Early pregnancy and sneezing

Causes, Risks, Treatment, and More

Sneezing During Pregnancy: Causes, Risks, Treatment, and More

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Corinne O'Keefe Osborn on December 1, 2017

Overview

There are many unknowns to pregnancy, so it’s normal to have a lot of questions. Things that used to seem harmless may now cause you anxiety, like sneezing. You may be more prone to sneezing during pregnancy, but rest assured that it:

isn’t harmful to you or your baby
isn’t a sign of a complication
cannot cause a miscarriage

Read on to learn more about sneezing and pregnancy.

Sneezing and pregnancy

Many women sneeze more than normal when they’re pregnant. Doctors call this pregnancy rhinitis. Pregnancy rhinitis is nasal congestion that begins at any point during pregnancy and resolves within two weeks of your baby’s birth. Symptoms include:

runny nose
stuffiness
sneezing

The cause is unknown, but is probably related to hormonal changes.

Allergies

Women with allergies may continue to experience allergy symptoms during pregnancy. This includes seasonal allergies (pollen, hay) and indoor allergies (pet dander, dust mites).

A recent study evaluated decades worth of data from the National Survey of Family Growth. The study found that allergies during pregnancy didn’t increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight or preterm birth.

Cold or flu

You might be sneezing because you have a cold or flu. During pregnancy, your immune system is compromised. Normally, your immune system is quick to respond to the harmful germs that cause sickness and disease. When you’re pregnant, however, your immune system is being careful not to mistake your growing baby for a harmful invader. That causes it to react more slowly to actual invaders, like the virus that causes cold symptoms. This means that you’re extra vulnerable to that nasty cold going around the office.

The common cold doesn’t pose any risk to you or your baby, but the flu can be dangerous. If you suspect a flu or a fever, contact your doctor right away.

Risks

Your body is built to keep your baby very safe. Sneezing cannot hurt your baby. Sneezing doesn’t pose any risks to your baby at any stage of a pregnancy. However, sneezing can be a symptom of an illness or disease, such as the flu or asthma.

When you have the flu, so does your baby. When you’re having difficulty breathing, the baby isn’t getting needed oxygen either. Talk to your doctor if you have either the flu or asthma, as there are considerations they may take for pregnancy to ensure good birth outcomes.

Some pregnant women experience a sharp pain radiating around their belly when they sneeze. This can be painful, but it isn’t dangerous. As the uterus grows, the ligaments that attach it to the side of the abdomen are stretched. Doctors call this round ligament pain. Sneezing and coughing can put more pressure on the ligament, causing a stabbing pain.

How to manage sneezing during pregnancy

Anything that you ingest when you’re pregnant can be passed along to your baby. This means you must be careful about what you put in your body, especially when it comes to medication. Some pain relievers, antihistamines, and allergy medications are safe to use during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your options.

You may also want to try:

A neti pot. Use a neti pot to clear out your sinuses with a saline solution or distilled water.
A humidifier. Use a humidifier at night to prevent dry air from irritating your nasal passages.
An air purifier. You may be allergic to something in your home or office, like mold or dust. An air purifier can help with this.
A saline nasal spray. Use a saline nasal spray to clear out the sinuses.
Avoiding triggers. If you’re triggered by seasonal allergies or pet dander, change your clothes when you come home and take a shower.
Getting a flu shot. It’s safe and advisable to get a flu shot when you’re pregnant. Try to do it by November so that you’re protected before flu season is in full swing.
Assuming the position. If you have abdominal pain when you sneeze, try holding your belly or lying on your side in the fetal position.
Managing your asthma. If you have asthma, make a plan with your doctor and follow it carefully.
Exercising. Regular, pregnancy-safe exercise will keep you healthy and boost your immune system.
Wearing a pad. If sneezing causes you to expel urine, an absorbent pad can help reduce wetness and prevent embarrassment.
Using a pregnancy belt. A pregnancy belt may help reduce sneeze-related abdominal pain.
Vitamin C-rich foods. Eating foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges, may help naturally boost your immune system.

Seeking help

Sneezing is rarely anything to worry about. If you have asthma, talk to your doctor about which medications are safe to use during pregnancy.

Seek help immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

difficulty breathing
a fever over 100°F (37.8°C)
trouble keeping down fluids
an inability to eat or sleep
chest pain or wheezing
coughing up green or yellow mucus

Takeaway

Many women sneeze more often during pregnancy. It’s quite common. Your baby is very well protected and won’t be harmed by a sneeze.

If you do have a cold, the flu, asthma, or allergies, speak with your doctor about treatments that are safe during pregnancy.

Last medically reviewed on December 1, 2017

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Pregnancy
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How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Bonham CA, et al. (2017). Asthma outcomes and management during pregnancy. DOI:
10.1016/j.chest.2017.08.029
Dzieciolowska-Baran E, et al. (2013). Rhinitis as a cause of respiratory disorders during pregnancy. DOI:
10.1007/978-94-007-4546-9_27
Erebara A, et al. (2008). Treating the common cold during pregnancy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/
Friebe-Hoffmann U, et al. (2017). Pregnancy rhinitis — an update. DOI:
10.1055/s-0042-110325
Influenza (flu) and pregnancy. (2017).
marchofdimes.org/complications/influenza-and-pregnancy.aspx
Turkeltaub PC, et al. (2017). The influence of asthma and/or hay fever on pregnancy: Data from the 1995 national survey of family growth. DOI:
10.1016/j.jaip.2017.03.036

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Dec 1, 2017

Written By

Corinne Osborn

Edited By

Nizam Khan (TechSpace)

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Corinne O'Keefe Osborn on December 1, 2017

Why it happens and how it affects the baby

Although many people do worry more than usual while pregnant, sneezing during pregnancy should not cause any anxiety. Sneezing can occur more frequently during pregnancy but does not usually mean anything is wrong with baby or mother.

Some causes of sneezing during pregnancy include:

pregnancy rhinitis
illness
allergies

People can sneeze for many reasons while they are pregnant:

Pregnancy rhinitis

Share on PinterestPregnancy rhinitis is a common condition that causes nasal congestion.

Pregnancy causes many changes in the body.

These changes can lead to pregnancy rhinitis, a condition that affects 39 percent of women at some point during their pregnancy.

Pregnancy rhinitis often causes extra nasal congestion.

This congestion can last for 6 weeks or longer during pregnancy and can cause many symptoms, including increased sneezing.

During pregnancy, blood flow to the mucous membranes increases. The nose is full of mucous membranes. The extra blood flow causes the nasal passages to swell, which leads to extra watery discharge and congestion.

Both the additional discharge and congestion can lead to increased sneezing.

Illness

Pregnant people have weaker immune systems and are more likely to get a cold, flu, or another bug. These illnesses may last longer and be more severe than in someone who is not pregnant.

When a person is not pregnant, their body typically reacts to germs quickly. During pregnancy, the body’s immune system responds more slowly and gently, because it does not want to mistake the baby for something harmful.

Colds are usually harmless during pregnancy, but the flu or any other illness that causes a fever can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Expectant mothers who are sneezing and think they may have the flu or another illness that causes a fever should call a doctor promptly.

Allergies

People who have allergies that cause sneezing and other upper respiratory symptoms when they are not pregnant, will likely still have allergy symptoms while pregnant. Seasonal allergies, such as hay fever and pollen allergies, as well as indoor allergies can all trigger sneezing.

Share on PinterestSneezing during pregnancy may cause pain around the belly.

Sneezing during pregnancy does not pose a risk to mother or baby most of the time.

Sneezing can, however, be a symptom of an illness or a more significant problem that may affect the baby.

When sneezing indicates a more severe problem, there may be risks. For example, if someone gets the flu, risks might include miscarriage, low birth weight, and premature birth.

People who are pregnant may also find that sneezing causes pain around the belly. While this radiating pain does cause discomfort, it is not dangerous. This phenomenon is known as round ligament pain and occurs as the ligaments stretch and loosen during pregnancy.

Many medicines that are safe to take while not pregnant are not recommended during pregnancy.

The American Pregnancy Association recommend that pregnant people limit the amount of over-the-counter (OTC) medications they take during pregnancy. This means that many common cold medications that would reduce sneezing are off limits.

Home remedies

Ways to manage sneezing during pregnancy without using medication include:

saline nasal sprays
neti pots
using a humidifier
avoiding known allergens
using an air purifier
treating asthma as directed by a doctor
exercising regularly
eating a diet rich in vitamins

People should also talk to their doctor about the best ways to avoid getting ill during pregnancy. Most doctors recommend people have a flu shot to prevent the flu while they are pregnant.

Share on PinterestA doctor should be consulted if sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever.

People should see their doctor immediately if they suspect that the sneezing is a symptom of a more significant problem, such as the flu or asthma.

A pregnant woman should also seek immediate medical attention if she has any of the following symptoms or concerns along with sneezing:

a fever of 102°F or higher
trouble breathing
chest pain
coughing up yellow or green mucus
blowing colored mucus from the nose
wheezing
loss of appetite
inability to sleep
a severe headache

There are a lot of misconceptions about sneezing during pregnancy. We answer some of the common questions about pregnancy and sneezing below:

Does sneezing affect the baby?

Sneezing during pregnancy will typically not harm the baby.

The baby is well-protected in the uterus, and even a hard sneeze will not affect the baby.

The only time that sneezing may be problematic for the baby is if the sneezing is the symptom of an underlying illness or problem. In these instances, it is the underlying illness that may affect the baby, not the sneezing itself.

Does sneezing while pregnant influence the baby’s sex?

Despite lots of stories, tales, and myths highlighting ways to influence the sex of the baby, sneezing cannot determine or change the sex of the baby.

A baby’s sex is determined at conception by a chromosome from the male’s sperm.

If the man’s sperm has an X chromosome, the baby will be a female; if it has a Y chromosome, the baby will be a male.

Can a pregnant woman sneeze out her baby?

No. A baby will not be born because a pregnant woman sneezes.

While some people may joke about fast childbirth, even those who deliver their babies quickly still go through the labor process. During labor, contractions help guide the baby out of the uterus through the open cervix.

People will still have to push and go through labor or cesarean delivery for a baby to be born.

Sneezing during pregnancy is a frequent occurrence for many.

Most of the time sneezing during pregnancy is harmless. However, if the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms that might indicate a more significant problem, then it is essential to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

reasons why pregnant women can sneeze

Sneezing during pregnancy is mostly associated with hormonal changes. The natural reflex is characterized by the removal of dust and other microparticles from the respiratory tract. At the same time, the bearing of the fetus is accompanied by a decrease in immunity, and thanks to sneezing, the body tries to protect the body from infections.

Why do you often sneeze during pregnancy?

Frequent sneezing during pregnancy is mainly due to the same reasons as before conception:

presence of foreign objects in the nasopharynx;
an allergic reaction as a result of exposure to the mucous membrane;
the formation of rhinitis or a cold;
entry of the virus into the body;
taking medications that affect the nasal mucosa.

Sneezing in the early stages often appears due to the presence of an irritating factor or due to the influence of an infection. Therefore, in the first weeks of pregnancy, you should carefully consider the constant sneezing and consult with your doctor about the development of any serious disease. nine0018 The 1st trimester is characterized by the laying of all organs in the embryo, and sneezing and subsequent runny nose causes an edematous reaction in the nasopharynx, which affects the woman's well-being, and there is a threat to the normal development of the child. Due to nasal congestion, the expectant mother is not able to breathe well, less oxygen is supplied, the fetus feels hypoxia, which requires prompt treatment.

The 2nd trimester is associated with the active growth of the baby, and insufficient breathing of the mother, as a result of sneezing and a runny nose, provokes the risk of having a child with allergies or impaired olfactory function. nine0019

When answering the question: why do you often sneeze during pregnancy, you should focus on the well-being of the pregnant woman and the period of gestation. So, in the third trimester, the appearance of short-term sneezing is considered the norm and is explained by a surge of hormones, as well as a significant increase in the uterine cavity.

Is it possible to sneeze during pregnancy?

During a sneeze, the body uses more than 50 muscles. During pregnancy, exposure to muscle tissue is dangerous due to an increase in uterine tone, therefore, in the first months, such a reflex can only be short-term so as not to cause premature birth. nine0018 In the last months of pregnancy, women may notice some pain when sneezing. This condition is associated with a growing fetus inside the womb, the uterus squeezes all the surrounding organs, provoking pain in the back, abdomen and urinary system. Thus, there are complaints of pregnant women that there is a sharp pain when sneezing or involuntarily pissing. In the latter case, the pressure of the uterus on the bladder, together with the unconditioned reflex, creates all the conditions for urinary incontinence.

nine0019

Physiological natural sneezing in the last stages should not cause anxiety, as the condition will improve immediately after delivery, when all internal organs begin to function without undue pressure.

How to sneeze during pregnancy?

Sneezing, first of all, involves cleansing the sinuses of dust, bacteria and viruses, so it will be fundamentally wrong to try to close your nose when an itchy feeling occurs.

To reduce any possible risks to the fetus, you should sneeze properly. This requires the use of disposable napkins or handkerchiefs, after which it is desirable to close each nostril in turn. Thus, harmful bacteria will not get inside the body, and the nasopharynx will be cleared of mucus. nine0019

To make breathing easier and reduce the sneezing reflex, drink plenty of fluids and try to humidify the air in the room.
Resting at night involves sleeping with your head elevated, while the use of saline solutions will help clear the sinuses, it will become easier to breathe, which will help reduce the sneeze reflex.

Sneezing during early and late pregnancy: why it occurs, is it dangerous

Complain

Updated 1 Oct 2021

This is the right reaction, it allows you to determine the root cause of the condition and quickly get rid of the negative factor.

If you feel worse or your body temperature rises, you should go to an appointment with your doctor, who will tell you if it is dangerous for the fetus, conduct an examination and select effective medicines. In the later stages, any sudden movement, including sneezing, can lead to preterm labor. It is advisable to always be in a comfortable position, periodically massage the stomach, protect yourself from nervous situations and systematically take warm baths. nine0019

Episodic manifestations do not threaten the health of the baby, however, a protracted condition for several days or even weeks is a significant cause for concern.

Frequent sneezing is accompanied by increased tension in the larynx, intercostal space, abdominal muscles and diaphragm, resulting in increased intra-abdominal pressure. There is a risk of uterine hypertonicity, as well as fetal hypoxia, which leads to spontaneous abortion. Dangerous reasons include:

viral or catarrhal disease;
allergic reaction;
prolonged constipation or hemorrhoids.

During a strong "sneeze", a woman experiences an unpleasant sensation lasting several seconds. Pain in the lower abdomen is associated with spasms that occur due to the rapid increase in the uterus.

If severe sneezing is accompanied by headache, swelling of the legs and feet, nasal congestion, then there is a possibility of developing preeclampsia. The pathological condition manifests itself in the form of high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. nine0019

If the diagnosis of preeclampsia is confirmed, the expectant mother needs immediate hospitalization.

In the second trimester, the use of vasoconstrictor drugs should be abandoned, as they lead to oxygen starvation of the baby, fetal death or placental abruption. Colds can be treated with herbal tea with honey and lemon.

In the early stages, hormonal-type rhinitis rarely develops, the symptoms of the common cold are caused by environmental manifestations:

increased air dryness;
sudden temperature changes;
bright sunlight.

In this case, sneezing does not threaten health and indicates a banal defensive reaction. If it becomes frequent, then there is reason to think about conducting a comprehensive diagnosis in a medical institution. Sometimes a sharp "sneeze" causes urinary incontinence, which is associated with anatomical changes in the internal organs.

nine0018 Sneezing during pregnancy is associated with an increase in the concentration of sex hormones, which accelerate blood flow, which in turn provokes swelling of the airways.