Are You Dealing with Rhinitis During Pregnancy? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re struggling with a runny or stuffy nose while expecting and there’s no sign of a cold or allergies, you might be facing rhinitis during pregnancy. This common yet often overlooked condition can begin in the first trimester but is most prevalent during the second and third. Affecting about 20% of pregnant women, rhinitis during pregnancy can linger for six weeks or longer and typically vanishes soon after delivery. For some women, it’s inevitable; for others, they may not experience it at all—it truly is a pregnancy lottery.
What Causes Rhinitis During Pregnancy?
Rhinitis during pregnancy is likely triggered by hormonal changes. Elevated levels of hormones such as estrogen can cause the blood vessels in your nasal passages to expand. This leads to swelling in the mucous membranes and stimulates your glands to produce more mucus, which results in nasal congestion and a constant runny nose.
This isn’t an infection and isn’t harmful to you or your baby, but it can make breathing through your nose more difficult and disturb your sleep. Fortunately, while you may not be able to stop it completely, you can take steps to ease the symptoms.
Simple Remedies to Alleviate Rhinitis During Pregnancy
- Nasal Strips for Easier Breathing: Many women find relief by using over-the-counter nasal strips. These strips gently open the nostrils, making it easier to breathe through the nose without medication.
- Elevate Your Upper Body: Sleeping with an extra pillow or elevating the upper part of your body can help reduce nasal swelling and promote better airflow while you rest.
- Try a Neti Pot for Nasal Irrigation: A neti pot can be a safe and effective way to flush out excess mucus and allergens. Use it daily, especially before bedtime, to clear your nasal passages.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While rhinitis during pregnancy is generally harmless, consult your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Nosebleeds
- Facial pain
- Thick, discolored nasal discharge
- Symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks without improvement
These may indicate a more serious condition that needs medical attention.
TRAINING TYPE: INSTRUCTIONAL
CATEGORY:YOGA
SUBCATEGORY:PREGNANCY
PLANNED TIME:5 MINUTES
LEVEL:ALL LEVELS
PROPS:NONE
What are the benefits of Nadi Shodhana or alternate nostril breathing for rhinitus during pregnancy?
Nadi Shodhana or Alternate Nostril breathing. It is a powerful technique that helps reduce stress and anxiety, soothe the nervous system, balance hormones and support clear and balanced respiratory channels.
When your nose is blocked for a long time and you can only breathe through one nostril it creates an imbalance in the subtle channels of the mind and body, which can lead to you feeling more tired and/or unsettled.
By breathing alternatively through your left and right nostril, you recreate the natural balance of the body. I recommend that you clean your nose with a neti pot before doing this exercise if your nose is really blocked.
Nadi Shodhana – Alternate Nostril Breathing
Start by sitting in a comfortable seated position that allows your back to be upright. You may sit on a chair or put a pillow underneath your hips if your sitting on the floor. Whatever works best for you.
Place your right hand if front of your nose and with your thumb block your right nostril.
Inhale through the left nostril and then block the left nostril with your 4th finger, freeing up your right one. Exhale through the right nostril and then inhale through the right nostril.
Block your right nostril with your thumb and free your left one. Exhale through your left nostril. This is one round.
Try to practice this technique for 5 minutes or 25 rounds
Featured Video: Yoga Exercise For Blocked Nose In Pregnancy
Conclusion
I hope this breathing technique will help you feel better if you’re suffering from gestational rhinitis. The good news is that this condition automatically disappears once your baby is born. In the meantime breathe (pun intended), this too shall pass!
About
Clementine
Clementine is a multi-style prenatal yoga teacher, world traveler and animal lover. She started yoga back in 2015 and fell in love with this beautiful ancient practice. Read More..
