Search Results for: blog dealing with nasal congestion

The Pregnancy Blog Week in Review for April 23-29

Another week has come and gone. If you have been busy, the week in review is a great way to get caught up on your reading. Fill your water glass, put up your swollen feet and read the latest in the pregnancy blog. I continued my series on infertility testing this week. Infertility Testing: The Antisperm Antibody Test offers information and insight on a puzzling cause of infertility. Learn about anti sperm antibodies and what to do if you suspect this could be the cause of your infertility. Who should be in the delivery room? This is a dilemma facing … Continue reading →

Dealing with Nasal Congestion

Before you became pregnant, you probably didn’t know that pregnancy can cause nasal congestion. This congestion is often not due to a cold or sinus infection. The condition is known as rhinitis of pregnancy and is very common. Some women are affected throughout the pregnancy, beginning in the first trimester. Rhinitis of Pregnancy is caused by the increase in the hormone estrogen during pregnancy. Higher levels of estrogen swell the mucous membranes inside the nose. It can also cause more mucous to form. This swelling causes nasal congestion in the pregnant woman. If you have a stuffy nose, but no … Continue reading →

Five Weird Pregnancy Symptoms

There are a number of weird, though perfectly normal, side effects to pregnancy that no one tells you about.  You might get all or none of these, and it could vary from one of your pregnancies to another. 1. Bloody Gums.  Early in the second trimester I began noticing a bit more blood than normal when I flossed.  I went to my routine dentist appointment, and the hygienist confirmed that yup, that’s just something that can happen when you’re pregnant.  Chalk this one down to hormones; they’re making your gums (and other parts) more inflamed than usual.  Pregnant women are … Continue reading →

Illness and Pregnancy

It finally happened. After coming in contact with countless sick family, friends, and random people, my pregnant body had enough. Now I have a cold. Although I am not sure how or from whom I contracted the virus, I do know that being sick while pregnant is not fun at all. In the midst of holiday get-togethers and the consumption of holiday related sugary treats, my immune system became susceptible to the various cold viruses on the prowl this winter season. After a twenty four hour runny nose, I thought I had beat the bug. Alas, after several unsuccessful attacks, … Continue reading →

Rhinitis May Explain All The Sneezing

I probably sneezed over a thousand times during my pregnancy. Beginning at around six weeks, I started experiencing mild cold symptoms that lasted for the duration of my entire pregnancy. It was really annoying, and I found myself constantly telling others, “I’m not sick, I promise!” Nearly a third of pregnant women develop a condition called pregnancy rhinitis. It happens when the nasal passages become inflamed due to the increased levels of estrogen and increased blood volume in the body. There is no cure, except giving birth, of course, but there are some things you can do to minimize the … Continue reading →

Dizziness in Pregnancy

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded is a common side effect of pregnancy. This is most common in early pregnancy, but can happen at any time. In most cases there is no cause for concern, but mention it to your doctor to be sure. There are a few causes of dizziness during pregnancy. For me, the problem was always related to low blood sugar levels. Your metabolism changes during pregnancy and you will find you need to eat more frequently to avoid a drop in blood sugar. Many women find that small, frequent meals are the key to resolving the problem. Another … Continue reading →

More Natural Remedies for a Sinus Infection

You may have noticed my ongoing fight against sinus infections. Whenever I get one, I start up my “sinus experiment”. The key component in my big plan is shooting salt water up my nose with a sinus rinse kit. It’s gross, but it really does work! I definitely wouldn’t have started doing it if an ear/nose/throat specialist hadn’t said it was that or another sinus surgery — the right motivation is everything. Now that I’ve seen it successfully fight off multiple sinus infections, I’ve been trying to get other people onto the sinus rinse bandwagon. If you can’t stomach the … Continue reading →

Score Another Victory For The Great Sinus Experiment

A few days ago, I woke up with a sore throat. It must be allergies, I told myself. Post nasal drip, because I have a certain brown dog who hogs all the pillows and I end up sleeping flat on my back. But the sore throat stuck around. Yesterday it was joined by a stuffy nose. And a headache. My nose and sinuses got more and more congested as the day went on, and I finally had to conclude that it wasn’t allergies. It was the beginnings of a sinus infection. I pulled out the Echinacea and goldenseal and took … Continue reading →