Why do I feel congested all the time?
Believe it or not, it's pretty common to have a runny or stuffed-up nose during pregnancy. About 20 to 30 percent of pregnant women have congestion without having allergies or a viral infection like the common cold. This condition even has a name: rhinitis of pregnancy. It can start as early as your second month and last until you have your baby or even a few weeks afterward.
Higher amounts of estrogen during pregnancy can contribute to swelling in the mucous membranes lining the nose and even cause you to make more mucus. What's more, the amount of blood in your body increases and your blood vessels expand during pregnancy, which can lead to swollen nasal membranes as well. Other hormones may also play a role.
Yay me, I'm one of the 20 to 30 percent of prego's who can't breath!!! But in all honesty, I would much rather have this inconvenience than any other serious problems. Unfortunately, this week I actually have been sick with sinusitis...... again. Since there is nothing I can do about it medication wise, I have been trying other things to feel better.
One is Tomato soup with garlic powder and black pepper. Very yummy, but make sure you use water instead of milk. This cleared me up for about 2 hours the other day.
I've gone through lots and lots of Kleenex which is reason for my "Rudolf" nose.
I spent a couple nights in the recliner and I didn't like that much. So I have opted for a stack of 3 pillows to elevate my head at night.
And my humidifier that Lee got me for Christmas. The best gift EVER! It works while I sleep.
And Hot Fries. Yes, it may be silly to eat this snack at my age, but it clears me up for a little while, and that's GREAT. Plus, it's only $2.
Got any better ideas???
6 comments:
Netti pot! They are a weird contraption and kind of crazy and a little gross...but they WORK wonders!
Oh yeah, I've heard of that. Where do you get those???
walgreens...cvs any pharmacy will carry them. make sure you get the saline mix to go with it...usually it comes with a few packets.
Yes, I agree it it nasty but works great. Just don't look at the stuff that comes out. Also try nasal strips and vicks. I had it really bad too w/ my 1st and 2nd. I don't have it as bad this time.
I was stuffed up for a while myself, but it was more like the remnants of a cold that just wouldn't go away. I'm all good now, but I will say the humidifier is great! I still keep that baby running all night.
Good luck!
I understand the hot fries. Hot Cheetos totally hit the spot for me. PLUS! When I eat them, I can get the baby to move around more! :)
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