Pregnancy rhinitis is a common condition that affects many women during pregnancy, causing symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. This condition is often confused with the common cold or allergies but is distinctively linked to pregnancy. While pregnancy rhinitis is not usually harmful, it can be uncomfortable, and understanding its causes and treatment options can help expectant mothers find relief.
While managing pregnancy rhinitis is essential for the mother’s health and comfort during pregnancy, it is also important to keep into consideration the baby’s future well-being. One of the ways to secure your child’s future good health is opting for LifeCell’s Stem Cell Banking. Preserving the baby’s umbilical cord blood stem cells at birth is a proactive step that safeguards not only the baby’s but the entire family’s future health from the impact of serious medical conditions.
In both cases, awareness plays a great role whereby you can tackle conditions like pregnancy rhinitis to enjoy a healthy pregnancy and also reap the long-term advantages of stem cell banking,
What Is Pregnancy Rhinitis?
Pregnancy rhinitis is when a woman experiences nasal congestion for at least 6 weeks during pregnancy. There are no signs of an infection, and it’s not caused by allergies. The symptoms usually go away within 2 weeks after the baby is born. About one in five pregnant women get pregnancy rhinitis, and it can happen at any point during the gestational phase. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it is believed that a hormone from the placenta might play a role. Smoking and being allergic to dust mites might increase the chances of developing this condition.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between pregnancy rhinitis and sinusitis, which is an infection of the sinuses. A special examination called nasendoscopy, where a camera is inserted into the nose after it’s been cleared, is the best way to diagnose pregnancy rhinitis. In some cases, doctors may use an ultrasound or x-ray to help with the diagnosis. Sinusitis needs to be treated more aggressively with higher doses of antibiotics and a procedure to clean out the sinuses.
Who Might Experience Pregnancy Rhinitis?
Most pregnant women can experience pregnancy rhinitis, and it typically occurs during the second or third trimester. However, it is more common in:
- First-time mothers.
- Women with a history of allergies or asthma.
- Women who are carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.).
- Those with a history of nasal issues like sinusitis.
Pregnancy rhinitis can make it difficult for some women to sleep, breathe comfortably, or even enjoy their pregnancy to the fullest. Fortunately, understanding the causes and managing the symptoms can provide relief and allow you to feel more comfortable during this exciting time.
What Causes Pregnancy Rhinitis?
In some cases, rhinitis during pregnancy is harmless and doesn’t have a specific cause other than the pregnancy itself.
Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, including increased blood flow to mucous membranes, one of which is the nose. This extra blood flow can cause the nasal tissues to swell, leading to stuffiness and a runny nose.
Other times, rhinitis during pregnancy is triggered by allergies. Around one-third of women of childbearing age have allergic rhinitis, which tends to be more severe than regular pregnancy rhinitis. Symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Itching
- Severe nasal congestion
What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy Rhinitis?
The diagnosis of pregnancy rhinitis is made based on the worsening of nasal congestion (which was not present before) in pregnant women, without any other causes or symptoms. It is important to rule out other conditions such as sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, drug-induced rhinitis, infections, and pregnancy-related growths like nasal polyps or tumors.
Doctors only consider nasal obstruction a problem if it significantly impacts a woman’s quality of life. Some nasal changes are normal during pregnancy. Many women with pregnancy rhinitis experience a runny nose along with nasal blockage.
Allergic rhinitis differs from pregnancy rhinitis, as it typically occurs in women with a history of allergies. In pregnancy, women with allergic rhinitis may also experience symptoms like sneezing, itching, and watery eyes, along with nasal congestion.
Treatment Options for Pregnancy Rhinitis
- Most studies recommend education as the first approach to treat pregnancy rhinitis. Additional strategies may be used, as symptoms usually go away after delivery. If pregnant women are made aware early in pregnancy, they tend to use fewer nasal decongestants and are less likely to develop drug-related rhinitis.
- Exercise can help reduce nasal congestion, manage weight, and support better sleep during pregnancy. Raising the head of the bed by 30°–45° at night can also ease nasal obstruction. Additionally, using a saline nasal spray can provide temporary relief, although there are no specific studies for pregnancy rhinitis. However, it is important for expectant mothers to consult their doctors before starting any exercise routine, as certain activities may not be safe during pregnancy.
- Medications such as nasal saline sprays, antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), and nasal steroid sprays (e.g., budesonide) are often considered safe when used under a doctor’s supervision. However, oral decongestants and certain nasal decongestant sprays should be avoided or used with caution, as they might be risky for the baby. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy.
Pros and Cons of the Various Pregnancy Rhinitis Treatments
Pros:
- Non-Invasive: Treatments such as saline nasal sprays, humidifiers, and elevating the head of the bed are non-invasive and generally safe for both mother and baby.
- Immediate Relief: Simple treatments like saline sprays or using a humidifier can provide quick relief from congestion, improving comfort.
- Fewer Risks: Natural remedies, such as steam inhalation or using a saline spray, pose little to no risk to the baby’s development, unlike medications.
Cons:
- Temporary Relief: Symptoms may return once treatment is stopped, requiring ongoing management.
- Potential Overuse of Medications: Over-reliance on some medications, such as nasal decongestants, may lead to complications and should be avoided unless prescribed by a doctor.
Conclusion
Pregnancy rhinitis can be an uncomfortable condition, but it is usually temporary and manageable. By understanding the causes and treatment options, expectant mothers can find relief and continue enjoying their pregnancy. If you are experiencing pregnancy rhinitis symptoms, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider to find the safest and most effective treatment for you.
Additionally, while managing your pregnancy-related health conditions, don’t forget to consider the future health of your baby. Opting for LifeCell’s Community Stem Cell Banking to preserve your baby’s cord blood stem cells at birth can prove to be a valuable decision. These stem cells have the potential to treat a variety of medical conditions in the future, especially those that require stem cell transplants. Thus, providing you added peace of mind for the journey ahead.
By making informed decisions about your health during pregnancy, including managing conditions like pregnancy rhinitis and securing your baby & family’s future through stem cell banking, you can focus on the joy and excitement of welcoming your little one into the world.