose in this situation is not uncommon. It manifests itself especially strongly during the spring flowering period of plants. In addition to pollen, allergies can be caused by air pollution, animal dander, cosmetics and other factors.

A runny nose can also be caused by tumor formations, anatomical features of the nasopharynx, adenoids, polyps, nasal injuries, stress and depression, diseases of the cardiovascular system, long-term treatment with certain medications, chronic diseases of the nasopharynx (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis).

Since it is in the first trimester that the main organs and systems of the fetus are formed, any medications are taken only in extremely severe cases. Therefore, it is recommended to start treating a runny nose with folk remedies that have virtually no contraindications and do not pose a threat to the baby and his mother.

The second trimester is considered the calmest period of pregnancy, when the child is already sufficiently formed, his body has become a little stronger and has adapted. A runny nose in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy no longer poses a threat of miscarriage, since the formed placenta can protect the baby from adverse factors, but nevertheless, rhinitis poses no less a threat to the fetus.

Oxygen deficiency can cause a number of different pathologies in the fetus:

Lack of oxygen (hypoxia) has a negative effect on the brain and nervous system, which actively develops in the second trimester. As a result of hypoxia, a child may be born with pathologies associated with nervous and brain activity;
Fetoplacental insufficiency develops - a dysfunction of the placenta, in which there is not sufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus;
As a result of oxygen and fetoplacental insufficiency, the child may not gain weight well;
The child’s endocrine system suffers, the development of which occurs in the second trimester.

The big mistake many women make is that they start treating a runny nose on their own. Although some medications are allowed for use in the second trimester (and then in a pediatric form and in a minimum dosage), their use should be carried out under the strict supervision of a gynecologist and only after tests have been carried out to determine the causes of the disease.

Also, the danger for the child lies in the risk of contracting an infection through the placenta if the baby’s mother has to breathe through her mouth due to nasal congestion. Viruses enter the bronchi and lungs, are absorbed into the blood, causing infectious intoxication, which cannot but affect the development of the child.

A runny nose can accompany a woman both in the early and late stages of pregnancy. One of the side effects of rhinitis is a lack of oxygen due to swelling and congestion of the nose. As during the previous two trimesters, in the last weeks of pregnancy with a runny nose, the danger of oxygen deficiency and its consequences for the fetus also remains.

In addition, in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the development of a runny nose caused by viruses is fraught with:

Infection in the amniotic fluid, infection of the child before birth, can lead to the child being born infected;
Aging of the placenta, which leads to a weakening of its protective functions and more free access of harmful substances, for example, drug components, to the fetus;
Premature birth;
Negative effect on milk production after childbirth.

Thus, a runny nose in late pregnancy and the colds that cause it do not directly affect the development and formation of the fetus, since it is already formed, but can lead to infection and the birth of an unhealthy child.

Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if there is any change in the body, even with a slight runny nose, to follow disease prevention measures throughout the entire period of gestation, as well as regularly undergo routine examinations and take the necessary tests, which will allow timely detection of the onset of the inflammatory process and prevent the development of the disease.

Isofra

During pregnancy, Isofra can be used only three times a day.

During pregnancy, can only be used three times a day. Before each injection, the nasal cavity is cleaned with Aqualor or Aquamaris, after which one or two injections are made into each nasal passage. The duration of treatment with Isofra cannot exceed one week. If no obvious changes for the better are noticeable within two days of use, you should immediately consult a doctor to discontinue the spray and select a more effective medicine.

Bioparox

Bioparox drug

It is also available in a convenient spray form, which allows you to accurately dose the incoming active substance. Before use, the bottle should be shaken thoroughly and one or two injections should be made into the nasal passages cleared of mucus. Such manipulations can be repeated up to three times a day, the duration of treatment is no more than seven days.

Since these drugs belong to the group of particularly dangerous drugs, they should be used during pregnancy only in the following cases:

when yellow and green discharge appears in the nose;
persistent severe runny nose for one week;
transition of an ordinary runny nose to the stage of sinusitis or a greater possibility of its development;
inflammation in the pharynx is additionally recorded;
if there is no result from using a more gentle treatment within 3-5 days;
infection of the entire respiratory system;
absence of allergies or predisposition to broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Sodium chloride

Sodium chloride for inhalation for runny nose during pregnancy

Traditional methods of dealing with the problem

Chamomile decoction has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties

As a supplement to the main drug course of treatment for swelling and nasal congestion, it is quite acceptable for a pregnant woman to resort to the use of methods from traditional medicine.

Naturally, before using any homemade medicines, consultation with a doctor is an urgent matter, so you should not ignore such conversations.

If the doctor has given permission to resort to alternative medicine, the most rational solution would be to use:

In general, traditional methods of dealing with nasal swelling are good ways to get rid of an unpleasant problem, but they are guaranteed not to be able to become the basis of treatment, so in this regard they are not permissible.

What can't you do?

Self-prescribing medications for swelling of the nasal mucosa is prohibited!

In the process of getting rid of swelling, nasal congestion and the reasons that caused it, a pregnant woman should not:

Use for therapy drugs that are contraindicated for use in pregnant women or have not been studied in pregnant women.
Resort to nasal rinses or inhalations made with strong drugs (alcohol tinctures, medications, etc.).
Use untested and potentially dangerous methods of alternative therapy.
Abuse the basic rules for organizing therapy for the pathology in question, which were described in detail above.
Treat without supervision from a professional physician.

Ignoring the noted rules is unacceptable when treating swelling of the nasal passages in pregnant women, as it significantly reduces the effectiveness of treatment and contributes to the development of complications.