Constant sinus & respiratory infections in pregnancy

[LennonMagill]

Hi.
Has anyone else experienced frequent infections & colds in pregnancy. I am now 26weeks and since October I have had 2 back to back sinus infections, weeks of a cold & fatigue. Since christmas I have had tonsillitis, chest infection, and low iron. The tonsillitis and chest infection seemed to ease off with strong antibiotics towards the end of last week. I am still quite breathless though and have woke up this morning with swollen glands, sore throat, temp, and a cough.
Has anyone else experienced this while pregnant? I hadn't so much as a cold during my first pregnancy and I'm beginning to worry as it just seems like a lot of infections even for pregnancy.

I had terrible sinusitis during my second pregnancy, and I was unable to take antibiotics for it. I do empathise as the pain was horrendous and the fluey type symptoms alongside it were awful. I was very sick throughout as well, and I'm sure the foggy head and constant dizziness contributed. I had lemon, honey and ginger tea which helped sore throats and just the usual paracetamol. The GP also advised me on safe saline sprays and recommended steamy showers (but not too hot) and aside from that couldn't really do much.

It's always worth getting checked out with your HcP though, and if it's safe for you to have it please consider a flu jab and your other vaccinations if you haven't already, in case your immune system is very susceptible. I hope you find something to help!

NewNameChange2020

Thanks for your reply.

I had the flu jab back in October. I was in with my GP about 2 weeks ago as paracetamol and home remedies were proving useless. The DR sent me to A&E to check for a clot due to the breathlessness, tight chest, and fast pulse. When there I was checked for flu (which was negative) but bloods showed an underlying infection which they said was poss the the chest infection and to see if the penicillin I was on for the tonsillitis sorted it as they didnt want to x-ray to check for a clot.
I was just concerned when i woke with symptoms again this morning that there was something other than pregnancy causing it as I've never known any of my preg friends/family to have this many infections but I feel a bit better now knowing you had a similar experience.

I had constant sinus infections in my first pregnancy to the point they were concerned about the level of oxygen in my blood as I was having a hard time breathing and I got given oxygen. It was awful and around Christmas and new year was the worst of it. I feel for you. Do make sure you get it checked out with your GP. Hope you manage to shake it soon. Oh those suppressed immune systems...

Oh DressingGown,

That sounds awful. One of the Joy's of pregnancy I guess. At least I know I'm not the only one, thanks.
I didnt know how lucky I had it with my first pregnancy!

Is the sinus actually an infection or just swollen and feels like it ?

I believe the sinuses can be affected by pregnancy hormones. I had my worst ever sinus pain while pregnant

It was an infection but cleared up after a 2nd course of antibiotics, its just the general stuffiness now. Since christmas it has been tonsillitis and chest infections. Not sure which is more miserable. I was more concerned about how many different ones I have had in a few months but seems normal enough in pregnancy.