Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Pregnancy congestion nightmare!

13 replies

Thingiebob · 18/12/2009 23:07

Has anyone else had this? It's driving me up the wall. From about four weeks pregnant I have gradually felt more and more stuffed up in my nose despite there being no actual congestion!

I've sounded like I have a cold now for the last eight months and in the last week it has got so much worse I can barely breathe through my nose. At night, I find it hard to get to sleep and I have started to snore as I am mouth breathing much to the surprise of my husband.

I have asked the midwives but had no real joy - I have been told NOT to use olbas oil or anything menthol based although, as it is not an actual cold, I don't know useful these things would be. I asked my consultant obstetrician's registrar today for advice and she looked at me like I was mad and asked if I had a cold. Clearly not heard of pregnancy congestion then!

Also had a few nosebleeds in the last few days. Anyone else had this or have any advice?

OP posts:
VanillaSliceSliceBaby · 19/12/2009 01:19

Yes I have had that too. Am hoping to give birth at home and try to practice breathing exercises atnight to relax me before I go to sleep but can't as nose is blocked. I then have to drink water in the night, and then have to get up and pee.

Last day at work today. so so so relieved as i couldn't wait to get out of there but woke up at 12:30 and can't get back to sleep. end of preg insomnia too now. thanks for that !!!!

westlondongirl · 19/12/2009 06:38

I had this and it drove me nuts. Have you tried your GP? After weeks of trying steam inhalation etc I went to my doctor who prescribed beconase. I didn't use it every day but just when it got really bad. After using the beconase it calmed down loads and (touch wood) seems to have gone now. Might be worth a chat to your GP to see what they recommend. It is quite common apparently.

SalsaBride · 19/12/2009 07:00

HI - I have this too - eventually my GP prescribed Nasonex - which is similar to beconase I think. I just use half a dose - so only one spray once a day as I do feel a bit anxious about using a steroid. However - with that and my new miracle cure - " Breath right strips" that you stick on your nose at night and it magically opens it up - it works honestly !

I am now having my first whole nights sleep for ages. ( 21 weeks - so bladder issues have settled down for a bit too).

Deemented · 19/12/2009 08:08

I was just coming to post about breathe right strips too - they are a godsend!!! They don't look all that attractive, but they do work!

Weegle · 19/12/2009 09:50

I've had this too - and GP described it as pregnancy rhinitis - inflammation of the nasal passages - apparently caused by progesterone. I didn't have it with DS but am preg with twins this time and he said it was maybe because of the extra hormones. It is really irritating (I have a whole host of other issues and this is the icing on the cake) - I have felt as if I've had a cold the whole pregnancy yet my nose is clear. I have no real advice except frequently sucking on a peppermint seems to give the illusion I can breathe a little better. But am also getting the dry mouth/throat at night, so drink loads, so wee loads... you can't win!

indigobarbie · 19/12/2009 10:16

I too am experincing this, I bought a saline spray think it's called sterimar from boots, it seems to help with the dryness. Esp dry at night and wake up with dry mouth etc etc, so therefore drinking loads of water in the middle of the night - but this stuff seems to help, that and putting some happinose at the edges of my nostrils

heth1980 · 19/12/2009 10:32

I've had this too. I'm 29 weeks now and it finally seems to be easing up. You CAN use Olbas oil (my pharmacist told me it's the only thing you can buy over the counter which is safe) and I find putting a few drops on my pillow helps a bit. It's a horrible condition though....I keep waking up in the night with such a dry mouth and a horrible taste etc. Hope it eases up for you soon X

Original poster
Thingiebob · 20/12/2009 02:39

Oh thank you for all of your responses.
I will definitely get the breathe right strips as I don't think I can spend another four weeks like this!

It does feel like inflammation. I'm wondering if I have it in my ears as well as keep having to ask everyone to speak up and cranking up the volume on everything!

OP posts:
KitchenKate · 20/12/2009 09:29

Hiya i had this early on - got really panicky a couple of times as just couldn't breathe. Doctor prescribed Beconase and it has helped but now find I have a permament runny nose - this is irritating but far more preferable!

holytoast · 20/12/2009 19:43

I have this - see my thread on crazy nasal behaviour! drives me mad, esp. the constant sneezing. Apparently the nasal spray is good, going to get that this week, plus I use olbas oil on a hanky, and steam inhalation - reckon it does affect ears too, mine pop all the time, and I get tinitus too! Rubbish, isn't it?! Just sound like I have a permanent cold...

somethinganything · 20/12/2009 21:03

ooh - so glad to have found this thread. congestion is driving me mad!! Am going to invest in some breathe right strips tomorrow. Thanks, ladies

chegirlwithbellson · 20/12/2009 21:59

I have had this will all of my pgs. Drives me bloody bonkers. I also go periodically deaf in one ear and I think this is connected.

When I get stressed I have been known to go deaf in both ears. Flipping annoying cos it makes me shout like a loon.

SalsaBride · 30/12/2009 17:28

Breathe right strips are definately the new black......, not only did they sort my nose out ( apart from the lovely permanent red mark I am developing on my nose! ) - they are also quite good as steristrips when DD1 fell over and cut her knee on the outside step......!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page