Spring has arrived, and many expectant mothers are aware of pollen allergies. But did you know that elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy can also trigger allergies?
Recently, expectant mother Ms. Zhao experienced what she thought was a "cold": nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose—especially after waking up in the morning when sneezing became relentless. After examination, her doctor diagnosed her with "pregnancy rhinitis."
Symptoms peak after three months of pregnancy
Reports indicate that approximately 20% of pregnant women experience pregnancy rhinitis. This condition refers to hypersensitivity reactions in the nasal mucosa caused by elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy, resulting in symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. Symptoms typically become most pronounced after the third month of pregnancy.After delivery, when hormone levels return to normal, the rhinitis typically resolves.
Severe cases may cause fetal hypoxia
This condition carries significant risks. On one hand, nasal congestion disrupts sleep quality. On the other, severe cases may lead to fetal hypoxia in the womb, potentially affecting the baby's physical and cognitive development.
Pregnant women experiencing nasal congestion should never self-medicate with over-the-counter drugs like ephedrine nasal sprays or anti-inflammatory medications. These can impair placental blood flow, causing insufficient oxygen supply, or trigger uterine contractions that may lead to miscarriage or fetal malformations.
Preventing Pregnancy Rhinitis
Expectant mothers should prioritize nasal health during pregnancy. During cold seasons, avoid crowded places and wear masks outdoors to minimize exposure to dry, cold air. Use humidifiers in dry indoor environments to reduce rhinitis risk. Engage in moderate exercise and maintain balanced nutrition to boost immunity. Practice good hygiene, regularly ventilate rooms by opening windows, andand maintain a positive mindset.
Preventing Pregnancy Rhinitis
1. Improve environment and dietary balance.
Pregnant women with rhinitis should maintain cleanliness in work and living environments. Regularly ventilate rooms, wash hair and bathe frequently, and change pillows and bedding often to prevent dust accumulation and mold growth. Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke or polluted air.
During pregnancy, increase intake of foods rich in vitamins C and E—such as leafy greens, tomatoes, oranges, red dates, beans, lean meats, dairy, and eggs—to enhance vascular elasticity and improve nasal mucosal blood flow. Avoid raw or cold foods and alcoholic beverages.
2. Prioritize nasal hygiene and actively prevent colds.
Protecting your nose is crucial. During cold autumn and winter months or flu seasons, minimize visits to crowded places. Wear a mask when going out to keep your mouth and nose warm and moist, reducing exposure to dry, cold air. When indoor air is dry, expectant mothers should use a humidifier to increase humidity. Avoid overly stimulating odors like mosquito coils, incense, paint, or cleaning agents.For polluted indoor air, white vinegar vaporization can be used for air disinfection. Additionally, actively prevent colds. If chilled, promptly consume ginger and brown sugar water to expel "cold pathogens" and reduce the risk of sinusitis.
3. Maintain a positive mindset.
A good mental state benefits both the expectant mother and fetus. Avoid intense emotional fluctuations;Expectant mothers prone to frequent outbursts or depression should promptly adjust their emotional state.
4. Maintain regular exercise to strengthen physical resistance.
Pregnant women should avoid factors that lower resistance, such as excessive fatigue, insufficient sleep, or exposure to cold. When resistance declines, the nasal mucosa's regulatory function weakens, reducing defense capabilities and allowing viruses to invade and cause illness.
Additionally, activities like morning jogging, cold water face washing, and afternoon walks can strengthen the body, improve tolerance to cold temperatures, and enhance adaptability to adverse conditions, thereby preventing pregnancy rhinitis.［