So stuffy!

Fullhandsfullheart

I don't know if it's allergies or a bad head cold, but I've had the worst stuffy nose for a few days now. It keeps me up at night because I can't breathe! Anyone else dealing with this? Is there anything we can take for it? I'm going to blast a humidifier in my face tonight to see if that helps...then maybe try breathe right strips? I don't know what will help and it's awful!

ShannonKay19

I had the same issue in my first pregnancy and am starting to have it again. My doctor said it was perfectly safe to take a 24hr Zyrtec daily, so I do that. And when that isn't enough I use Breathe Right strips at night to help me breathe in my sleep. Good luck! 

Thewizardofrhythm

Vicks. I am currently slathered in it. Pregnancy colds are the wooooorst. 

mrsjlang

I had the same issue. I went to the Dr a few weeks ago and was told it was a sinus infection and that I needed antibiotics to clear it up. While I waited for the drugs to do magic, I used a netti pot to do a rinse (it's kinda gross, but I do it in the shower so you don't need to be as careful) and used a humidifier and those nose strips.

My breaking point for seeing the Dr was that my cheeks (under the eyes specifically) and my ears/jaw started to hurt. (Also, it's kinda gross, but look at the Kleenex after you blow your nose...the thicker and more colored it gets the more likely you need a Dr)

If your symptoms start getting worse, you may need to see a Dr to double check what's going on. If it's allergies or an infection there are drugs you can take that are considered safe for pregnancy so that you don't have to suffer. FX you feel better soon.

UTAmbs11

Talk to your doctor. I asked specifically during my last appointment knowing allergies are coming and second trimester is known for congestion.  

My doctor didn't want me taking anything, but said Flonase nasal spray on occasion.  She said zyrtec is actually a c-class for first trimester. Allegra and Claritin were safe for allergy only. No decongestants. 

ICUnurse09

Guaifenesin has helped me a lot. Just make sure you drink lots of water with it. It will thin the mucus enough to let it drain. Relieves the stuffiness and the headache if it's being caused by sinus pressure. Hope you start feeling better!

Oakleypoozles

I've had a lot of weird mucus since being pregnant but I almost think it was a cold that I'm fighting. Very fortunately I haven't felt like I've not been able to breath I'm sorry that you are feeling that way mama. 

I don't have a lot of experience with feeling like I can't breath so I can't tell you if these things will help or not but for dealing with minor issues in the past I find the following helpful. 

1.) Neti Pot - I think these things are so cool and luckily you can even pick them up at CVS now. I think it's totally worth a shot for yah. It can't hurt you at all so that's good. Worst scenario is it doesn't help. I have had a couple times in life where I was SO stuffed up the water couldn't make it's way through. In cases like that unfortunately the Neti Pot won't work  

Here is a video in case you don't know of the magical neti pots lol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-zfGbeeW04

2.) Breath Strips - Those really do help like widen your sinuses to help you breath but it's going to depend on how bad it is :-/ Definitely worth a shot! 

As far as medicines go I won't even touch that one. You probably have a list of medicines your OB or Midwife find acceptable. I hope that they work! Don't be afraid to ask them for something else. It sounds like your ailment of the congestion is pretty bad I feel so sad it's disrupting your sleep and stuff. Love thoughts and prayers to you! 

butterkup-2

I woke up this morning barely able to breathe from my nose. Neti pot + distilled water  = lifesaver for me!

My Dr. told me at the last appointment, if I had stuffiness that the neti pot didn't relieve, I could ask for a prescription of actual sudafed (available by rx only in Oregon), but not to take sudafed PE. I'd recommend asking about that if you're not finding relief. 

TwandaFTG

I used my Flonase and breathe right strips last night.  Last time I used the nose strips every night in 3rd tri because they helped so much.  I felt so sexy...

kittiesandcoffee

I've got the head crud too. I got a bloody nose in my sleep two nights ago. x/

Fullhandsfullheart

Thanks for the suggestions! I tried the nose strips last night and they helped so much! Going to pick up a neti pot today 

serenaxo84

With my first pregnancy I had a stuffy nose the whole first trimester. I found the strips sometimes helped, sleeping elevated was also hit or miss. I did Vicks plug ins next to my bed and those helped the most. As did a super steamy bathroom!

therealvday

In addition to any allergies or cold you might have, this is the time in pregnancy that women's nasal passages start to swell so you'll find that you're more congested. Not in everyone but in a lot of women.

For me, I have year round allergies, so CONSTANT stuffiness, sniffling, sneezing. I get asked all the time if I have a cold. I'm not taking any medication, pregnancy-safe or not so I have basically just been suffering lol. I use Ocean saline nasal spray in the morning & at night but otherwise I just deal

Oakleypoozles

@Fullhandsfullheart - Did you get to try the neti yet? Did the breath strips give you any relief? Hoping to hear you're a lot more comfortable now!

Fullhandsfullheart

@Oakleypoozles the breathe strips worked great, thanks!