Colds as a sign of early pregnancy

Causes of the pathological condition

The development of the condition is associated with the physiological characteristics of the gestation period. Nasal congestion during pregnancy can often occur due to a decrease in the activity of the immune response, provoked by changes in the balance of hormones. This makes a woman’s body more susceptible to the influence of negative environmental factors and susceptible to infectious diseases.

Nasal congestion during pregnancy can be dangerous for the woman and baby

The main reasons causing the development of the pathological condition include:

The development of infectious diseases of bacterial or viral origin.
Swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose caused by changes in the concentration of hormones.
Swelling of the nasal membranes due to an increase in the volume of circulating blood.
Drying of the mucous membranes due to low environmental humidity, which triggers compensatory mechanisms for the secretion of nasal mucus.
Development of an allergic reaction.
Inflammation of the membranes in the nasal sinuses – sinusitis.

Even disorders of the nervous system caused by stress, fear of pregnancy and childbirth cause nonspecific reactions, which may include a runny nose.

Conditions provoked by infection occur in the autumn-winter, less often in the spring, period. The pathology is often manifested by severe swelling of the mucous membrane and copious secretion of mucus from the nose. Often accompanied by accompanying symptoms characteristic of a particular pathogen.

Simple statistics

Nasal congestion is a symptom that occurs during pregnancy later than other, more obvious and unambiguous ones.

Fatigue, toxicosis and delayed menstruation usually occur in pregnant women several months earlier than a runny nose

Studies conducted by foreign doctors show that typical rhinitis in pregnant women develops with different frequencies at the following periods:

at week 12 - in 27% of cases;
at week 20 - in 37% of cases;
at 30 weeks - in 40% of cases;
at 36 weeks - in 42% of cases.

That is, most cases of the development of a runny nose in pregnant women occur in the middle and late stages, in the 2-3 trimesters, and at this time, although nasal congestion is a sign of pregnancy, the expectant mother already knows about her situation. In the early stages - in the first 1-2 months - rhinitis appears much less frequently. Earlier, other, more distinct and unambiguous signs appear.

Toxicosis occurs much earlier than nasal congestion

Summary

It is unlikely that you specifically have an exception to the rule. And it’s unlikely that you are already 4-5 months old. A delay in your period would already tell you everything...

A little theory

The manifestation of problems with nasal breathing in the middle stages of gestation is quite natural. At this stage, the fetus is growing very actively and requires increasing amounts of nutrients and oxygen. Therefore, additional blood flow and high throughput of the blood vessels of the placenta are needed. The vessels must dilate. To do this, a sufficient amount of hormones are released into the blood, promoting the dilation of blood vessels, and until the fetal nutrition is normalized, a certain level of them in the blood is maintained. Nasal congestion is a side effect of the whole process. Hormones spread throughout the bloodstream and penetrate all organs. Just as the vessels in the uterus dilate, the capillaries in the nasal mucosa dilate, which leads to swelling. In the early stages of gestation, there is no particular need for this process - the fetus is still too small and does not require abundant nutrition.

But in the early stages, even before the development of the fetus, the mother receives much more pronounced signals about the beginning of pregnancy - absence of menstruation, for example, or toxicosis. In most cases, by the time a runny nose begins, a woman already knows exactly what she is wearing under her heart, registers with the consultation and begins to look closely at clothes for newborns.

A missed period is a more likely and earlier sign of pregnancy

Simply put, although rhinitis is associated with gestation, it is almost never the first, only and unambiguous sign of possible motherhood.

It is also useful to read: Treating a runny nose in the second trimester of pregnancy

So don't worry and just wait for your next period. Now, if they don’t start on time, you can start thinking about your future child.

On a note

The expression “Runny nose is a symptom of pregnancy” is not entirely correct. The word “symptom” means a sign of a disease, but this condition of a woman is not a disease.

Consequences of rhinitis in the 1st trimester

Although in most cases the condition does not pose a health hazard, it can provoke the development of other pathologies. The consequences of the condition are dangerous to varying degrees for specific periods of pregnancy.

The presence of a short-term runny nose, which disappears on its own within up to 8 weeks. does not pose a threat to the health of the expectant mother and fetus. Prolonged rhinitis is potentially dangerous for both organisms, especially for the unborn child.

In the 1st trimester, the formation of organs and systems of the fetus occurs. The slightest disruption of these physiological processes due to insufficient oxygen supply to the mother’s body leads to severe developmental pathologies or death of the fetus. During this period, it is strongly recommended that at the slightest manifestation of a runny nose, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Only he knows for sure how to get rid of pathology and not harm the health of a woman and her unborn child.

Can a cold be a sign of pregnancy?

Many people perceive a cold as a sign of pregnancy. This is due to the fact that in the early stages many women begin to get sick - coughing, sneezing.

Such symptoms signal the development of a respiratory infection, which occurs due to decreased immunity.

The main signs of pregnancy in the early stages include the following manifestations:

delayed menstruation;
nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
breast enlargement and increased sensitivity;
weight gain;
change of mood;
disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, heartburn, nausea, vomiting.

A doctor can accurately determine the onset of pregnancy after examination and ultrasound examination. A cold cannot be a sign of pregnancy, although it often occurs against the background of changes in the body and decreased immunity.

Many women and even some doctors interpret mild discomfort and the development of a cold as a sign of conception. That is, the cause of a runny nose is called pregnancy.

Main symptoms of rhinitis in pregnant women

The condition is characterized by various manifestations, among which the most common are:

feeling of nasal congestion;
sneezing;
discomfort or itching in the nasal cavity;
cough.

Less common are headaches of varying severity. The condition may be accompanied by noise or ringing in the ears.

Almost half of women experience malaise and a feeling of weakness. Emotional individuals may experience mood swings or a stable decrease in mood.

Nasal congestion during early pregnancy: signs and treatment

Inflammation of the mucous membrane can be a sign of pregnancy in the early stages. This process can occur for several reasons.

Firstly, during the period of bearing a child, the body of the expectant mother experiences serious hormonal changes, which lead to swelling in the mucous cavity.

Secondly, the gestation period often provokes the formation of mucous discharge without infectious inflammation or an allergic reaction. In medical practice, this process is called rhinitis during pregnancy.

However, the first signs of rhinitis do not always indicate an obligatory pregnancy and girls may not be afraid of an unplanned pregnancy. A runny nose as a sign of pregnancy only appears during a hormonal surge. You can verify your pregnancy using tests or after a special test that can be purchased at a pharmacy.

Signs of pregnancy - delayed menstruation and breast swelling

A missed period is the most common and well-known early pregnancy sign that most often prompts women to take a pregnancy test. A missed period can be caused by many reasons, however, if you are sexually active and your period does not start on time, it is better to take a pregnancy test.

Other reasons. Hormonal imbalance, stress, tension, chronic fatigue, excessive weight loss or gain, stopping taking oral contraceptives.

Increased sensitivity and breast swelling are common signs of pregnancy, which make themselves felt 1-2 weeks after conception.

A woman may notice that her breasts react to every slight touch, becoming swollen or painful.

However, there are pregnant women who, on the contrary, in the first weeks of their new condition are surprised by the loss of breast sensitivity.

In addition, darkening of the skin around the nipples may indicate pregnancy.

Other reasons. Premenstrual syndrome, hormonal imbalance, taking birth control pills.

How to behave correctly if you have cold symptoms?

During sips, a sore throat, heaviness in the temples and some of the usual symptoms that you get used to when you have a cold are not a reason to lower your temperature with pills.

If a pregnant woman feels unwell, even if this condition is questioned, it indicates the need to urgently consult a doctor.

It’s easier to clarify in the office whether it’s pregnancy, early signs, or a common cold, so that you can register or be treated without complications.

Statistics confirm that 70% of women experience colds at the beginning of pregnancy. The process can occur expressed or in the form of unclear symptoms, but the more dangerous the complications are if you do not pay attention. Herpes or “colds” on the lips are also a sign of decreased immunity during pregnancy.

Expert advice:

A low temperature cannot be “brought down” - this is an indicator of activation of the immune system.
A runny nose should not be left untreated - it means difficulty breathing and lack of oxygen, which is unacceptable during pregnancy!
Make wide use of inhalations using eucalyptus tincture, oak bark decoction, sage and coltsfoot. A day, 3-4 five-minute inhalations with herbs under a terry towel are enough.
If you have a sore throat, be sure to gargle more often with a solution of sea salt, furatsilin and herbal tinctures.
You should not overuse nasal drops when you have a runny nose - they dry out the mucous membrane. It is better to blockade with Galazolin or Sanorin if necessary - work and studies. Pregnant women are prescribed to take them for no more than 2-3 days. Additional heating in the nose area, the use of salt lamps and aroma lamps with essential oils usually do not harm pregnant women.
It will also be useful to have raspberry and currant jam, cranberries and lingonberries in the form of fruit drink, rosehip syrup, lemon in sugar and other medicinal delicacies with hot herbal tea.
Physiotherapy during pregnancy is kept to a minimum; acceptable procedures are prescribed by the doctor.
Homeopathic medicines can be not only harmless, but also effective only with the guidance of a real homeopathic specialist who understands dosage. There is no overdose of vitamin C, but you should not overuse multivitamins in pharmaceutical packaging, the benefits from them are minimal.
During pregnancy, you cannot take immunomodulators in “horse” doses; they had to be taken until the new position.

It is advisable to avoid taking pills and mixtures until effective treatment is prescribed by doctors. Do not forget to rest during the day and breathe fresh air, but it is better to avoid visiting public places where there may be carriers of seasonal viruses and colds.

Changes in the digestive system

The first signs of pregnancy appear very well through the digestive system.

A woman may notice an increased appetite, a craving for sweet or salty foods, and an aversion to certain foods. Increased activity of the vagus nerve can cause constipation. Morning nausea, vomiting and dizziness can also tell you about an “interesting situation”.

The first symptoms indicating conception

Not every woman can notice early signs of pregnancy before her period is missed. Often, many symptoms are in no way associated with the birth of a new life. Meanwhile, a woman may feel:

Minor tingling or nagging pain in the lower abdomen.
Growth and sensitivity of the mammary glands.
Increased vaginal discharge.
Frequent urge to urinate.
Slight brown discharge outside of menstruation.
Increase in rectal temperature.
The appearance of a vascular pattern on the abdomen, chest and limbs.
Digestive system disorder.
Increased salivation.

Many early symptoms may indicate the development of some disease. Therefore, even if several signs are present, it is impossible to say with certainty about the early stage of pregnancy. It should be borne in mind that early signs of pregnancy may appear only on the sixth or seventh day after fertilization.

A woman who wants to have a baby always listens to her body; she can confidently say about the changes she wants in it. On the other hand, the expectant mother, who did not plan to be there in the near future, will in no way associate changes in the body with pregnancy until her period is missed.

What causes colds during pregnancy?

The body of the expectant mother is especially vulnerable to various viruses, microbes and other pathogens, this is due to hormonal changes and a weakened immune system.

It is for this reason that colds and acute respiratory diseases while expecting a baby are not a rare phenomenon, but quite alarming.

Infections are especially dangerous in the first weeks of pregnancy, when the skeleton and vital organs of the unborn baby are being formed.

A cold in the early stages of pregnancy can even cause a miscarriage. In addition, medical experts identify the following undesirable complications that can result from an infectious or viral disease in a pregnant woman:

Fetal hypoxia.
Abortion.
Inflammatory processes affecting the genital area.
Congenital anomalies in the development of organs and systems of a child, the formation of which occurred at the acute stage of the pathological process.

Colds worsen a woman’s general condition; in addition, if nasal breathing is difficult, a pregnant woman has to breathe through her mouth, which significantly increases the risk of developing infectious processes. Allergic rhinitis often appears during pregnancy, since the expectant mother's sensitivity to various allergens increases many times over.

How to behave in this condition

If a pregnant woman has a runny nose, it can accompany her throughout the entire period of pregnancy and go away on its own a few days after birth, when the body recovers. There is no point in treating such a runny nose, because it cannot be treated. And the use of any drugs in this case is contraindicated, because it can harm the baby.

But it is possible to carry out activities that will alleviate the woman’s condition. All you need to do is:

fight nasal congestion to make breathing easier;
do not allow the nasal mucous membranes to dry out;
do not overwork, do not be nervous;
strengthen the immune system.

There are many different methods for all this. Before doing anything, you should consult your doctor.

How to get rid of a runny nose without drugs

In the case where the pathology is not caused by an infectious disease, allergy or hormonal disorders uncharacteristic of pregnancy, unpleasant symptoms can be overcome without the use of medications. But it is recommended to resort to treatment only with the permission of the doctor and it is advisable to constantly monitor the doctor.

The following will help overcome the condition:

compliance with the water regime - drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid per day;
exclusion of coffee and caffeine-containing products from the diet;
minimizing contact with possible irritants of the nasal mucosa - powders, smoke, paints, etc.;
avoiding contact with potential allergens - dust, animal hair, pollen, etc.;
wearing warm clothes in the cold season prevents the nasal mucous membranes from drying out;
moderate physical activity will reduce swelling of the nasal cavity;

A big role is played by the humidity of the environment in the room where the woman is. To normalize it, it is recommended to use a humidifier. It will help improve the microclimate and maintain it at an optimal level. This will allow you to quickly reduce the load on the respiratory system, protect the mucous membranes from drying out, and prevent their irritation. It is recommended to consult a doctor before purchasing the device.

Nasal congestion as a sign of early pregnancy

A runny nose, as a sign of pregnancy, is a fairly common phenomenon, which in most cases is observed at the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy. Rhinitis in adult patients can develop against the background of a number of different diseases, so it is important to identify the disease in time and begin appropriate treatment.

What causes a runny nose during pregnancy?

The appearance of a runny nose during pregnancy is due to certain physiological processes occurring in the female body.

The fact is that after conception, the expectant mother’s body begins to actively produce certain hormones that have a constricting effect on the mucous membranes localized in the nasopharynx area.

As a result, a woman experiences signs of a runny nose such as mucous nasal discharge, difficulty in nasal breathing, swelling and possible snoring at night.

A pregnant woman may even experience such a characteristic symptom as chills, a painful condition in which the patient feels either hot or cold. This clinical process is also triggered by hormonal imbalance, which manifests itself in the early stages of pregnancy.

Since most medications used for allergic or acute respiratory diseases are strictly contraindicated for expectant mothers, it is important to be able to distinguish a runny nose, which is a manifestation of pregnancy, from influenza or acute respiratory infections, or chronic runny nose, which is often observed in adult patients.

In addition, a runny nose and nasal congestion develop as a result of vasodilation, which is necessary for adequate nutrition of the fetus. Vaporization of blood vessels affects the entire body, including the nasal cavity, which causes the appearance of mucous nasal discharge.

Signs of the disease

What clinical manifestations, accompanied by a runny nose in adults, should alert you and be a reason to consult a specialist?

Colds, flu, infectious and bacterial diseases, accompanied by difficulty breathing and mucous nasal discharge, manifest themselves with the following additional symptoms:

Headache.
Increase in body temperature to 38 degrees and above.
Joint and muscle pain.
Feverish condition.
Increased fatigue.
Cough syndrome.
Redness of the mucous membranes in the oropharynx area.

Allergies can also trigger the development of a runny nose. Medical experts identify the following signs of allergic rhinitis:

Copious, clear, mucous nasal discharge.
Impaired olfactory function.
Increased tear production.
The appearance of skin rashes of allergic origin.
Frequent sneezing.
Cough syndrome.
Development of conjunctivitis.

If the above symptoms and clinical signs appear, the patient is strongly recommended to consult a doctor! Diseases of viral, allergic, bacterial or infectious origin require competent and timely treatment, especially when it comes to a pregnant woman!

What kind of runny nose can be considered a manifestation of pregnancy?

Hormonal runny nose, which is one of the signs of pregnancy, can be distinguished from various kinds of pathological conditions using certain, specific symptoms. Medical specialists identify the first signs of a hormonal runny nose, characteristic of pregnant women:

Increased salivation.
Pigmentation of the skin.
The appearance of a clear venous pattern in the area of the mammary glands.
Darkening of the areola.
Flatulence.
Disorders of intestinal motility.
Diarrhea, periodically alternating with constipation.
Convulsive syndrome affecting mainly the calf muscles.
Possible nosebleeds.

It should be emphasized that if a runny nose is caused precisely by changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy, then the patient does not have such clinical symptoms as urticaria, inflammatory lesions of the larynx and nasopharynx, copious nasal discharge of a mucous or purulent-mucosal nature, a significant increase body temperature, cough reflex. Otherwise, we are talking about a disease that requires adequate treatment, and allergic or cold processes can develop during pregnancy, which significantly complicates subsequent therapy!

Source: https://luxeth.ru/zalozhennost-nosa-kak-priznak-beremennosti-na-rannih-srokah/

Physiotherapeutic methods to relieve symptoms

One of the ways to alleviate the symptoms and prevent the condition is breathing exercises. It is performed according to the following algorithm:

Close one nostril with your finger.
Through the second one take a deep breath, then smoothly exhale through it.
Change nostrils.
Inhale and exhale through the other nostril.

Warming up your feet before bed has worked well. Despite the widespread use of the method of warming the feet with mustard, it is not advisable to use it while carrying a child. It is recommended to use warm water.

A special acupressure massage will help reduce symptoms. They do it like this:

Press on the middle of the bridge of the nose.
Perform 15-20 circular movements clockwise.
Make the same number of similar movements counterclockwise.
Massage the wings of the nose with your index fingers, similar to movements on the bridge of the nose.
Press on the area between the lips and nose and perform the same manipulations.
Begin a similar massage at a point located in the middle of the chin.
Repeat the complex 3-4 times during the day.

It is recommended to resort to acupressure after maximum removal of mucus from the nose, otherwise its effectiveness is significantly reduced.

If there is excessive nasal mucus, you can resort to inhalation. It is worth using a weak solution of soda or salt. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus or mint essential oil. The water should not be too hot so as not to injure the mucous membranes of the nose and respiratory tract.

Colds as a sign of pregnancy: truth or myth, diagnosis, causes and treatment

Pregnancy is a long-awaited period in the life of every woman. In addition to the happiness of future motherhood, it brings many changes in the functioning of the body.

All systems are rebuilt, hormonal levels change. In addition to the test and ultrasound, pregnancy will help recognize certain symptoms.

Let's consider whether a cold can be a sign of pregnancy.

Can a cold be a sign of pregnancy?

Many people perceive a cold as a sign of pregnancy. This is due to the fact that in the early stages many women begin to get sick - coughing, sneezing.

Such symptoms signal the development of a respiratory infection, which occurs due to decreased immunity.

The main signs of pregnancy in the early stages include the following manifestations:

delayed menstruation;
nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
breast enlargement and increased sensitivity;
weight gain;
change of mood;
disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, heartburn, nausea, vomiting.

Many women and even some doctors interpret mild discomfort and the development of a cold as a sign of conception. That is, the cause of a runny nose is called pregnancy.

Causes of colds in early pregnancy

It is immediately necessary to note the difference between diseases that are always mistaken for the same disease:

ARVI is an acute respiratory viral infection. The key word in this concept is “viral”. That is, this term refers to all diseases of the respiratory system that are caused by viruses.
ARI is an acute respiratory disease, differs in that it is a general term, and it can be viral, fungal, bacterial, etc.
A cold is a concept that unites all respiratory diseases caused by infectious agents. It occurs due to infection from a sick person or due to hypothermia, as a result of which inflammatory processes begin in the body.

The onset of pregnancy is a huge stress for the female body. During this period, everything changes: hormone levels, the functioning of all organs and systems, blood composition, etc.

Immunity is also reduced due to the fact that all beneficial substances that enter the mother’s body are transferred to the developing fetus.

Colds in the first trimester of pregnancy occur due to many factors:

Eating disorders. During pregnancy, hormonal levels change, and along with it, appetite and food preferences. Often, pregnant women begin to eat incorrectly only because the body requires something unusual. Because of this, the balance of fats, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins is disrupted, as a result of which the functioning of the immune system deteriorates.
Immunosuppression that occurs during pregnancy. Immune suppression is a protective mechanism that prevents fetal rejection.
Hypothermia. While carrying a child, the expectant mother is obliged to monitor her health, but in the early stages you can become hypothermic without knowing about the onset of pregnancy.
Pregnant women experience problems with the gastrointestinal tract. An imbalance of bacteria in the intestines reduces the body's protective functions.
Exacerbation of chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, allergies, stomach diseases.

Considering all of the above, it can be noted that during pregnancy, the occurrence of a cold is associated with the functioning of the immune system. That is why expectant mothers are prescribed a complex of vitamins and minerals to strengthen the immune system.

Cold symptoms during pregnancy

Many women in early pregnancy experience a number of symptoms that signal both conception and a cold. At this moment, your health deteriorates significantly:

Sore throat and pain, clicking in the ears during swallowing, resulting from swelling of the nasopharynx and inflammation of the tonsils.
The occurrence of a runny nose during pregnancy and nasal congestion is a standard symptom that occurs in 95% of women. This is the first and main reaction to the appearance of pathogenic microorganisms on the nasopharyngeal mucosa. This causes swelling and mucus production.
An increase in body temperature occurs in almost all types of respiratory diseases. This is the result of an increased number of lymphocytes in the blood. They are produced to fight bacteria and viruses that enter the body.
Colds on the lips (herpes) occur only in those who are prone to this disease. Everyone has the herpes virus, but for many it is in an inactive state. If herpes appears once, then, most likely, it will appear at the first decrease in immunity.

You cannot diagnose the disease yourself, because viral and bacterial pathologies have many similar symptoms, although they are treated differently.

To determine the type of pathogen, you need to go to a medical facility, undergo an examination and take tests. Taking into account the results of the examination and the individual characteristics of the body, the doctor prescribes a course of treatment for the expectant mother.

The danger of a cold for the fetus

A cold, like any other illness suffered during any period of pregnancy, can negatively affect the development of the fetus. The most dangerous period is considered to be up to 6-8 weeks, when the risk of miscarriage (self-abortion) is especially high.

Any pathology occurs due to decreased immunity, and vice versa, every disease contributes to decreased immunity.

When viruses or bacteria appear, the body produces antibodies to fight them. It often happens that because of this, embryo rejection occurs.

Diseases are also dangerous because they need to be treated with medications that have a negative impact on the development of the unborn child.

Taking antibiotics (in rare cases) can negatively affect the formation of the fetal neural tube and provoke congenital diseases.

Treatment with conventional drugs can undermine the immune system of the unborn baby, and he will be born weak, with reduced protective functions.

Modern pharmacology offers many medications designed specifically for pregnant women. They help relieve cold symptoms, but do not harm the developing fetus or the health of the mother.

Treatment of colds during pregnancy

Early colds can be treated in several ways:

Drug therapy consists of taking a complex of medications:

To reduce temperature, drugs based on propionic acid derivatives are recommended, since they cause minimal harm. If the temperature is below 37.5, there is no need to bring it down. If above 39, then you need to call an ambulance;
if you have a sore throat, you can use lozenges and mixtures based on herbal ingredients, for example, plantain;
For a runny nose, doctors recommend vasoconstrictors.

Self-medication is strictly prohibited, because many medications cannot be taken in the early stages of pregnancy.

If absolutely necessary, the doctor will prescribe antibiotic therapy. If you follow your doctor's recommendations, there will be no side effects.

Traditional medicine suggests the use of herbal ingredients to relieve symptoms of the disease. Treatment should be comprehensive and affect all manifestations. For example, if you have a runny nose, you can drop Kalanchoe juice into your nose, and if you have a sore throat, gargle it with a solution of salt and baking soda. Pregnant women can also use milk, honey, lemon, only in moderate doses, so as not to provoke an allergic reaction.

It is important to consult a doctor before taking medications or traditional medicine to avoid the development of adverse reactions.

Prevention of colds

To reduce the risk of colds in early pregnancy, you need to follow a number of recommendations:

include in your diet a large amount of fresh berries, fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins;
If possible, you should avoid crowded places;
when visiting crowded places, cover your nose and mouth with a medical mask;

Any change in the body of the expectant mother affects the development of the fetus, so if at least one of the above symptoms occurs, you need to seek help from a doctor.

While carrying a child, self-medication can be harmful, so it is not worth the risk, and it is prohibited to undergo treatment without a doctor’s prescription.

In conclusion, it should be noted that colds during pregnancy do not have specific symptoms.

Only symptoms characteristic of a pregnant woman are added: changes in mood and appetite, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, runny nose (for some - in a chronic form), etc. Colds as one of the signs of pregnancy: truth or myth? Link to main publication

Source: https://respiratornie-bolezni.com/prostuda/prostuda-kak-odin-iz-priznakov-beremennosti-prichiny-simptomy-i-lechenie.html

Stuffy nose without a runny nose - why does this happen during pregnancy?

Another reason why a pregnant woman has a stuffy nose but no runny nose is hormonal rhinitis, which is physiological in nature and is not considered a pathology. It occurs in 30% of expectant mothers. It occurs in the 2nd trimester (sometimes at the end of the 1st) and does not go away throughout the entire pregnancy, until childbirth. The cause of the phenomenon is hormonal changes occurring in a woman’s body.

The hormone progesterone plays a leading role in the process of gestation. Its increase is accompanied by such signs as fluid retention, an increase in circulating blood volume and vasodilatation. The level of estrogen, the main female hormone, also increases, causing the mucous membranes to thicken and fill with blood. These changes lead to swelling and a stuffy nose.

Hormonal rhinitis occurs with varying degrees of severity. For some, it manifests itself in a mild form, without significantly affecting their well-being, while for others, it has pronounced symptoms (especially with a deviated nasal septum). It can be distinguished by nasal congestion, which increases with physical activity and taking a horizontal position, dryness of the mucous membranes with the formation of crusts and the development of nosebleeds. Unlike viral rhinitis, hormonal rhinitis does not go away after a few days, but drags on until childbirth.