Are you experiencing a runny nose or stuffy nose while being pregnant but without any other symptoms of a cold or an allergy?
You might be suffering from the infamous pregnancy rhinitis. The first trimester has the morning sickness, the second and third pregnancy rhinitis. This affects about 20% of pregnant women and can last for 6 weeks or more. It usually disappears right after birth. Some women will experience it, others don’t, it’s like the lottery!
It is likely caused by some of the pregnancy hormones, which cause the blood vessels and mucus membranes in your nose to expand and increase the activity of your glands, producing more mucus and nasal congestion. There is not much that you can do about it but you can use some tricks to be able to breathe more easily through your nose and feel more comfortable.
Some women experience some relief by placing a strip on the nose that helps the nostrils to open, others place a pillow under their back while sleeping to keep the upper body elevated. You can also use a neti pot to clean your nose during the day and before bedtime. You will find a good article about how to use a neti here.
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?
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..