Contents
Runny nose during pregnancy: how to get rid of a runny nose
More than half of pregnant women suffer from nasal congestion. The malaise occurs around the third month and continues until the very birth. This is a reaction caused by a change in hormonal levels. Simple tips will help relieve unpleasant symptoms, as well as get rid of a cold in time.
Why is a runny nose dangerous during pregnancy?
Mucous discharge from the nostrils and difficulty in nasal breathing are the result of a natural restructuring of the body. At 12-16 weeks, an active release of the hormones estrogen and progesterone begins. Blood flow in the mucous membranes is accelerated. The inner surface of the nasopharynx swells. As a rule, immediately after childbirth, the condition goes away on its own.
Due to the constant nasal congestion, serious complications arise:
- sleep disturbance;
- headache;
- chronic fatigue;
- cough;
- insufficient oxygen supply to the fetus.
Therefore, hormonal rhinitis should not be allowed to take its course.
The situation is complicated if the expectant mother catches a cold.
According to statistics, every pregnant woman suffers from ARVI at least once in 9 months. A mild course of the disease is not dangerous to the fetus. More harm is done by drugs. High fever, cough, and purulent nasal discharge can lead to infection of the fetus and even miscarriage.
How to get rid of a runny nose during pregnancy?
If the problem is caused by hormonal changes, it can be easily remedied with home remedies. For example:
- Flush your nostrils with salt water. You can use pharmacy sprays with sea water or dilute ordinary table salt in a ratio of 1 tsp. in a glass of warm water.
- Humidify the air in the apartment. The most effective method is to purchase an electric humidifier. A homemade way is to hang a sheet soaked in water in the bedroom at night.
- Drink herbal tea with berries. Linden blossom, chamomile, mint, cranberries, rose hips, currants are suitable. These plants are rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the mucous membranes.
When choosing a way to deal with a cold, it is important to be sure that it does not cause an allergic reaction.
If the malaise is caused by a cold, folk remedies will help. Here are the most effective ones:
- Bed rest. You need to go to bed as soon as you run out of nose.
- Correct diet. You can not refuse food, even if there is no appetite at all. The basis of the diet for a cold is protein foods, orange and grapefruit juice.
- “Jewish Penicillin”. This is the nickname for chicken soup cooked with onions and carrots. It not only relieves cold symptoms, but also replenishes fluid loss.
- Carrot and beet juice. These natural rhinitis drops are squeezed out of raw vegetables and instilled 1-2 drops into each nostril 5-6 times a day.
With the help of these funds, you can get rid of the disease in a week.
A runny nose during pregnancy is a problem that cannot be ignored. If it is accompanied by fever and severe coughing, an urgent need to consult a doctor.