Pregnancy rhinitis

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the lining of your nose. People who are affected by allergies experience rhinitis. During pregnancy, your allergy symptoms can worsen.

Pregnancy rhinitis affects about 1 in 5 pregnant people.

While it's not a life-threatening medical condition, pregnancy rhinitis can be bothersome. Pregnancy rhinitis can impact your:

• sleep
• daily functioning
• concentration

There are things you can do to find some relief.

Symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis are like those of allergic rhinitis (hay fever). You may experience:

• a runny or congested nose
• sneezing
• itchy eyes
• watery eyes
• mucus in your throat

How long will my symptoms last?

While pregnancy rhinitis can occur at any time during your pregnancy, it's most common during the second trimester.

Your symptoms may last for at least 6 weeks. The good news is they usually disappear within 2 weeks of your baby's birth.

While it might feel like you are getting a cold, pregnancy rhinitis is not caused by bacterial or viral infection. This means it's not contagious.

Allergies

Rhinitis is triggered by allergens, such as moulds. Allergens may be seasonal, such as:

• pollens
• fungi

They may also be perennial (year-round) such as:

• dust mites
• pets
• cockroaches

Other causes of pregnancy rhinitis

Rhinitis in pregnancy may also have a non-allergic origin. It's not known exactly why rhinitis occurs more frequently in pregnancy, but your hormones may play a role.

Smoking is also associated with pregnancy rhinitis. It's never too late for future parents to quit smoking.

Pregnancy rhinitis should be distinguished from other conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections. Your doctor can do this during a routine visit.

You should visit your doctor if your rhinitis symptoms are bothering you. They can:

• help diagnose the cause of your symptoms
• give you advice on treatments that are safe during pregnancy

You should also see your doctor if:

• you feel you are breathless
• your chest feels very tight
• you are needing more of your usual asthma or lung medications

If you have unexplained breathing problems, see your doctor as soon as possible. If your breathing problems are very bad and come on quickly, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

If your pregnancy rhinitis is triggered by a known allergen, you can try and reduce your exposure to the allergen.

You can also try nasal irrigation. This is a drug-free way to clear out air-borne allergens and mucus from blocked nostrils. Salt water (saline) nasal sprays can provide relief and are safe to use during pregnancy.

Medicines for pregnancy rhinitis

Specific medicated nasal sprays and oral antihistamines can be used during pregnancy.

Similarly, if you have itchy-watery eyes, there are also eye drops approved for use during pregnancy.

Persistent symptoms are managed individually.

However, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine while pregnant.

Pregnancy rhinitis is not life threatening for your baby.

However, any condition that reduces your quality of life has the potential to affect your baby. This includes the quality of your sleep during pregnancy.

If you are concerned about your sleep or breathing during pregnancy, speak to your doctor.