During pregnancy, a woman becomes more vulnerable to many infectious diseases. Expectant mothers often have a sore throat, nasal congestion, and sneezing. During pregnancy, this symptom can be not only unpleasant, but also dangerous. Today's article will tell you about the reasons for its occurrence. You will also learn how to treat sneezing during pregnancy (in the early stages and subsequent trimesters).
Symptom and its causes
Sneezing is a natural reaction of the body, a reflex. It occurs when exposed to any stimulus. In a normal, normal state, the inner mucous membrane of the nose is moistened and does not have harmful microbes on its surface. Sneezing is a way to get rid of the latter. During the process itself, a sharp cleansing of the nasal passages occurs. A person, as it were, blows out the contents of the upper respiratory system.
The reason for frequent sneezing can be anything. It is impossible to independently determine the origin of this trait. Therefore, if you are faced with one, it is better to consult a doctor. A person can sneeze due to physiology: due to environmental influences. Often, itching in the nose occurs due to contact with an allergen, virus or bacterial infection. In each individual case, sneezing (during pregnancy and in its absence - it does not matter) should be treated in different ways. You will learn more about them later.
Why is sneezing dangerous during pregnancy?
Many expectant mothers are concerned about this condition. They fear that the natural process of cleansing the airways could harm a new condition. Indeed, it happens. During a sneeze, several muscle groups are involved at once. These include the peritoneal section. For short periods, a sharp reduction can lead to the threat of interruption. Before giving birth, women complain of sneezing incontinence. During pregnancy, the uterus presses strongly on the bladder, and a sharp contraction of the peritoneum provokes a small discharge of urine. In most cases, this is not a big deal. But if this symptom (incontinence) persists after childbirth, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Frequent sneezing during pregnancy is dangerous not only muscle contraction. Also, this symptom may be a sign of infection. Viral runny nose and itchy nose are not so scary. Much more serious is a bacterial infection, which is almost impossible to eliminate without antimicrobial agents (more on this below).
Physiology and the effects of external factors
Environmental exposure may cause sneezing. During pregnancy, the nasal mucosa becomes more vulnerable to various stimuli. Dry air aggravates discomfort and causes itching. As a result, the woman begins to sneeze.
Reflex also appears due to a change in temperature. If you were in the freezing air and entered a warm room, a sneeze begins. The opposite rule also works. Some people (pregnant women are no exception) sneeze due to the bright light. It is enough for them to look at the sun or enter a bright room from the darkness - a reflex immediately appears. All these causes of sneezing are harmless. They do not require drug therapy. It is only important to create a comfortable stay for the expectant mother.
Viral disease
The most common cause that triggers a sneeze is a cold. Viruses are active throughout the year, but their manifestation is especially pronounced in cold weather. Therefore, the expectant mother needs to take care of her health in advance and regularly carry out preventive measures. Viral infection is characterized by a mucous membrane of the nose with a liquid consistency. Runny nose is more watery, there is congestion.
Features of the treatment of this symptom is that therapy can be carried out by alternative means. A woman needs a plentiful drink, a well-ventilated area, sufficient humidity. If the symptom is very worrying, then you can take antiviral medications. Remember: they must be prescribed by a doctor. The permitted drugs (during pregnancy) include Arbidol, Oscillococcinum, Viferon, and Grippferon.
Bacterial sneezing
A great danger to the expectant mother and her baby is a bacterial disease. Such a pathology has the following symptoms: body temperature within subfebrile values, thick green snot, cough and conjunctivitis are possible. The treatment of such diseases involves the use of antibiotics. In the early stages, you can use natural medicines: garlic and onions, aloe juice. Safe means will also be Miramistin and Pinosol.
If the described drugs have not improved the condition of the woman, then chemical medications will be required. They should only be prescribed by a specialist. In the early stages of pregnancy, any antibiotics are prohibited. Closer to the middle of the term, the doctor may prescribe penicillin drugs or macrolides.
Allergy
Sneezing during pregnancy can be caused by an allergen. In this case, the pollen of plants, the hair of domestic animals, food, chemical household additives and so on acts as an irritant. If you know about the possibility of an allergy, then it is better to be safe in advance. Discuss this issue with your doctor.
When the symptom has already arisen, it is necessary to act. An allergen can cause considerable harm to an expectant mother and her baby. Remember that everything only begins with sneezes. In the future, pathology can manifest itself with a rash, swelling, and even anaphylactic shock. Treatment of an allergic reaction is possible only as directed by a doctor. If the future mother feels well, then all antihistamines in the first trimester should be discarded. In the future, such compounds as Zirtek, Cetrin, Azelastine and some others can be used. It is worth giving preference to drugs of the second and third generations. The first group of antihistamines is used exclusively for health reasons.
Tips & Tricks
Often, expectant mothers have abdominal pain when sneezing. When pregnancy is long, they are more noticeable, since the ligaments supporting the uterus are very stretched. Many women are afraid to sneeze: they pinch their mouth and nose. In this case, the air flow rushes not outward, but inward. It turns out that pathogenic microorganisms do not go out, but, on the contrary, go deeper. You can't sneeze like that. You need to alternately close the nostrils and use disposable paper napkins. To avoid discomfort, take the most comfortable position while sneezing. Better sit down. Especially pain is felt if a woman lies on her back.
To minimize sneezing and cleanse the nasal mucosa, use saline solutions. They are not contraindicated during pregnancy: "Humer", "Aqualor", "Rinostop" and others. Their regular use will help you avoid infection.
Summarize
You have become aware of the main causes of sneezing during pregnancy. If the reflex arose once, then there is nothing to worry about. Most likely, this is a reaction to an external stimulus. With frequent sneezing and the appearance of pain, incontinence, consult a doctor. I wish you good health!