Sneezing hurts while pregnant

Causes, Risks, Treatment, and More

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

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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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.

It hurts to sneeze during pregnancy. Effects on the fetus

Sneezing is the process of clearing the upper respiratory tract of excess dust, mucus and other irritants. In general, there is nothing wrong with this process if it does not happen often. But how useful is this for the expectant mother, especially if it hurts to sneeze? And why does it occur?

Contents

Why does it hurt to sneeze in early pregnancy? nine0010
Causes, if it hurts to sneeze during late pregnancy
Why can a sudden sneeze be dangerous for pregnancy?
Effects of frequent sneezing on the fetus
Can severe sneezing cause miscarriage?
Strong sneezing as a cause of premature labor
How to get rid of sneezing during pregnancy?
How should pregnant women behave during and after a sudden sneeze?
What should I do if a strong sneeze provokes uterine tone? nine0010

Why does it hurt to sneeze in early pregnancy?

At the beginning of pregnancy, a woman may experience acute pain for a second, making sudden movements or sneezing. At this moment, unpleasant disturbing thoughts begin to visit her. Why does it hurt her to sneeze during pregnancy and is it worth worrying about?

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Let's take a look at what causes these painful sensations.

During a sharp expiration during a sneeze, many muscles contract, especially the muscles of the back and peritoneum. Such a sharp contraction can put a lot of pressure on the uterus and provoke pain. nine0010
Hormonal changes begin in the female body. Therefore, in the first month, the lower abdomen and lower back may hurt, especially when sneezing.
The uterus gradually increases in size and from this unusual load the ligaments begin to ache. And during sneezing, even spasms can occur.
Pathologies during pregnancy (miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy). In this case, the spasms do not stop and may be accompanied by bleeding.

Most often, pain when sneezing at the beginning of pregnancy is an individual feature of its course. But, if the spasms do not stop and are complicated by bleeding, you should immediately call a doctor. nine0005

Causes if it hurts to sneeze during late pregnancy

The consequences of sneezing during pregnancy can sometimes be very unpleasant. Why does pain occur when sneezing in the third trimester?

In the later stages of pain are due to constant tension of the ligaments. Painful sensations intensify if a pregnant woman sneezes - the stomach immediately, as if pierced by an electric current. Usually this pain is strong and sharp, but, fortunately, short-lived.
In the last months of pregnancy, a woman gets tired very quickly. Therefore, pain when sneezing occurs as a result of overstrain of the muscles of the abdominal region. nine0010
The lower abdomen may hurt when sneezing if the baby's head has sunk into the pelvic floor. This increases the pressure on the pelvic area, which is accompanied by a sharp pain in the legs.

What could be the danger of sudden sneezing for pregnancy?

With a successful pregnancy and no pathologies, ordinary sneezing will not harm the unborn child in any way. But, if sneezing during pregnancy is sharp and frequent, then it can be a threat. nine0005

A sharp muscle contraction with strong, frequent sneezing adversely affects the uterus due to high external pressure. Especially when the uterus is significantly enlarged and reacts to every shake. The pregnant woman feels severe pain, short-term urinary incontinence may occur.

Frequent and strong sneezing can provoke an increase in the tone of the uterus. This can threaten a woman with spontaneous abortion in the early stages and premature birth in the last trimester. nine0005

As a result of uterine hypertonicity, the supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the fetus is disrupted, which causes the development of intrauterine hypoxia.

Sneezing during pregnancy is not only dangerous from a physiological point of view, it also indicates an underlying disease.

The effect of frequent sneezing on the fetus

Many doctors believe that it is very dangerous to sneeze frequently during pregnancy. In addition to the fact that sneezing causes contraction of the muscles of the uterus, it is a symptom of a certain disease. This may be the main manifestation of allergies, colds, SARS or flu. nine0005

Allergy. Histamine does not cross the placenta, but the deterioration of the pregnant woman's health adversely affects the unborn child. With prolonged and frequent sneezing, a pregnant woman increases the risk of negative effects on the fetus: the supply of nutrients and oxygen decreases, and developmental defects are possible. It should be noted that sneezing with allergies is only the initial symptom. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, then a pregnant woman may develop asthma, bronchitis, anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema. Such serious diseases can provoke a deterioration in the condition of the unborn child, and even cause his death. nine0010
Colds. Frequent sneezing during pregnancy can be a symptom of a common cold. As a result, about 10% of women have a spontaneous abortion, and in some cases, pathologies of the baby's nervous system develop. Normal nasal congestion leads to difficulty breathing. And this can lead to a lack of oxygen in the fetus, its hypoxia and developmental disorders.
Influenza and SARS. The most dangerous thing for a baby is frequent sneezing during viral infections, especially the flu. At the beginning of pregnancy, the virus can cause pathologies in the development of the fetus, increasing the risk of abortion. In the last trimester, all the organs of the child are already formed, so the infection will not provoke serious malformations. But there may be a violation of the functions of the placenta and the development of fetal hypoxia, after which there is a predisposition to birth trauma. nine0010

All these conditions are very dangerous for normal gestation. Without appropriate treatment, the disease can lead to uterine hypertonicity, spontaneous abortion, or premature birth. Therefore, a pregnant woman must definitely find out why she is sneezing. And together with your doctor, try to get rid of the root cause.

Can violent sneezing cause a miscarriage?

During sneezing, the muscles of the abdomen and back are directly involved. In pregnant women, this process is often accompanied by pain. This often indicates increased uterine tone, which can lead to early separation of the placenta or miscarriage. nine0005

If a pregnant woman sneezes a lot, then a doctor should be consulted. The specialist will find out what caused this condition and whether there is a danger to the child.

Severe sneezing as a cause of premature labor

In the later stages, there is a strong stretching of the ligaments and muscles, especially with a large fetus. During this period, sudden movements, including strong sneezing, are dangerous. With a sharp sneeze in women, along with the abdominal muscles, the muscles of the uterus also tighten. And frequent, strong sneezing during pregnancy provokes the appearance of increased tone, which in the later stages can cause premature birth. nine0005

If sudden pain when sneezing becomes very frequent in the third trimester, the abdomen hardens noticeably and spotting bloody discharge is noted, then you need to contact a gynecologist and, if necessary, go to a hospital.

How to get rid of sneezing during pregnancy?

If a woman suffers from sneezing during pregnancy, she should definitely be examined by a doctor in order to start appropriate treatment.

The problem of sneezing in rhinitis and allergies in pregnant women is the impossibility of using vasoconstrictor drops. Because they have a negative effect on the fetus and can lead to hypoxia. nine0005

To get rid of sneezing, a pregnant woman should drink plenty of fluids and use the following measures to combat this symptom:

take a warm shower or inhalation;
use saline solutions to cleanse the nasal mucosa, which are not contraindicated during pregnancy: Aqualor, Aquamaris, Rinostop, Humer;
turn on a special humidifier, or put a bowl of water in the room;
sleep with your head elevated at night, additional pillows can be used for comfort; nine0010
avoid contact with all kinds of irritants and allergens.

How should pregnant women behave during and after a sudden sneeze?

To minimize harm, a pregnant woman needs to learn how to sneeze properly.

Reduce pain when sneezing pregnant helps:

slight forward bend;
holding the abdominal muscles with the hand;
pulling the legs to the stomach in the supine position, curled up; nine0010
squatting.

Special bandages can be worn to reduce the strain on the muscles during sudden sneezing.

When pain occurs after a sudden sneeze, it is very important not to be nervous, as additional stress will complicate the situation. You need to provide yourself with peace and rest. It is best to lie down in a comfortable position, massage the abdominal area. If the pain does not go away, but intensifies, then you need to call a doctor.

Just don't panic ahead of time, there are a lot of reasons for such pains. To establish an accurate diagnosis, you need to undergo a complete examination. Therefore, it is better not to refuse the offer to go to the hospital if the doctor has suspicions of diseases that threaten the full bearing of the child. nine0005

What should I do if a strong sneeze provokes uterine tone?

At home, to relieve the tone of the uterus, you need to take a comfortable position. Lie on your back or side, talk calmly with the baby, stroking his stomach. It is necessary to completely relax the whole body, including the muscles of the face. A warm, but not hot bath has a good effect. You can take 1 tablet of No-Shpy or put a Papaverine candle. If it is not possible to remove the hypertonicity of the uterus on your own, you need to call an ambulance and undergo treatment in a hospital. nine0005

A pregnant woman should take her situation seriously. And, if there is severe pain when sneezing during pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause and prevent possible complications!

Did the article help?

is it harmful in the early stages, why is there a sharp pain in the lower abdomen when sneezing, is it possible when the lower abdomen hurts in a pregnant woman, and how is it correct

Many pregnant girls notice that they begin to sneeze more often. This not only disrupts the usual way of life, but also leads to abdominal pain. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes and ways to prevent such a symptom. nine0005

Contents

1 Causes of sneezing and runny nose
- 1.1 In the early stages
- 1.2 During the second half
2 Sharp pain in the lower abdomen
3 What is dangerous?
5 What's right?

Causes of sneezing and runny nose

The reasons why pregnant women often sneeze can be conditionally divided depending on the gestational age. In the first half of pregnancy, the factors are somewhat different. nine0005

In the early stages

At the beginning of pregnancy, there is a special mechanism for the onset of the sneeze reflex. It is as follows:

In the first trimester there is an increased production of estrogens and progesterone.
These hormones have several effects on the respiratory tract, in particular, they relax the muscles of the bronchi.
Sex hormones cause excessive blood supply to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
The nasal mucosa swells, which leads to a feeling of nasal congestion and sneezing.

It is not possible to prevent this process and somehow influence it. The use of vasoconstrictor drops during gestation is prohibited.

During the second half

When the first trimester is over, the level of sex hormones decreases slightly. Along with the symptoms of toxicosis, frequent sneezing also disappears. However, at this time, there is a physiological decrease in immunity, because the baby's body is a foreign object in the body of a woman. nine0005

Under such conditions, the risk of the following diseases increases:

Allergic rhinitis.
Acute viral infections.
Exacerbations of chronic rhinitis and sinusitis.
Influenza.

Any of these conditions can cause sneezing.

Sharp pain in the lower abdomen

A woman may experience pain when sneezing. This is due to the following processes:

Tension of the abdominal and back muscles leads to excessive pressure on the uterus. nine0010
By itself, hormonal changes cause a decrease in pain threshold.
Large load on the muscles of the press and lower back due to the growing uterus. Added to this is a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure during sneezing.
Tension of the ligaments of the pelvis in the last period of pregnancy.

If you experience severe pain in your lower abdomen while sneezing, you should see a doctor. The gynecologist will exclude the pathology of pregnancy and give advice on how to deal with the symptom.

Very common

If you want to sneeze all the time, it is most likely an allergic process. Swelling of the nasal mucosa leads to this reflex.

Allergy treatment consists primarily in preventing the offending allergen from entering the woman's body.

Frequent sneezing has negative effects, which will be discussed below. Therefore, with such a symptom, it is also very important to consult a doctor in time.

Why is it dangerous?

The most important question: "Is sneezing harmful for the process of gestation and childbirth?". In fact, it can be answered in the affirmative:

In the early stages, high intra-abdominal pressure leads to an increase in uterine tone. This can cause separation of the ovum and miscarriage. Pain and a feeling of muscle tension in the lower abdomen require a visit to a specialist. Another symptom of a miscarriage is the appearance of bleeding.
In the later stages, any sudden movements, such as sneezing, can cause preterm labor. Uterine tone, pain, spotting discharge require urgent medical attention.

These risks require timely treatment of sneezing. This can be done as follows:

Never use vasoconstrictor drops. They constrict the blood vessels that feed the fetal egg, and cause hypoxia in the baby.
Drink plenty of fluids to keep the mucous membranes moist.
Inhale with chamomile or string for an anti-inflammatory effect.
Take a warm shower during a sneeze attack.
The air in the room must be humidified. Special devices help to achieve this effect.
Avoid contact with any possible allergen.
Protect your respiratory tract with a mask when in public places.
At night, you should sleep with the end of the bed raised to improve the outflow of blood from the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses.

These methods help reduce the frequency of the sneeze reflex.
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