Q&A: How Can I Deal With Sinusitis During Pregnancy?

The tricky thing about dealing with sinus issues is figuring out whether they’re pregnancy-related. That’s because pregnancy can cause the blood vessels and membranes in your nose to swell, and it can be tough to breathe through your nose — even if you’re not sick at all. If your symptoms are just pregnancy-related, saline nose drops and running a humidifier at home can help you feel more comfortable. If you’re sick with a sinus infection, those treatments can help, too, but you’ll probably have to wait it out. Luckily, most sinus infections do go away with time. The exception is a bacterial infection, which will likely be accompanied by fever and possibly yellow or green mucus; for that, your doctor may prescribe a pregnancy-safe antibiotic.

Before you take any medicine, check with your doctor. Things like Sudafed and Actifed are fine for most pregnant women to take for a short period of time, but pregnant women with certain medical conditions, like hypertension, should avoid them.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.