Rhinitis - any tips?

[amy1313]

Hi, just wondering if anyone else is suffering with a blocked nose in pregnancy and has any tips for managing it? I had it really bad with my first baby but much further on, I'm only 5 weeks now and it's already driving me mad! Especially at night.

I've always had rhinitis and have always taken a cetirizine every night and continued this during pregnancy. I kept reading conflicting advice on cetirizine in pregnancy but NHS says it's safe, and my midwives have had no issue with it! Loratadine is another safe option with more studies.
Keeping hydrated definitely helps my symptoms more, but I think steroid nasal sprays are also recommended by NHS.
Good luck, it's such a pain!

Steroid nasal spray. Can be bought over the counter

Thanks both! I'll have a look at those options.

I got prescribed a steroid nasal spray by my GP who had also used it during her pregnancy. Pharmacist wouldn't give it without a prescription while I was pregnant.

I have been struggling with this too and it has been a nightmare!! I have not had good sleep for over a week and started feeling suffocated! I tried Olbas Oil on a tissue, inhaled it a few times and it's been a life saver so far!!

Same boat mainly compounded by dry air and heating.
I am not for Amtihistimines as they have not been tested on Pregnant women hence why they are not sold to pregnant ladies at pharmacy (pharmacists in family) I have quiet a strong reaction to them when I did take them for allergies even non drowsy makes me drowsy I am sensitive to it and they suggest it will have similar affects on baby. So I avoid it.

Instead i purchased a humidifier with essential oil and will use eucalyptus.
I never had this issue with DS1 and mine started at 8 weeks I am now 18 weeks!!

I have sinus issues and get very bad headaches / migraines from It but also wake up completely congested . I bought a humidifier on Amazon and leave it on all night beside the bed and I use a salt water spray to clear things out.