Runny nose in pregnancy

A runny nose during pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence. Often, expectant mothers experience this ailment due to the restructuring of the body at the hormonal level, which results in swelling of the nasal mucosa and other mucous membranes.

The culprits are progesterone and estrogen – hormones whose levels increase in the blood of a pregnant woman, which, in turn, leads to a decrease in the thickness of the mucous membrane and its swelling.

A runny nose during pregnancy can develop as a result of sinusitis, nasopharyngeal polyps, adenoid proliferation, or a deviated nasal septum. It can be caused by low air humidity, allergies, and infections. To prevent the disease, a woman is advised to visit an ENT doctor and eliminate existing problems before pregnancy. These recommendations are related to the fact that almost any drops for a runny nose are contraindicated for pregnant women, since they have a vasoconstrictor effect.

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Causes of a runny nose during pregnancy

A runny nose during pregnancy can occur for a number of reasons. In any case, if the disease occurs, a pregnant woman needs to consult a doctor, since such a harmless, at first glance, symptom can cause many complications and negatively affect the course of pregnancy.

The causes of a runny nose during pregnancy are primarily hidden in the weakened immunity of the woman. Colds or respiratory infections very often lie in wait for expectant mothers, and a runny nose is almost always a bright symptom accompanying these diseases. In this case, treatment should be carried out without fail, since the infection can harm the child.

Runny nose in pregnant women often occurs due to hormonal changes in the body. This non-infectious phenomenon is called "vasomotor rhinitis" in medicine. As a result of its development, the pregnant woman experiences swelling of the nasal mucosa, which provokes nasal congestion, as well as abundant mucus discharge from it. Most often, vasomotor rhinitis occurs in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and disappears after childbirth. This type of runny nose does not require any special treatment, but it is certainly necessary to take measures to alleviate the condition of the pregnant woman.

Allergic rhinitis is characterized by sudden onset with sneezing, watery eyes, and profuse nasal discharge. Often, allergic rhinitis in pregnant women is seasonal and occurs during the flowering period of certain types of grass, plants, and trees. Such rhinitis can also be provoked by a number of other factors: house dust, perfumes, or animal hair. In this case, the expectant mother should urgently consult an allergist.

Among other reasons for the development of a runny nose, doctors also highlight:

• presence of adenoids;
• chronic sinusitis;
• benign and malignant tumors (carcinomas);
• displacement of the nasal septum.

For any type of runny nose, a pregnant woman should seek help from a doctor. You should not self-medicate, and especially not take medications, including drops, which can have the opposite effect.

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Chronic runny nose during pregnancy

A runny nose during pregnancy can become chronic if it does not go away over a long period of time. The causes of chronic rhinitis, in particular, can be:

• general diseases of the body (presence of adenoids, VSD, neuroses, stress, heart failure, etc.);
• displacement of the nasal septum;
• hormonal changes in the body,
• polyps, presence of tumors in the nasal cavity;
• long-term use of medications for the common cold;
• poor working conditions (dust, dry air, temperature contrasts, gas pollution in the premises, etc.);
• the presence of a latent or advanced infection in the body.

Chronic rhinitis during pregnancy can be caused by an untreated or neglected infection. Most often, the main foci of chronic infection are the nasopharynx. Against the background of weakened immunity of pregnant women, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and rhinitis often appear and worsen. If the expectant mother knows about the presence of a particular chronic disease in her body, she must tell the doctor about it, and at the first symptoms of the disease, take measures to eliminate them as soon as possible.

Chronic runny nose during pregnancy negatively affects the quality of sleep of a pregnant woman. Due to difficulty breathing, it is difficult for her to get enough sleep, which results in rapid fatigue, headache, and tiredness. The presence of a chronic infection in the body of the expectant mother is dangerous in terms of reduced immunity and negative impact on the development of the fetus. In particular, its intrauterine infection is possible, as a result of which a miscarriage may occur or premature labor will begin. A long-standing infection in the body of the expectant mother can lead to the formation of various complications of pregnancy: gestosis, toxicosis, deterioration in the general well-being of the woman, as well as the birth of a sick child. That is why before conceiving a child, the expectant mother should take care of her health in advance and visit an ENT doctor if she has already had problems with diseases of the nasopharynx. An active course of immunomodulators and treatment of chronic pathology will help the body cope with the upcoming task - pregnancy, and reliably strengthen the immune system.

Detection of nasopharyngeal infections (the so-called "focal sanitation") usually occurs with the help of nasopharyngeal cultures, based on the results of which antibacterial therapy is prescribed, as well as the widespread use of physiotherapeutic treatment methods. An important factor in eliminating infections is the treatment of carious teeth. Caries can provoke an exacerbation of sinusitis, tonsillitis and other problems associated with the oral cavity and nasopharynx. Therefore, the expectant mother should treat her teeth in advance to avoid all sorts of complications during the period of bearing a child.

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Constant runny nose during pregnancy

A runny nose during pregnancy can be permanent. In this case, we are talking about vasomotor rhinitis - a condition in which there is constant nasal congestion. The reasons for the appearance of such a runny nose may remain unknown.

A constant runny nose during pregnancy signals the possible presence of vasomotor rhinitis in the expectant mother, which is extremely undesirable. Usually, a constant runny nose is accompanied by an unpleasant "tickling" in the nose, the need to sneeze a lot. The development of vasomotor rhinitis often leads to the fact that the breathing process is carried out only through the mouth. Risk factors for the development of a constant runny nose can be:

• bad habits, in particular smoking;
• too dry or polluted indoor air;
• the body's reaction to certain odors;
• development of asthma;
• various injuries to the nose;
• emotional experiences, stress;
• hormonal changes in the body (in particular, during pregnancy).

If a pregnant woman has a constant runny nose, she should contact a medical institution for diagnostics as soon as possible. Since there are many causes of vasomotor rhinitis, the infectious nature of the disease should be excluded. A pregnant woman should consult her gynecologist, who will refer her to a competent medical specialist - an allergist, endocrinologist, or otolaryngologist. For effective treatment of vasomotor rhinitis, the doctor must establish its origin (etiology). The choice of drugs for the treatment of a constant runny nose in an expectant mother should be carried out especially carefully, taking into account the possible risks to the fetus.

A constant runny nose during pregnancy is dangerous because it can cause a number of negative consequences:

• Nasal congestion disrupts oxygen circulation in the respiratory system, resulting in hypoxia in the tissues of the nasopharynx, which can provoke opportunistic microflora, which is always present in the human body within acceptable limits, into actively pathogenic microflora. This is fraught with the development of rhinosinusitis - conditions that require thorough, carefully thought-out and long-term treatment.
• Against the background of a constant runny nose, the brain tissues are poorly supplied with oxygen. Because of this, the pregnant woman experiences frequent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, lethargy and rapid fatigability. In addition, neurotic symptoms are likely to manifest: apathy, tearfulness, neurosis, irritability and sleep disorders.
• Constant breathing through the mouth due to rhinitis causes the infection to spread to the lower respiratory tract, which can result in complications such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, etc.

To prevent the development of complications associated with a constant runny nose in a pregnant woman, treatment of rhinitis during pregnancy should be as prompt, competent and safe as possible, and also have a powerful preventive aspect.

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Runny nose in the first trimester of pregnancy

Runny nose during pregnancy at the initial stage of bearing a baby most often occurs due to hormonal changes in the female body - a sharp increase in the level of progesterone and estrogen in the blood. The result of this process is swelling and thinning of the nasal mucosa. Usually, such a runny nose goes away soon after childbirth, and so that it does not bother the expectant mother, she should increase her intake of vitamin C, after consulting with a doctor.

A runny nose in the first trimester of pregnancy of a vasomotor nature does not require special treatment, but it is necessary to alleviate the condition, otherwise the pregnant woman will have difficulty breathing, which can lead to hypoxia, which is extremely undesirable for both the expectant mother and her baby. Often, a runny nose can occur as a result of a cold, which is very common in pregnant women due to a weakened immune system. A runny nose accompanied by a headache, fever, sore throat and cough requires mandatory consultation with a doctor. This is probably a virus that can have a very negative impact on the health of the expectant mother and the intrauterine development of the baby.

A runny nose in the first trimester of pregnancy may have other causes. In any case, for an accurate diagnosis, you need to be examined by a doctor. Often, pregnancy causes allergic rhinitis, especially in the spring, when plants are actively flowering. The main thing is to determine the diagnosis and eliminate the disease as quickly as possible, otherwise a strong, debilitating runny nose in the early stages of pregnancy can provoke a miscarriage, since in the first weeks the developing embryo is too vulnerable.

After determining the causes of a runny nose during pregnancy, the expectant mother must strictly follow all the doctor's instructions. In the first trimester, it is not recommended to treat rhinitis with chemicals, as well as to eat honey, drink vitamins and take hot baths without control. For a cold, dry heat, herbal tea and bed rest are useful.

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Runny nose in the second trimester of pregnancy

A runny nose during pregnancy can bother the expectant mother both at an early and at a late stage of bearing the baby. In any case, this is a very dangerous symptom, since nasal congestion causes difficulty breathing and thus prevents the supply of the necessary amount of oxygen, which is very important for the proper development of the baby.

A runny nose in the second trimester of pregnancy is not as dangerous as in the first trimester, when there is a risk of miscarriage due to various unfavorable factors. At this stage of pregnancy, malformations in the child are almost impossible, but a runny nose caused by a cold can have a very negative effect on the child, especially if the expectant mother is not treated and has neglected the painful condition. Complications due to a cold are possible in the form of:

• fetoplacental insufficiency, when the placenta does not cope with its functions well and does not provide the fetus with oxygen and nutrients;
• disorders of the child’s nervous system, since its active development occurs precisely in the second trimester;
• the likelihood of the child being born prematurely, as well as the baby’s low weight (in the case of uncontrolled use of medications and severe course of the disease).

It should be noted that a severe and debilitating runny nose in the second trimester of pregnancy (especially at 19-20 weeks) can provoke failures in the process of egg development. If a pregnant woman is expecting a girl, she should pay special attention to this factor, since the baby may subsequently be infertile.

Before starting to take medications for a runny nose, a pregnant woman should consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause of the rhinitis. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to take drugs of chemical origin, so the doctor must think of a treatment that will in no way harm the baby.

It is important to remember that a runny nose, occurring in a mild form, if neglected, can provoke the development of serious diseases:

• bronchitis,
• sinusitis, as well as other types of sinusitis,
• pneumonia.

Treatment of such ailments is very long and requires the use of medications, which is highly undesirable during the formation of the fetus. That is why it is so important to prevent the development of the inflammatory process and to start treating the runny nose in a timely manner, having previously consulted with a doctor.

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Runny nose in the third trimester of pregnancy

A runny nose during pregnancy can pose a threat to the fetus at any stage of gestation. The development of rhinitis in the last months of pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes, as a result of which the volume of circulating blood increases and swelling of the mucous membranes occurs. In this case, it is necessary to take care of the hygiene of the room: ventilate the room, carry out wet cleaning. A pregnant woman should walk in the fresh air as often as possible, and spend less time indoors. Moderate exercise is very useful for expectant mothers.

A runny nose in the third trimester of pregnancy can be a symptom of a cold, which often results in complications such as:

• premature birth;
• aging of the placenta, due to which the fetus is deprived of reliable protection;
• hormonal imbalance, which complicates the process of breast milk production at 34 weeks;
• the possibility of infection entering the amniotic fluid consumed by the baby.

That is why it is so important to recognize the onset of a cold, the main symptom of which is a severe runny nose. But even mild rhinitis at 37 weeks of pregnancy can signal the presence of a latent infection in the body of the expectant mother. Therefore, it is important to promptly contact a medical institution and take blood and urine tests in order to identify the infectious agent as quickly as possible and take the necessary measures to eliminate it.

The development of rhinitis in the 38th week of pregnancy should alert the expectant mother, since at birth the baby can immediately enter the "world of infection". Unfortunately, the weak body of a newborn is not always able to cope with the infection. Therefore, after birth, he is isolated from the mother, who has pronounced signs of a cold, including a severe runny nose. You should not expose the unborn baby to danger, and if even a slight runny nose occurs, the pregnant woman should consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of the identified disease.

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Runny nose in early pregnancy

A runny nose during pregnancy should not go unnoticed, since its cause may be a viral infection, which is very undesirable for both the expectant mother and her child. Among other causes of a runny nose, one can note hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman, which cause swelling of the mucous membranes, as a result of which a runny nose develops, or an allergic reaction of the body to some irritant.

A runny nose in early pregnancy can have various etiologies, but if it is caused by an infection, the pregnant woman's situation becomes more dangerous. Having penetrated the woman's body, the virus is instantly transported through the blood to all organs, including the uterus. Thus, the baby can become infected. The inflammatory process often provokes a miscarriage, and also causes a number of complications. That is why a runny nose should alert a pregnant woman, and if other cold symptoms are observed along with it: headache, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, sneezing and dry cough, etc., the expectant mother should immediately consult a doctor.

A runny nose in early pregnancy due to a cold is especially dangerous in the first weeks of pregnancy, when the initial formation of all organs and systems of the embryo occurs. In addition to possible complications due to infection, abundant discharge from the nose and its constant congestion complicates the process of nasal breathing in the expectant mother. The duration of this phenomenon can lead to oxygen starvation, and then hypoxia of the fetus.

It should be noted that the treatment of a runny nose in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy should be as gentle as possible. A pregnant woman is prohibited from using vasoconstrictor drugs (Naphthyzinum, Galazolin, Nazivin, Sanorin, etc.), since they can thin the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, which can lead to atrophy of the olfactory nerve endings. Any medicine can harm the child, so at the first symptoms of a cold, including a runny nose, a pregnant woman should seek help from a medical institution as soon as possible.

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Runny nose in late pregnancy

A runny nose during pregnancy usually occurs in the first weeks after conception and is mainly associated with hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother. However, if a pregnant woman notices a severe runny nose in the third trimester of pregnancy, this may be an alarming signal. This may be a sign of a viral infection, especially if, in addition to rhinitis, the pregnant woman has other unpleasant symptoms, including fever.

A runny nose in late pregnancy can be caused by a cold. According to doctors, colds in late pregnancy do not entail any serious consequences, since all the baby's organs are already formed, and the placenta is a reliable barrier to various microorganisms entering the uterus. However, this does not mean that a cold can be left to its own devices. The health of the expectant mother should be in the first place, because the outcome of the upcoming birth and the condition of the baby depend on this factor.

A pregnant woman should remember that colds, a common symptom of which is a severe runny nose, in the last months of pregnancy can negatively affect the course and outcome of labor. The situation is especially dangerous if the child is infected by the mother during labor. The likelihood of transmitting the virus to the baby as it passes through the birth canal increases.

A runny nose in late pregnancy causes discomfort, including difficulty breathing. Because the nose is constantly stuffy, it is difficult for a pregnant woman to fall asleep, and she often faces problems such as insomnia, fatigue, and dizziness. This is due to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain tissue. Nasal congestion in the expectant mother can lead to oxygen starvation of the child. If this process is neglected, complications such as placental insufficiency and even premature contractions can be noted. Of course, the risk is not great, but it still exists. That is why it is so important for the expectant mother to pay attention even to such a seemingly trifle as a runny nose. In any case, responsibility for the health of the child should be much higher than doubts and independent uncontrolled actions. Therefore, if a pregnant woman has a severe runny nose, she needs to see a gynecologist, who, depending on the situation, will refer her to a specialized medical specialist to clarify the diagnosis.

Severe runny nose during pregnancy

A runny nose during pregnancy is a symptom that has a different nature of origin, but most often severe rhinitis is a consequence of a viral infection. To avoid the development of a dangerous disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner, otherwise, due to a runny nose, or more precisely, a virus that has entered the body of the expectant mother, the child may well suffer.

A severe runny nose during pregnancy should be treated immediately, otherwise, if the painful condition is neglected, the harm to the fetus will increase significantly. Difficulty breathing that occurs in a pregnant woman due to nasal congestion can lead to a lack of oxygen, and subsequently - hypoxia of the child. Due to a severe runny nose, a pregnant woman is forced to breathe through her mouth, and this is fraught with consequences in the form of a cold, especially if it is cold outside.

Infectious rhinitis occurs with any infectious disease (ARI, ARVI, flu), as well as in the case of a common cold. Why does a severe runny nose appear? This process is caused by the penetration and destructive effect of pathogenic microbes, various bacteria and viruses on the nasal mucosa. Their rapid reproduction provokes damage to the mucosa, resulting in peeling of the upper layer of the epithelium. There is a burning sensation in the nasal passages, nasal congestion, abundant mucus secretion, as well as a change in voice and difficulty breathing. This is how the protective function of the human body works: pathogenic microorganisms are removed from the nose along with abundant sputum. If the diagnosis of "infectious rhinitis" is confirmed, the pregnant woman needs urgent medical care, taking the necessary measures to effectively localize the disease.

A severe runny nose during pregnancy caused by an infection indicates its possible spread to the lower respiratory organs. In this case, the bronchi and lungs may suffer, and the inflammatory process in the body of the expectant mother itself may have a negative effect on the child. In the early stages of pregnancy, this is fraught with miscarriage or deviations in the intrauterine development of the baby. Therefore, it is very important for a pregnant woman to immediately begin treatment for any diseases that arise, including a severe runny nose. After all, if rhinitis becomes chronic, the treatment will be more serious and lengthy.

Runny nose during pregnancy: how to protect yourself and prevent complications? To avoid suffering from this symptom, a pregnant woman should follow important recommendations:

• strengthen your immune system by monitoring your lifestyle, diet and vitamin intake;
• do not overcool, dress according to the weather;
• when visiting a public place (shopping center, office, cinema, store, etc.), lubricate the inside of the nostrils with a thin layer of oxolinic ointment, especially in the autumn-winter period, when cases of influenza become more frequent;
• limit contact with a sick family member as much as possible by using a respirator;
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the slightest symptoms indicating health problems, including rhinitis.

The main rule for the expectant mother is not to self-medicate! In case of nasal congestion and severe runny nose (especially if these symptoms do not go away within a few days), the pregnant woman must consult a medical specialist.

Why is a runny nose dangerous during pregnancy?

A runny nose during pregnancy, in addition to causing discomfort to a woman, can be very dangerous, especially in the first months of fetal development. When a pregnant woman has a runny nose, she most often experiences difficulty breathing, and, accordingly, the supply of oxygen to the female body worsens, which is very undesirable during pregnancy, since it can cause oxygen starvation of the fetus. Nasal congestion caused by a runny nose causes forced breathing through the mouth, and this has an adverse effect on the body's defense against microbial attacks. After all, it is known that many microbes are retained in the nose - due to the unique structure of the mucous membrane, lined from the inside with villi that retain the smallest particles of dust and microscopic substances inhaled with air.

What is dangerous about a runny nose during pregnancy? First of all, its treatment requires a special approach and choice of means, since any drops for a runny nose are contraindicated for pregnant women, since they provoke vasoconstriction. If a runny nose is viral in nature, then there is a possibility of the virus getting through the blood of the expectant mother to the unborn child. This can cause a miscarriage - a spontaneous termination of pregnancy.

Both hormonal and allergic or cold rhinitis can significantly undermine the immunity of the female body, and also develop into a chronic form of the disease, thereby harming the baby. Cold rhinitis of an infectious nature can negatively affect the intrauterine development of the child, especially in the first 3 months of gestation, when all vital organs and functions of the embryo are formed, and any infection is extremely undesirable for this process. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the treatment of rhinitis during pregnancy.

Any disease that is accompanied by a runny nose in a pregnant woman is complicated by the restriction of the use of many effective drugs of drug therapy. However, do not panic or become depressed - it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. Taking vitamins, breathing exercises, using herbal preparations - these are the components of competent treatment that will lead to immediate recovery.

Treatment of a runny nose during pregnancy

A runny nose during pregnancy can cause a number of complications, so its treatment should be started as early as possible. Treatment should begin with a visit to a doctor who will examine the pregnant woman and conduct diagnostics to establish an accurate diagnosis of the disease.

Treatment of a runny nose during pregnancy should be comprehensive and include medications that will in no way affect the proper course of pregnancy. The most common remedy that expectant mothers most often resort to when a severe runny nose occurs are vasoconstrictor drops for a runny nose, the action of which is aimed at quickly getting rid of nasal congestion and mucus discharge. Unfortunately, the drops themselves do not cope with the cause of a runny nose, but only remove this symptom. In addition, their long-term use can lead to addiction, increased blood pressure, drying out of the nasal mucosa, and most importantly - cause a sharp narrowing of the blood vessels of the female organs - the placenta and uterus. The latter factor often leads to fetal hypoxia. Therefore, for greater safety, medical professionals recommend that pregnant women use drops for no more than 3 days, only before going to bed, i.e. once a day. In addition, treatment with drops should be prescribed by a doctor, because Many of these drugs are contraindicated for pregnant and nursing women.

When treating a runny nose in pregnant women, it is best to use folk methods. For example, such as:

• rinsing the nasal passages with saline solution or herbal infusions (chamomile, calendula, plantain);
• warming the nose with a boiled egg, warm bags of salt or buckwheat;
• drink plenty of fluids (at least 2 liters per day);
• short herbal inhalations;
• use of "Zvezdochka" ointment and other procedures.

Treatment of a runny nose during pregnancy should be determined by a doctor depending on the main causes of this symptom and the condition of the pregnant woman. Self-medication can harm both the expectant mother and her child, so it is so important not to avoid a visit to a medical specialist.

Allergic rhinitis is most often caused by the seasonal flowering of allergenic plants. The main principle of treating such a runny nose is to prevent the pregnant woman from coming into contact with the allergen. It is necessary to eliminate pets, whose fur can also provoke allergies and cause a protective reaction of the body. It is necessary to wet clean the premises more often, and, if necessary, install air filters.

If the runny nose is caused by an acute respiratory infection, it is very important to follow the rules of room hygiene. It is necessary that the air in the room is well humidified and fresh. This factor will help to easily remove the mucus accumulating in the sinuses, as well as to improve the functioning of all mucous membranes. For this purpose, you should use a special device - an air humidifier. It can also be used as an inhaler, having previously added a few drops of eucalyptus, tea tree, juniper or mint essential oil to the water tank. Thus, the air in the room will be saturated with useful medicinal substances.

Runny nose during pregnancy is effectively treated with inhalations. For a separate procedure, it is recommended to use inhalers (nebulizers), but if there is no such device, you can try open inhalation. Warm vapors with a medicinal substance have a beneficial effect on the nasal mucosa and evenly warm the nasal cavities.

A good way to relieve a severe runny nose is to massage the so-called "reflex" zones. The procedure involves simultaneously massaging the bridge of the nose and the area above the upper lip. Massaging these points effectively relieves nasal congestion. Other methods of such massage include light tapping of the nasal bone on both sides, as well as massaging the maxillary sinuses and the area above the superciliary arches.

Drinking plenty of fluids is an important point in the complex treatment of a runny nose. The best drinks for a pregnant woman are compotes, herbal infusions, warm milk, fruit drinks, teas, and still mineral water. Currant compote and rosehip infusion are also useful, as they contain vitamin C, which is necessary for effective infection control. To properly prepare a rosehip infusion, you need to boil slightly dried inflorescences for 5 minutes, adding a small amount of sugar to the water.

It is necessary to create a favorable microclimate in the room, i.e. to ensure optimal humidity (approximately 60%) and air temperature (18-20 °C). It is also important to ventilate the room more often and do wet cleaning. You can periodically light an aroma lamp, using the same essential oils as for steam inhalations.

A pregnant woman needs to pay close attention to her breathing when she has a runny nose. She needs to try to breathe shallowly but smoothly, slightly prolonging the inhalation and exhalation. Such exercises help to quickly get rid of an annoying runny nose.

A runny nose during pregnancy is a symptom that should not be ignored by the expectant mother. Difficulty breathing in a pregnant woman provokes a decrease in the amount of oxygen supplied to the baby. Every woman should know about this, because she is responsible for the baby she carries under her heart.