Overnight sneezing and congestion

[Sew3stitch]

I’m 18 weeks pregnant and have been struggling with sneezing and a very runny nose but pretty much solely overnight. At first I thought it was hay fever but now that pollen levels aren’t as high here and it doesn’t affect me during the day, I’m now wondering if it’s pregnancy rhinitis.

Not the end of the world and on balance I’m lucky that I’m not suffering with any other pregnancy issues (yet!) but often awake for periods overnight with persistent sneezing.

I wondered if anyone has (or has had) similar and if so, any tips? Keep crossing my fingers it’ll get better soon but no sign of it changing as of yet...

I think I may have the same, I also thought it was just my hayfever but no pregnancy safe hayfever treatment has touched it, and as you say, I still have it when the pollen count is high. I don't sneeze that often though, I usually have a blocked nose or a really dry tingly nose, so what works for me may not for you.

I tend to get a block in one nostril at a time. I sleep on whichever side puts the good nostril at the bottom and the blocked one on top. I've found this makes breathing easier, although without trying it I would have thought the other way around would be better!

Sometimes I put a cold wet flannel on my head but with only the top third folded over (hope that makes sense) and the rest covering my eyes and a bit of my nose but so I can still breathe. This keeps me cool, works as an eye mask if it's too bright in the morning, and seems to help clear out my nose inhaling the damp air, especially helps when my nose gets dry/sneezy. Just make sure you get it in just the right place that it moistens the air without blocking your breathing even more!

Yes. But during the day too... But so much blocked but really tickly.

Something to do with increased fluid in your body and it'll clear up once the baby is born. Joy.

I find fresh air or at least moving air helps a bit.

Yes I'm having the same. I take prevalin (herbal) nasal spray and put some vicks under my nostrils. A nasal strip also helps. I tried an extra pillow but woke with a cricked neck - ouch!

Yes me! I’m 18 weeks and suffering at night and with head pressure in the day. I haven’t had anything diagnosed as I feel like I’m constantly at the doctors complaining about something haha.

I've got the same.. again assumed it was hay fever but nothing is touching it I've tried beconaise spray which (TMI) if I can get it up there through the blockage provides some light relief before bed. GP said this was fine to take in pregnancy.

Encouraging to hear I’m not alone! I also get the one side at a time blocked thing so will try that sleeping technique and also nasal strips could be worth a go.

I went to the pharmacist and bought a pregnancy suitable nasal spray but they just make me sneeze! Hope it eases soon for everyone.

I had this last week. Had a really itchy nose as well. Luckily it only lasted a couple of days but that was bad enough. I have no desire of a repeat!

Yup, I've had this for my whole pregnancy!

Also my pregnancy has triggered a really bad dust allergy (never had one before). It was accompanied by rashes and swelling for me so was very obvious, but you could maybe have more mild symptoms. Just mentioning it in case your bedroom could be dusty - maybe if you give it a thorough dust and Hoover you will find your symptoms relieved! Or maybe not... But worth a try

Well I tried the nose strips last night and I’d say they helped with breathing but still had sneezing episodes. Maybe a little bit better than usual. Part of me still hopes it’s actually hay fever and will suddenly disappear so I don’t have another 20 weeks of this!