Anyone know how to deal with nasal congestion during pregnancy ?

[PA86]

Hi all,

I’ve got such a bad nasal congestion to a point I can’t breathe it’s just so blocked ! I’ve tried vicks and steam inhalation. I’m certain I’ve got a head cold but I’m struggling and I’m 14 weeks pregnant. Any ideas or suggestion ? I have to admit I did take a paracetamol and it kinda of helped . I am trying to avoid tablets I fear it will harm the baby.

[Florencenightingale]

Paracetamol is safe in pregnancy so try not to worry. I'm really suffering with being stuffy and have got loads more boageys (sorry 🤣) than normal. I have used the vicks nasal spray before (phenylephrine) but not sure whether its recommended in pregnancy. Currently 32 weeks and the shortness of breath really doesnt make it easier. I've just put up with it tbh, but if u find a cure, give me a shout xx

[PA86 in reply to Florencenightingale]

Yeah it’s tricky to work out what you can and can’t do. I’ve noticed that if I am at work and out and about it’s not to bad but when I’m at home in the evenings I’m totally bunged up.

I’ll carry on with the odd paracetamol and pray this all goes away.

Thank you for your reply. All the best xx

[Lucyhannah1]

Sterimar congestion spray is a sea salt spray that’s suitable during pregnancy . All

The rest they don’t recommend you use for some reason but as this one is natural it’s okay! It seems to have helped me x

[PA86 in reply to Lucyhannah1]

I might look to buy sterimar but looking at what The Seal below have said it made things worse. I guess it’s each persons experience. It’s worse to have these symptoms during a pandemic you start to think the worse !

Thank you for your reply

[TheSeal]

I have the same problem and I am currently 17 weeks. I tried vicks spray too and also another one which seems not very recommended in pregnancy. But I was desperate. Sterimar sea salt water doesn't help at all, it makes me start sneezing and it's worse. I do some steam inhalation using vicks every day, sometimes more than three times a day. Then I have 3 pillows for the night, otherwise I'll be awake all night long.

[PA86 in reply to TheSeal]

I’ve tried steam inhalation.

Maybe I should increase it to three times a day. Seems like vicks a big hit nasal congestion but it’s not recommended. It’s awful to suffer with nasal congestion

[TheSeal in reply to PA86]

it's awful. There are days which is very bad for me, I can't breathe at all . I know nasal sprays are not recommended but normally nasal sprays only act locally and they shouldn't pass into the blood stream. I am not a dr thought so I am not sure. Perhaps I just wanted to convince myself, I was desperate to take a good breath.

[DC5867]

Paracetamol is perfectly safe in pregnancy, you should take it if you need it. I was terrible with congestion all the way through my pregnancy, particularly the last 3 months and used vicks micromist spray. As with everything it says it’s not recommended in pregnancy but I thought breathing was more important! It was brilliant and I couldn’t have lived without it.

[PA86 in reply to DC5867]

Thank you for your reply.

I’m wondering if I should just get the vicks spray! I need something that will help me breathe !!! So frustrating.

[DC5867 in reply to PA86]

I used the one in the glass bottle, called micromist rather than the one in the white plastic bottle. It’s very effective and one dose keeps you going for hours. They say not in pregnancy but I think that’s the case with everything because nobody has ever been tested to use it in pregnancy rather than it’s actually harmful. It acts in your nose so think it’s not going to make its way to your womb, but you obviously need to be comfortable with using it yourself. I worried at first but then was just so glad to be able to breathe and sleep!!

[Hidden]

Congratulations on your pregnancy. I was given a sea salt spray when I was pregnant with Francesca. I’ve suffered with frequent recurring sinusitis before pregnancy. Also try placing boiling water into a bowl & place a towel over your head & try to breath it in for 10 minutes that should clear nasals well. Hot steamy baths help. Paracetamol is completely safe in pregnancy it will not harm baby. I hope your sinuses get better soon xxx

[PA86 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Jess! I will try all of that and continue. Feeling so groggy.

I hope you are well xx