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Key takeaways

• Use safe home remedies like saline sprays and steam for a stuffy nose.
• Avoid most over-the-counter decongestants during pregnancy.
• Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to help with cold symptoms.
• Contact your healthcare provider for a high temperature or severe headache.

Why you might have a stuffy nose during pregnancy

Many pregnant people experience a stuffy nose, often referred to as pregnancy rhinitis. This condition is caused by hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy, which can lead to swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose.

Unlike a common cold, pregnancy rhinitis typically does not come with other symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, or fever. It can start at any point during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery.

Safe ways to manage a stuffy nose

You can manage a stuffy nose using several safe methods during pregnancy.

Nasal remedies

Rinsing inside your nose with a salt water solution (saline) can help. Pre-prepared nasal saline powders and solutions are available from pharmacies. It's best to use pre-prepared solutions from a pharmacy, as making your own without the right instructions could irritate the inside of your nose.

You can also use nasal sprays that contain corticosteroids, such as beclomethasone. These should only be used for a short time.

Steam inhalation

Steam inhalations can help with a blocked or stuffy nose.

Some essential oils have decongestant properties, including eucalyptus, camphor, and menthol. These are often used in commercially available inhaled decongestants, such as Olbas Oil and Vicks VapoRub.

There are no specific pregnancy safety studies for these products. However, they are thought to be unlikely to cause harm when used as directed.

General self-care

Colds can be treated with self-care measures. Make sure you get enough rest. Also, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Medications to avoid

It is not clear if it is safe to take any type of decongestant during pregnancy. You should only use them if a healthcare professional tells you to. Over-the-counter decongestants are not recommended.

Decongestant medicines often contain pseudoephedrine. This helps relieve a blocked nose by narrowing blood vessels, which reduces swelling in the nasal membranes and mucus production.

Decongestants are not recommended at any stage of pregnancy. This is because they work by narrowing blood vessels, and there's a concern this could affect blood flow to your placenta and baby.

Avoid ibuprofen and decongestant nasal sprays, drops, or tablets. Some over-the-counter cold remedies contain a decongestant. Always ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.

Specific cold remedies

• Lemsip – Some Lemsip products contain a decongestant and should be avoided.
• Night Nurse – The ingredients are not known to be unsafe. However, other products might be more suitable. Ask a pharmacist for advice.
• Beechams – Some Beechams products contain aspirin and/or a decongestant and should be avoided.
• Sudafed – Sudafed products contain a decongestant and should be avoided.
• Covonia – Some Covonia products contain a decongestant and should be avoided.
• Benylin – Some Benylin products contain a decongestant and should be avoided.

Always ask a pharmacist if you are unsure about any product.

When to seek help for a stuffy nose

It's important to contact your healthcare provider if you have certain symptoms, as they could mean you need a check-up.

High temperature

Call your GP, midwife, or hospital maternity unit if your temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius. Do this even if you have no other flu or cold symptoms. If you feel hot or unwell, you can take your temperature with a thermometer.

A high temperature could be a sign of a hidden infection. Some infections need treatment, so getting checked out is important for the wellbeing of both you and your baby.

Other concerning symptoms

Get medical help if you are pregnant and experience any of the following:

• Vision issues – This includes blurred vision and flashing lights.
• Severe headache – A severe headache that will not go away, possibly accompanied by vomiting. Phone your maternity unit or GP straight away if you have a very bad headache.
• Feeling very unwell – If you feel generally very unwell, seek medical help.

A severe headache, especially if persistent or accompanied by vision changes, can be a symptom of a serious blood pressure condition such as pre-eclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension. This condition requires urgent assessment and careful monitoring.