rhinitis of pregnancy? any help?

[AlexisDenice]

Hi everyone, I have a random question. I'm a ftm and I'm 22 weeks along. So I've been sick for two months now. It started with a head cold that turned into a sinus infection.  I have seen my doctor multiple times and been given antibiotics and a nasal spray.  I've also been instructed which over the counter medicines to take. I tried homeopathic avenues too, like a neti pot. This is when I came aware of something called rhinitis of pregnancy.  From my understanding,  it's basically where the extra hormones cause increased congestion as well as the sinuses to become inflamed and swell, sometimes to the point of being completely blocked. Anyone experience this too? If so, anyone know how to help it? I'm sick of taking medicine and fear I'm hurting my baby girl.

[Furby85]

I also understand your frustration of the difference of Dr opinions. I feel very confident with the advise I get from mine. She also stated how it frustrates her how hard people are on pregnant women. That they need to be taken care of just as much as their baby just as long as the Dr says its safe.

[Furby85]

No not without my allergy pill. Its. Amazing bc a few times I have forgotten to take it in the morning and by afternoon I realize bc I bc stopped up and snotty again. Once I take it and a few sprays of afrin Im golden within an hour tops! I have also learned a trick with the afrin. If I just spray it, it will take longer to unclog my sinuses. I have to spray it and kay flat back for about 15 min on the couch with my head on the arm rest. It clears up like a miracle. I hope you find something that helps. I first hand know it is misery:(

[AlexisDenice]

Furby85 did it get better with time though? Or has it lasted consistently? That's interesting Johnson 122814, because mine prescribed me two separate ones because the first one didn't help. Random rant definitely not aimed at any of yall, but I find it quite frustrating with the constantly changing do's and don'ts of being pregnant.  It even changes from doctor to doctor. One doctor is okay with certain medicine for specific reasons while others are so antimeds for basically any reason ever. It's so confusing. Ok... rant over =)

[Furby85]

In my 4th month my Dr prescribed me zpack(antibiotic) and saline spray. It didnt work! I was literally gasping for air bc it was so bad.

[Johnson122814]

I am 38 weeks and I've been congested for about 4 months. It usually only happens overnight and into the morning. For the last 3 weeks I've also had nosebleeds. My doctor only gave me saline solution. He said antibiotics should be avoided.

[AlexisDenice]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm glad I'm not just crazy and others understand what I'm going through.  KaiteNor,  I due April 19th!  Do you know if you're having a boy or a girl?

[KatieNor]

I'm due April 22

[Furby85]

Okay so this is my 5th pregnancy and first time I have experienced this. I have had it since the first few weeks of getting pregnant.  Trust me when I tell you I have tried everything recommended by my OB. I was stuffy none stop, full of snot(sorry gross), and just miserable. Anyways here are the two things I have to do everyday recommended by my doctor. First I am on Xyzal which is an allergy pill prescribed by my Dr and it is amazing and very safe during pregnancy. Also, I have to use afrin a few times a day which also my Dr has okayed. Yes on the bottle it says no more than three consecutuve days but my Dr says completely fine and if you need to breath you need to breath. My nasal passages completely close off in my sleep so I have to use at least once a night.  I am 33 weeks on saturday and have done this since very beginning. My baby is very healthy! I would recommend talking to your Dr about those options bc Before I did I was going throw about two boxes of tissues a day and just miserable!

[Mommabanielle]

I'm 23 weeks and I've been having horrible sinus problems since about week 9. I can't take anything because my anti-nausea meds interact with anything with anti-histamine related. I have a really hard time sleeping and I always have a bad sore throat in the morning...doesn't really ever go away. I just started swimming about three times a week and the chlorine water has started drying out my sinuses. That is really the only thing that has helped a little. Other than that I don't know what to suggest, but I'd love to hear what others have to say.

[AlexisDenice]

Thanks guys! I tried a humidifier before but that was went I had the head cold too, which caused me to cough more. But the cough and head cold part is gone. Now it's just the mucus and feeling of my sinuses closing so I can't breath.  I'll try that again though. I appreciate any advice. KaiteNor that's exciting!  When are you due?

[KatieNor]

I'm sorry your sick I haven't gotten sick yet but my girl friend says to use natural oils like mint or menthol rubs at night. It opens you up without taking meds. Also I have a Vicks mist thing I got.from Walgreens and its so awesome. You put water in it then some Vicks oil on top and it is crazy how fast your nose opens. Good luck hope you feel better. I am also a ftm 22 weeks!

[soontohavethree]

Mucus in general increases with pregnancy. You could try a cold mist humidifier at night. Those always help my boys and I when we are stuffed up.