Head cold symptom of pregnancy
Pregnancy rhinitis | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
Pregnancy rhinitis | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content3-minute read
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Many pregnant women know the feeling of a stuffy nose, itchy eyes and post-nasal drip that seem to come out of nowhere during pregnancy. While it's not a life-threatening medical condition, pregnancy rhinitis can be very troublesome — so what can you do to find some relief?
What is pregnancy rhinitis?
Symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis are similar to those of allergic rhinitis ('hay fever') and include a runny, itchy or congested nose, sneezing and watery eyes. While it might feel like you are getting a cold, pregnancy rhinitis is not associated with bacterial or viral infection and is therefore not contagious.
What causes pregnancy rhinitis?
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the lining of the nose. Women who are affected by allergies are likely to also experience similar symptoms during pregnancy. In these circumstances, symptoms are triggered by one or more allergens that may be seasonal (such as, pollens, fungi or moulds) or perennial, or year-round, such as dust mites, pets or cockroaches.
Rhinitis in pregnancy may also have a non-allergic origin. It's not known exactly why rhinitis occurs more frequently in pregnancy, but some researchers suggest that the larger blood volume and hormonal influences increase the likelihood of rhinitis by 10 to 30%.
Smoking is associated with pregnancy rhinitis, and it's never too late for pregnant women – and their partners – to quit smoking.
How is pregnancy rhinitis diagnosed?
Pregnancy rhinitis should be distinguished from other conditions such as infections, and your doctor can do this during a routine visit.
X-rays and blood tests are usually not required to diagnose pregnancy rhinitis.
Pregnancy rhinitis should not cause significant breathing problems. If you feel you can't get enough air, your chest feels very tight, you are breathless or feel like you're being suffocated it might be a sign of a medical problem.
If you have unexplained breathing problems, especially if they are severe and come on quickly, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
How long will my 'stuffy' nose last?
While pregnancy rhinitis can occur at any time during pregnancy, it is most common during the first trimester. Symptoms may last for at least 6 weeks, but the good news is they usually disappear within 2 weeks after your baby's birth.
How is pregnancy rhinitis treated?
If your pregnancy rhinitis is triggered by a known allergen, you can try and avoid or limit your exposure.
Nasal irrigation is a drug-free technique to clear out air-borne allergens and mucus from blocked nostrils.
Using sterile salt water (saline) and a squirt bottle, spray solution into one nostril and let it drain out of the other nostril. This can provide relief and is a good solution during pregnancy.
Persistent symptoms can be managed individually. For example, if you have itchy-watery eyes, there are certain eye drops that are approved for use during pregnancy. Similarly, specific nasal sprays and antihistamines can be used, but always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine while pregnant.
Is there an impact on my unborn baby?
Many women with pregnancy rhinitis deliver healthy babies. However, any condition that reduces a pregnant mother's sleep has the potential to impact on her baby. Symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis are especially felt at night, making it difficult to fall asleep, causing women to wake up frequently through the night and be sleepy during the day. Breathing through the mouth due to a blocked nose may increase the likelihood of airway infections.
There are insufficient studies to fully understand the impact of these on the growth and development of unborn babies. If you are concerned about your sleep or breathing during pregnancy, speak to your doctor to find the best way to clear your breathing passages and get proper sleep.
Sources:
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) (Allergic Rhinitis Clinical Update), The Royal Hospital for Women (Medicines in pregnancy), Dzieciolowska-Baran E et.al. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2013;755:213-20. (Rhinitis as a cause of respiratory disorders during pregnancy), Royal Hospital for Women – Mothersafe (Hayfever in pregnancy and breastfeeding)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: January 2020
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- Allergies: controlling your environment
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Need more information?
Allergic rhinitis - symptoms, causes and treatment - MyDr.
com.au Rhinitis means inflammation of the lining of the nose. Allergic rhinitis means that this inflammation is caused by an allergy.
Read more on myDr website
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)? - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
Allergic rhinitis (commonly known as hay fever) affects around 18% of people in Australia and New Zealand. It can affect children and adults.
Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website
Allergic Rhinitis (hayfever) - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is one of the most common allergic conditions affecting 1 in 5 people in Australia. It is caused by the body’s immune system reacting to common allergens in the environment such as pollen, house dust mite, moulds and animal danders (skin cells and fur).
Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website
Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis) - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) is the peak professional body of clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA promotes and advances the study and knowledge of immune and allergic diseases, including asthma.
Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website
Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) has been used for over 100 years and is a proven treatment providing long-term relief for hay fever. The aim of AIT is to help people react less to their trigger allergen/s that cause symptoms (such as grass pollen/house dust mite).
This means having no/less symptoms and a better quality of life.
Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website
Pollen - a trigger for hay fever - National Asthma Council Australia
Plant pollen is well known as a trigger for seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Read more on National Asthma Council Australia website
Hay Fever & Asthma | Hay Fever-related Asthma Causes & Symptoms - Asthma Australia
Hay fever is a common allergy, also known as allergic rhinitis, that can also trigger asthma flare-ups. Learn more about hay fever-related asthma & symptoms here.
Read more on Asthma Australia website
Other Allergic Conditions - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Other Allergic Conditions included: Urticaria (Hives), Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Allergic Conjunctivitis, Allergic Rhinitis (hayfever), Sinusitis
Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website
Thunderstorm asthma - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
It seems reasonable to think that rain would relieve allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma triggered by pollen, by washing pollen out of the air.
However, rain from some thunderstorms can make some people's symptoms worse. Epidemics of thunderstorm asthma in Australia have occurred in Melbourne and Wagga Wagga.
Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website
Allergy Treatments - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) is the peak professional body of clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA promotes and advances the study and knowledge of immune and allergic diseases, including asthma.
Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website
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Weird Early Pregnancy Symptoms: 10 Unexpected Ones
Weird Early Pregnancy Symptoms: 10 Unexpected OnesMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Annamarya Scaccia on January 3, 2018
Everyone knows the classic signs of pregnancy. You’ve missed your period. Your breasts are tender. And you’re tired all the time.
But pregnant women also experience a whole host of symptoms beyond these first signs. From mucus discharge to tasting metal to headaches, expect the unexpected.
Here’s a list of 10 weird early pregnancy symptoms no one tells you about.
While many women experience vaginal discharge, it’s not often associated with pregnancy.
But most pregnant women will secrete sticky, white, or pale-yellow mucus early on in the first trimester and throughout their pregnancy.
Increased hormones and vaginal blood flow cause the discharge. It increases during pregnancy to prevent infections as your cervix and vaginal walls soften. Visit your doctor if the discharge starts to:
- smell
- burn
- itch
- turn greenish-yellow
- becomes very thick or watery
These may be signs of an infection.
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When you first wake up in the morning after ovulation, your body temperature is slightly elevated. It stays that way until you get your next period.
But if this temperature, known as basal body temperature, stays elevated for more than two weeks, you may be pregnant.
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It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to feel lightheaded or dizzy in the first trimester. Pregnancy causes blood pressure to drop and blood vessels to dilate.
But pay close attention to your symptoms.
Severe dizziness coupled with vaginal bleeding and severe abdominal pain could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Make sure to see a doctor right away to avoid life-threatening complications.
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You may feel bloated, like you want to pass gas or go number two. But it’s just not happening. That’s because pregnancy’s hormonal changes can lead to constipation, as can prenatal vitamins.
Your digestive system slows down during pregnancy. This gives nutrients just enough extra time to absorb into your bloodstream and reach your little one.
If you can’t go, add more fiber into your diet, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise regularly. If needed, you can also check with your doctor about adding a pregnancy-safe stool softener.
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About 25 to 40 percent of pregnant women will lightly bleed or notice spotting early on in their pregnancy. The slight bleeding can happen when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining.
This is known as implantation bleeding. It’s common about two weeks after conception.
Bleeding can also be caused by cervical irritation, an ectopic pregnancy, or a threatened miscarriage. Make sure to get medical help right away if your light bleeding gets heavier or is accompanied by severe cramps, back pain, or stabbing pains.
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Pregnancy lowers your immunity. This means you’re more prone to a cough, colds, and the flu. It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to experience cold- or flu-like symptoms early in pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor about pregnancy-safe treatment options. Pregnant women are more vulnerable to severe illnesses from the flu. This can lead to serious health problems for your baby.
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Hormones change everything during pregnancy. This includes the valve between your stomach and esophagus. This area becomes relaxed during pregnancy, which can cause stomach acid to leak into your esophagus, causing heartburn.
Fight back by eating smaller, more frequent meals. Also cut out fried grub. Try to avoid fizzy drinks, citrus fruits, juices, and spicy foods.
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Your hormones suddenly change when you become pregnant. This can throw your emotions out of whack. You’ll feel unusually weepy and emotional. Your libido goes from hot to cold then back to hot again. You might also experience mood swings. This is very common during early pregnancy.
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Increases in estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can lead to changes in taste for many pregnant women.
A condition called dysegusia has some pregnant women tasting metal. You’ll feel like you were chomping on some old pennies with your lunch. Get rid of the metallic flavor by munching on saltines and chewing sugarless gum. Also try drinking colder liquids or eating spicier foods.
Some of the symptoms listed above may make you think you’re just stressed and run down. But experienced together, they can point to pregnancy.
Pay attention to what your body is telling you. It might be time to see your doctor for a pregnancy test.
Last medically reviewed on January 4, 2018
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How we vetted 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.
- Boyle J. (2016). Is spotting during pregnancy normal?
focus.sanfordhealth.org/pregnancy-parenting/pregnancy/is-spotting-during-pregnancy-normal - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Getting Pregnant.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853 - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Pregnancy week by week.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047208 - Pregnancy: Am I pregnant? (2014).
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9709-pregnancy-am-i-pregnant - Pregnancy: Having a healthy pregnancy. (2016).
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/5186-pregnancy-having-a-healthy-pregnancy - Pregnant women and influenza (flu). (2017).
cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm - Vaginal discharge in pregnancy. (2015).
nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/vaginal-discharge-pregnant
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Jan 4, 2018
By
Annamarya Scaccia
Edited By
Frank Crooks
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 Annamarya Scaccia on January 3, 2018
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The first signs of pregnancy - IVONA.UA
We all know the first signs of pregnancy: morning sickness, chronic fatigue, frequent urination, sensitivity to strong odors. However, the female body gives many more signals that a new life is emerging in it. Ivona will tell about the most unusual ones.
1. Nasal congestion
During pregnancy, the activity of mucous secretion increases. Because of this, in the early stages of pregnancy, a woman can often stuff her nose. The symptoms are similar to the common cold, although there are no discomfort and inflammation in the nasopharynx.
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2. The taste of metal in the mouth
Do you feel like you have a sparkling nickel instead of caramel in your mouth? It is common for taste buds to change during the first trimester of pregnancy. This phenomenon is called "dysgeusia" and can remain with the expectant mother throughout the pregnancy.
3. Bloating and flatulence
During pregnancy, a woman's body produces large amounts of progesterone, which slows down digestion. Because of this, women in position often feel heaviness in the stomach, bloating and flatulence appear. Most often this happens in the early stages and by the end of pregnancy, digestion is getting better, and the unpleasant symptom goes away.
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4.
Bleeding of gums and nose
Also common during pregnancy. An increased amount of female hormones produced in the body provokes vasodilation, which is why the expectant mother can bleed from time to time. Also, the gums become very sensitive and brushing or flossing can cause inflammation and irritation, as well as bleeding.
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5. Constipation
You have to be patient here. The first trimester of pregnancy, in addition to bloating and flatulence, is often accompanied by constipation. The reason for this is the same progesterone, which slows down the work of the intestines. But do not despair! With this problem, you can always consult a doctor or use gentle, folk methods. And drink plenty of fluids!
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6. Nightmares and vivid dreams
Most mothers report that during pregnancy their dreams were surprisingly vivid and colorful.
They also often had nightmares. This is due to changes in the hormonal background, as well as to the experiences and fears that the mother transfers from the real world to the world of dreams.
7. Dizziness
During the development of the fetus, the blood pressure in a woman's body decreases. Also, due to the shift in the center of gravity, many women have to learn to walk carefully. Pregnancy can be accompanied by mild dizziness, but it is important to remember that this can be a symptom of significant health problems. At the consultation with a doctor, it is better to mention this, especially if dizziness is repeated quite often and brings noticeable discomfort.
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8. Other children
Often, if a mother already has a child, he feels changes in the body even before the woman herself.
This is especially true for breasts. During the second pregnancy, due to changes in the hormonal background, the taste of milk may change, due to which the child may refuse to breastfeed on his own. This has its plus: usually problematic, the process of weaning the baby from the breast will be as calm and painless as possible for both the child and the mother.
Earlier, we talked about what foods help you get pregnant.
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The first signs of pregnancy before the delay, symptoms in the early stages
Significant hormonal changes occur during pregnancy. This causes a number of symptoms. Some women experience pregnancy symptoms right away, while others may experience only a few. About first signs of early pregnancy and when exactly the initial signs of pregnancy appear are described in the article.
At what time do the first signs of pregnancy appear
The answer to the question of when the first signs of pregnancy appear is quite ambiguous, because some women do not feel any signs at all during the first few weeks. At what week do the first signs of pregnancy appear in others? When do the first signs of pregnancy appear after conception? Symptoms of very early pregnancy (such as breast tenderness) may appear before a missed period, as early as six to seven days after conception, while other early signs of pregnancy (such as spotting) may appear about a week after ovulation. We will tell you more about the first signs of pregnancy before menstruation and when the signs of pregnancy appear.
What are the earliest signs of pregnancy?
The first signs of pregnancy in the early stages:
- delayed menstruation - 29%;
- nausea - 25%;
- mood swings - from 14 to 23%;
- breast changes - 17%;
- pain in the lower abdomen - 15%;
- depression - 15%;
- fatigue, drowsiness - 13%
- decrease in immunity - 6%;
- the first signs of pregnancy - discharge or implantation bleeding - only 3%.
Physiological first signs of pregnancy
What are the very first symptoms of pregnancy?
The most common physiological signs of pregnancy include:
- Tender and enlarged breasts. Signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception include breast changes (1-2 weeks after conception). The area around the nipples, called the areola, may also darken.
- Drowsiness and fatigue. Fatigue is also among the signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone rise dramatically, which can cause drowsiness.
- Nausea with vomiting. When do these signs of pregnancy appear? Morning sickness, which can appear at any time of the day or night, often appears between the second and eighth weeks after conception.
- Dizziness and fainting .
This may be due to dilation of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Spasms. Some women experience symptoms of pregnancy in the early days, such as slight cramps in the uterus.
- Headaches and back pains. Many pregnant women complain of frequent headaches and others experience back pain.
- Insomnia - another first sign of pregnancy before the test. Causes can include stress, physical discomfort, and hormonal changes.
- Change in taste preferences. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these eating habits can be attributed to hormonal changes.
- Temperature. Early signs of pregnancy include fever (37-37.5).
- Delayed menstruation. How long does it take for the first signs of pregnancy to appear? If you are of childbearing age and a week or more has passed without your expected period, you may be pregnant.
However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.
- Bloody discharge - first signs of pregnancy . This bleeding, known as implantation bleeding, occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, approximately 10 to 14 days after conception.
- Bloating, heartburn. Hormonal changes can cause problems with the stomach and esophagus - these are common signs of pregnancy at 2 weeks.
- Constipation . Hormonal changes cause the digestive system to slow down, which can lead to constipation (signs of pregnancy after a delay).
- Frequent urination. You may urinate more than usual, a common sign of pregnancy at 5 weeks. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases, causing the kidneys to process excess fluid that enters the bladder.
- Runny nose.
The appearance of this symptom is associated with excessive production of the hormone estrogen.
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases. This is a sign of pregnancy after ovulation.
- Increased salivation. Also associated with hormonal changes.
- Sense of smell enhancement . Signs of pregnancy in the first two weeks may cause sensitivity to certain smells and the sense of taste may change.
Emotional first signs of pregnancy
The first signs of pregnancy before the delay (the earliest signs of pregnancy) include psycho-emotional symptoms.
- Mood swings.
- Irritability.
- Vulnerability, tearfulness.
- Capriciousness.
- Depression.
These are all emotional signs of early pregnancy that many women report. They describe feelings of heightened emotion or even bouts of crying, which are associated with rapid changes in hormone levels in the body.
Also, signs of pregnancy at week 4 can make you feel PMS-style cranky. In addition, about 15% of women suffer from depression or anxiety during pregnancy. And after childbirth, these conditions suffer even more. In this case, it is better to seek help from a doctor.
Do everything you can to improve your mood: get plenty of rest, eat well, get enough sleep, do things you love, and pamper yourself.
However, be aware that mood swings can be caused by a number of conditions other than pregnancy.
Effect of early pregnancy on daily routine
Early signs of pregnancy, mostly those that bring discomfort, may cause a change in daily routine. Here are some tips on what you can do with some of them:
- In case of toxicosis, avoid too hot or too cold food - this provokes an attack of vomiting. Eat often - at least 5-6 times a day, but in small portions.
- For nausea or vomiting, try ginger, chamomile, or vitamin B6.
- Drink plenty of water, in small sips between meals, to replenish lost fluids.
Teas, juices, fruit drinks are also suitable. - For back pain, wear shoes or shoe insoles designed for pregnant women and avoid high heels. Sleep on a firm mattress.
- For chest discomfort, wear a special bra that supports your enlarged breasts.
- For constipation, eat more fiber-rich foods such as wheat bran and fresh vegetables and fruits.
- If you suffer from headaches and mood swings, try stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation.
- Be outdoors more often, at least half an hour a day. This helps to reduce the symptoms of toxicosis, calm the nervous system.
- Maintain daily physical activity for as long as you feel comfortable doing certain activities.
- Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Important! All these tips are advisory in nature, be sure to consult your doctor if you encounter discomfort.
What to do if you find early signs of pregnancy
To make sure the signs of pregnancy are accurate, you can use the following methods to diagnose early pregnancy:
- Donate blood for hCG.
This method can be used a few days after conception. This type of pregnancy test is done using a small sample of blood that is analyzed in a hospital. It determines whether there is a pregnancy hormone in your body and in what quantity. Its accuracy is 99%. - Use test strip. It can be used at home from the first days of delay. To determine pregnancy, dip the reagent area of the test strip into the urine. Accuracy: 99%. You can buy Evitest or HomeTest test strips in our pharmacy.
- Use jet or electronic test. They can be used at home a few days before your expected period. You need to remove its protective cap, substitute the test under the stream of urine for 10 seconds, and after 3-5 minutes get the result. Accuracy: 97%. In our pharmacy you can buy Evitest or Alpe inkjet tests.
- Get your first ultrasound. You can use this method at 3-4 weeks from the start of a missed period. At this time, ultrasound will show the very fact of uterine pregnancy, and the place of attachment of the fetal egg is also determined.
