Runny nose in pregnancy

Runny nose during pregnancy is quite common. Often, future mothers experience this ailment in connection with the restructuring of the body at the hormonal level, resulting in swelling of the nasal membranes and other mucous membranes.

This is to blame for progesterone and estrogen - hormones, the level of which rises in the blood of a pregnant woman, which, in turn, leads to a decrease in the thickness of the mucous membrane and its swelling.

Runny nose during pregnancy can develop due to sinusitis, nasopharyngeal polyps, proliferation of adenoids, or curvature of the nasal septum. It can cause low levels of humidity, allergies, as well as infection. To prevent a woman's ailment, before going pregnant, it is recommended to visit the ENT doctor's office and eliminate the existing problems. This recommendation is due to the fact that almost all drops from the common cold are contraindicated to pregnant women, since they are contraindicated. They have a vasoconstrictive effect.

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Causes of a cold in pregnancy

Runny nose during pregnancy can occur for a number of reasons. In any case, when an illness occurs, a pregnant woman needs a doctor's consultation, since such a harmless, at first glance, symptom can cause many complications and adversely affect the course of pregnancy.

Causes of a cold in pregnancy, in the first place, are hidden in the weakened immunity of a woman. Colds or infections with respiratory infections are very common for expectant mothers, and the common cold is almost always a bright symptom associated with these diseases. In this case, treatment should be carried out necessarily, as the infection can harm the child.

Often, a runny nose in pregnant women occurs against hormonal changes in the body. This non-infectious phenomenon in medicine is called "vasomotor rhinitis". As a result of its development in the pregnant woman, there is swelling of the nasal mucosa, which provokes congestion of the nose, as well as abundant discharge of mucus from it. Most often vasomotor rhinitis occurs in the second and third semesters of pregnancy and disappears after childbirth. This kind of cold does not require any special treatment, but, of course, it is necessary to take measures to alleviate the condition of a pregnant woman.

An allergic appearance of the common cold is characterized by a sudden onset with sneezing, tearing and abundant discharge from the nose. Often allergic rhinitis in pregnant women is seasonal and manifests itself during the flowering of certain types of grasses, plants and trees. This rhinitis can also be provoked by a number of other factors: house dust, perfume or animal hair. In this case, the expectant mother needs to urgently consult an allergist.

Among other causes of development of the common cold, physicians also distinguish:

• presence of adenoids;
• chronic sinusitis;
• benign and malignant tumors (carcinomas);
• displacement of the nasal septum.

With any kind of rhinitis a pregnant woman needs to seek help from a doctor. Do not engage in self-medication, much less take medications, including drops that can have the opposite effect.

[2], [3]

Chronic rhinitis during pregnancy

Runny nose during pregnancy can get chronic form if it does not pass for a long period of time. The causes of the development of chronic rhinitis, in particular, can be:

• general diseases of the body (the presence of adenoids, VSD, neuroses, stress, heart failure, etc.);
• displacement of the nasal septum;
• hormonal changes in the body,
• polyps, the presence of tumors in the nasal cavity;
• long-term use of medications from the common cold;
• poor working conditions (dust, dry air, temperature contrast, gas contamination, etc.);
• presence of latent or neglected infection in the body.

Chronic rhinitis during pregnancy can cause an untreated or neglected infection. Most often, the main nidi of a chronic infection are the organs of the nasopharynx. Against the background of weakened immunity, pregnant women often manifest and exacerbate sinusitis, pharyngitis tonsillitis and rhinitis. If the future mother knows about the presence of this or that chronic disease in her body, it is necessary to tell the doctor about it, and at the first symptoms of the disease manifestation to take measures for their prompt elimination.

Chronic rhinitis during pregnancy adversely affects the quality of sleep of a pregnant woman. Because of difficulty breathing, it is difficult to get enough sleep, resulting in rapid fatigue, headache, fatigue. The presence of a chronic infection in the body of a future mother is dangerous in terms of reducing immunity and negative impact on the development of the fetus. In particular, its intrauterine infection is possible, as a result of which miscarriage may occur, or premature birth may begin. A stale infection in the body of a future mother can lead to the formation of various complications of pregnancy: gestosis, toxicosis, deterioration of the general well-being of a woman, as well as the birth of a sick child. That is why, before conceiving a child, the expectant mother must take care of her health in advance and visit the ENT doctor if she already had problems with diseases of the nasopharyngeal organs. The active course of immunomodulators and treatment of chronic pathology will help the body cope with the forthcoming task - pregnancy, and reliably strengthen immunity.

Identification of infections of the nasopharyngeal organs (so-called "sanation of the foci") usually occurs with the help of sowing from the nasopharynx, which results in antibacterial therapy, as well as extensive use of physiotherapeutic methods of treatment. An important factor for the elimination of infections is the treatment of carious teeth. Caries can provoke an exacerbation of sinusitis, tonsillitis and other problems associated with the oral cavity and nasopharynx. Therefore, the future mother should be treated with teeth in advance in order to avoid all sorts of complications during the period of gestation.

[4], [5],

Constant rhinitis during pregnancy

Runny nose during pregnancy can be permanent. In this case, we are talking about the vasomotor rhinitis - a condition in which there is a constant nasal congestion. The causes of the appearance of such a cold may remain unknown.

Constant rhinitis during pregnancy signals a possible presence in the future mother of vasomotor rhinitis, which is extremely undesirable. Usually a persistent runny nose is accompanied by an unpleasant tickle in the nose, a need to sneeze a lot. The development of a vasomotor runny nose often leads to the fact that the process of breathing is carried out only by the mouth. Risk factors for developing a persistent cold can be:

• bad habits, in particular, smoking;
• too dry or polluted air in the room;
• the body's reaction to individual smells;
• development of asthma;
• various injuries to the nose;
• emotional stress, stress;
• hormonal changes in the body (in particular, during the carrying of the child).

If the pregnant woman has a persistent runny nose, it is necessary to contact the medical institution as soon as possible to conduct the diagnosis. Since there are quite a lot of reasons for the occurrence of vasomotor rhinitis, it is necessary to exclude the infectious nature of the development of the disease. A pregnant woman should consult her gynecologist who will refer her to a competent medical specialist - an allergist, an endocrinologist, or an otolaryngologist. For effective treatment of vasomotor rhinitis, the doctor must establish its origin (etiology). The choice of medicines for the treatment of persistent runny nose in a future mother should be carried out especially carefully, taking into account possible risks to the fetus.

Constant rhinitis during pregnancy is dangerous because it can cause a number of negative consequences:

• Nasal congestion leads to disruption of oxygen circulation in the respiratory system, as a result of which hypoxia develops in the tissues of the nasopharynx, which can provoke a conditionally pathogenic microflora, which is always present in the human body, in an actively pathogenic manner. This is fraught with the development of rhinosinusitis - a condition that requires a thorough, carefully thought out and long treatment.
• Against the background of a permanent cold, the brain tissue is poorly supplied with oxygen. Because of this, the pregnant woman has frequent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, lethargy and fatigue. In addition, the manifestations of neurotic symptoms are likely: apathy, tearfulness, neurosis, irritability and sleep disorders.
• Continuous breathing through the mouth due to rhinitis causes the spread of infection to the lower respiratory tract, which can lead to complications in the form of tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and the like.

To prevent a pregnant woman from developing complications associated with a persistent runny nose, treatment of rhinitis during pregnancy should be as quick as possible, literate and safe, and also have a powerful preventive aspect.

[6], [7], [8]

Coryza in the first trimester of pregnancy

Runny nose during pregnancy at the initial stage of bearing a baby often occurs due to hormonal changes in the female body - a sharp rise in the blood levels of progesterone and estrogen. The result of this process is edema and thinning of the nasal mucosa. Usually such a runny nose goes away soon after childbirth, and so that he does not bother the future mother, she should increase the intake of vitamin C, after consulting with a doctor.

Rhinitis in the first trimester of vasomotor pregnancy does not require special treatment, but it is necessary to alleviate the condition, otherwise it will be difficult for the pregnant woman to breathe, which can lead to hypoxia, which is extremely undesirable for both the future mother and her baby. Often, the common cold may occur as a result of a cold, which is very common in pregnant women due to weakened immunity. Obligatory consultation with a doctor requires a runny nose, accompanied by headache, fever, throat and coughing. Surely it is a virus that can have a very negative impact on the health of the future mother and the intrauterine development of the baby.

Coryza in the first trimester of pregnancy can have other causes. In any case, for an accurate diagnosis it is necessary to have an examination with a doctor. Often, pregnancy causes an allergic rhinitis, especially in spring, when there is an active flowering of plants. The main thing is to determine the diagnosis and to eliminate the disease as soon as possible, otherwise a strong, exhausting runny nose in the early stages of pregnancy can provoke a miscarriage, since in the first weeks the developing embryo is too vulnerable.

After determining the causes of a runny nose in pregnancy, the expectant mother should strictly follow all the doctor's instructions. In the first trimester it is not recommended to treat rhinitis with chemical preparations, as well as uncontrolled eating honey, drinking vitamins and taking hot baths. With cold cold it is useful to dry heat, herbal tea and bed rest.

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Coryza in the second trimester of pregnancy

Runny nose during pregnancy can bother the expectant mother at both early and late gestation of the baby. In any case, this is a very dangerous symptom, since nasal congestion causes difficulty in breathing and thus prevents the intake of the necessary amount of oxygen, which is very important for the correct development of the baby.

Rhinitis in the second trimester of pregnancy is not as dangerous as in the first trimester, when due to various adverse factors there is a threat of miscarriage. At this stage of pregnancy, developmental malformations in the child are almost impossible, but a runny nose that has occurred as a result of a cold can have a very negative impact on the baby, especially if the expectant mother is not treated and has started a painful condition. Because of the common cold, complications can occur in the form of:

• fetoplacental insufficiency, when the placenta does not sufficiently cope with its functions and poorly provides the fetus with oxygen and nutrients;
• disorders of the nervous system of the child, tk. Its active development falls precisely on the second trimester;
• the likelihood of premature birth of a child, as well as the low weight of the baby (in the case of uncontrolled use of drugs and severe disease).

It should be noted that a strong and debilitating rhinitis in the second trimester of pregnancy (especially in 19-20 weeks) is capable of provoking malfunctions in the development of eggs. If a pregnant woman is expecting a girl, she should pay special attention to this factor, since the baby may later be infertile.

Before you start taking medications from the common cold, a pregnant woman should consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause of rhinitis. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to take drugs of chemical origin, so the doctor should think over a treatment that in no way will harm the baby.

It should be remembered that a runny nose, flowing in mild form, in case of its neglect can provoke the development of serious diseases:

• bronchitis,
• sinusitis, as well as other types of sinusitis,
• pneumonia.

The treatment of such ailments is very long and requires the use of medications, which is highly undesirable in the formation of the fetus. That is why it is so important not to allow the development of the inflammatory process and to start treating the rhinitis in good time, having consulted a doctor beforehand.

[10], [11]

Coryza in the third trimester of pregnancy

Runny nose during pregnancy can pose a threat to the fetus at any gestation period. The development of rhinitis in the last months of pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes, which increase the volume of circulating blood and cause swelling of mucous membranes. In this case, it is necessary to take care of the hygiene of the room: to ventilate the room, to conduct a wet cleaning. A pregnant woman should walk as often as possible in the open air, less to sit out indoors. Moderate loads are very useful for expectant mothers.

Rhinitis in the third trimester of pregnancy can be a symptom of a cold disease, which often results in complications such as:

• premature delivery;
• aging of the placenta, because of which the fruit is deprived of reliable protection;
• violation of the hormonal background, which complicates the process of producing breast milk at week 34;
• the possibility of infection in the amniotic fluid used by the child.

That is why it is so important to recognize the onset of the development of a cold disease, the main symptom of which is a severe cold. But even rhinitis in mild form at the 37th week of pregnancy can signal the presence in the body of a future mother of a latent infection. Therefore, it is important to apply to a medical institution in a timely manner and take blood and urine tests in order to identify the infectious agent as soon as possible and take the necessary measures to eliminate it.

The development of rhinitis at the 38th week of pregnancy should alert the future mother, since at birth the baby can immediately get into the "world of infection". Unfortunately, the weak organism of the newborn is not always able to cope with the infection. Therefore, after delivery, it is isolated from the mother, which has pronounced signs of a cold, including a bad cold. Do not expose an unborn baby yet, and if there is even a slight runny nose, a pregnant woman should consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of the disease.

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Coryza in the early stages of pregnancy

Runny nose during pregnancy should not go unnoticed, because the cause of its appearance can become a viral infection, which is very undesirable for both the future mother and her child. Among other causes of the rhinitis, hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman can be noted, which cause swelling of the mucous membranes, resulting in a runny nose, or an allergic reaction of the body to some stimulus.

Runny nose in early pregnancy may have a different etiology, but if it is caused by an infection, the position of the pregnant woman becomes more dangerous. Penetrating into the body of a woman, the virus is lightly transported through the blood to all organs, including the uterus. Thus, infection of the baby can occur. Inflammatory process often provokes miscarriage, and also causes a number of complications. That's why a cold should alert a pregnant woman, and if other cold symptoms are observed along with it: headache, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, sneezing and dry cough, etc., the expectant mother should immediately consult a doctor.

Rhinitis in the early stages of pregnancy with a cold is especially dangerous in the first weeks of pregnancy, when the initial formation of all organs and systems of the embryo. In addition to possible complications due to infection, abundant secretions from the nose and its persistent obstruction complicates the nasal breathing process in the future mother. The duration of this phenomenon can lead to oxygen starvation, and then hypoxia of the fetus.

It should be noted that the treatment of the common cold in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy should be as gentle as possible. It is forbidden to use pregnant women with vasoconstrictive drugs (Naphthyzin, Galazolin, Nazivin, Sanorin, etc.), since they are able to thin the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, resulting in the development of atrophy of the olfactory nerve endings. Any medicine can cause harm to the child, therefore at the first symptoms of a cold, including a common cold, a pregnant woman should seek help from a medical facility as soon as possible.

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Coryza in late pregnancy

Runny nose during pregnancy occurs, usually in the first weeks after conception and is mainly associated with hormonal changes in the organism of the future mother. However, if a pregnant woman observes a severe runny nose in the third semester of pregnancy, this can be a warning signal. So a viral infection can manifest itself, especially if, in addition to rhinitis, the pregnant woman has other unpleasant symptoms, including a fever.

Coryza in late pregnancy can be triggered by a cold. According to the doctors, catarrhal diseases in late pregnancy do not entail any serious consequences, since all the organs of the child are already formed, and the placenta is a reliable barrier to getting into the uterus of various microorganisms. However, this does not mean that the cold can be allowed to run its course. The health of the future mother should be in the first place, because the outcome of the upcoming birth and the condition of the baby depend on this factor.

A pregnant woman should remember that colds, which are a frequent symptom of a strong cold, in the last months of bearing a baby can adversely affect the course and outcome of labor. Especially dangerous is the situation, if during the delivery there is an infection of the child from the mother. The likelihood of transmission of the virus to the baby as it passes through the birth canal increases.

Runny nose on late pregnancy leads to unpleasant sensations, including difficulty breathing. Due to the fact that the nose is permanently embedded, it is difficult for a pregnant woman to fall asleep, she often faces such problems as insomnia, fatigue, dizziness. This is due to the lack of oxygen in the brain tissue. The congestion of the nose of a future mother can lead to an oxygen starvation of a child. If this process is started, you can note such complications as placental insufficiency and even premature onset of labor. Certainly, the risk is not great, but it does exist. That is why it is so important for the expectant mother to pay attention to even such a seemingly mere trifle as a cold. In any case, the responsibility for the health of the child should be much higher than doubts and independent uncontrolled actions. Therefore, with a strong cold, a pregnant woman needs to turn to a gynecologist, who, depending on the situation, directs her to a narrowly specialized medical specialist to clarify the diagnosis.

Severe runny nose in pregnancy

Runny nose in pregnancy is a symptom that has a different nature of origin, but more often than not, severe rhinitis is a consequence of a viral infection. In order to avoid the development of a dangerous disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner, otherwise, due to a common cold, to be more exact, a virus that has got into the organism of a future mother, the child may suffer.

A severe runny nose during pregnancy should be treated immediately, otherwise, if you start a painful condition, the harm to the fetus will increase significantly. Difficulty breathing, which arose in the pregnant woman due to stuffy nose, can lead to a lack of oxygen, and subsequently - hypoxia of the child. Because of a strong cold, the pregnant woman is forced to breathe through the mouth, and this is fraught with consequences in the form of a cold, especially if it's cold outside.

Infectious rhinitis occurs with any infectious disease (ODS, acute respiratory viral infection, influenza), as well as in case of a common cold. Why does a bad cold appear? This process is caused by the ingress and destructive effects of pathogens, various bacteria and viruses on the nasal mucosa. Their rapid multiplication provokes damage to the mucosa, resulting in exfoliation of the upper layer of the epithelium. There is burning in the nasal passages, nasal congestion, abundant discharge of mucus, as well as changes in voice and difficulty breathing. This is how the protective function of the human body works: together with abundant phlegm from the nose, pathogenic microorganisms are excreted. If the diagnosis of "infectious rhinitis" is confirmed, the pregnant woman should urgently provide medical care, taking the necessary measures to effectively localize the disease.

A severe runny nose during pregnancy, which is caused by an infection, indicates its possible spread to the lower respiratory organs. In this case, the bronchi and lungs may suffer, and the inflammatory process in the organism of the future mother may be bad for the child. In the early stages of pregnancy, it is fraught with miscarriages or abnormalities in the intrauterine development of the baby. Therefore, it is very important for a pregnant woman to immediately begin treatment of any diseases, including a severe cold, without delay. After all, if the rhinitis becomes chronic, the treatment will be more serious and prolonged.

Runny nose in pregnancy: how to protect yourself and prevent the development of complications? In order not to suffer from this symptom, a pregnant woman should follow important recommendations:

• to strengthen their immunity, controlling the lifestyle, nutrition and intake of vitamins;
• do not overcool, dress according to the weather;
• in case of visiting a public place (shopping center, office, cinema, shop, etc.) lubricate the nostrils from the inside with a thin layer of oxolin ointment, especially in the autumn-winter period, when there are more cases of flu;
• maximum limit contact with a sick family member using a respirator;
• immediately seek medical attention in the event of the appearance of the slightest symptoms that indicate health problems, including when rhinitis occurs.

The main rule for a future mother is not to self-medicate! In case of nasal congestion and a severe cold (especially if these symptoms do not go away within a few days), the pregnant woman must necessarily consult a medical specialist.

What is dangerous for the runny nose during pregnancy?

Runny nose during pregnancy, in addition to giving a woman discomfort, can be very dangerous, especially in the early months of fetal development. With a cold in a pregnant woman, breathing difficulties most often occur, and, accordingly, the supply of oxygen to the female body worsens, which is very undesirable during pregnancy, since it can cause oxygen starvation of the fetus. Nasal congestion, provoked by a runny nose, causes forced breathing through the mouth, and this adversely affects the protection of the body from the attack of microbes. After all, it is known that a lot of microbes stay in the nose - thanks to the unique structure of the mucosa lined from the inside with villi that hold the smallest particles of dust and microscopic substances inhaled with air.

What is dangerous for the runny nose during pregnancy? First and foremost, the fact that his treatment requires a special approach and the choice of means, since pregnant women are contraindicated with any drops from the common cold, because they are not affected by the infection. They provoke narrowing of the vessels. If the runny nose is of a viral nature, then there is a probability of getting the virus through the blood of a future mother to an unborn baby. This can cause a miscarriage - spontaneous termination of pregnancy.

Both hormonal, and allergic or cold coryza can significantly undermine the immunity of the female body, and also develop into a chronic form of the disease thereby harm the baby. Cold coryza of an infectious nature can adversely affect the intrauterine development of the baby, especially in the first 3 months of gestation, when all the vital organs and functions of the embryo are formed, and any infection is extremely undesirable for this process. Therefore, treatment of the common cold during pregnancy should be given special attention.

Any disease that is accompanied by a runny nose in a pregnant woman is complicated by the restriction in the use of many effective medications for drug therapy. However, do not panic or feel depressed - it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. The intake of vitamins, breathing exercises, the use of herbal products - these are the components of literate treatment that will lead to immediate recovery.

Treatment of a cold in pregnancy

Runny nose during pregnancy can cause a number of complications, so treatment should be started as soon as possible. To begin treatment it is necessary with visiting of the doctor who will examine the pregnant woman and will spend diagnostics for statement of the exact diagnosis of disease.

Treatment of a runny nose during pregnancy should be comprehensive and include drugs that in no way affect the correct course of pregnancy. The most common remedy most often used by expectant mothers in the event of a severe cold is vasoconstrictive drops from the common cold, the action of which is aimed at quickly getting rid of nasal congestion and mucus discharge. Unfortunately, the drops themselves do not cope with the cause of the rhinitis, but only remove this symptom. In addition, their long-term use can lead to addiction, increased blood pressure, overdrying the nasal mucosa, and most importantly - to cause a sharp narrowing of the vessels of the female organs - the placenta and the uterus. The latter factor often leads to fetal hypoxia. Therefore, for greater safety, medical specialists recommend that pregnant women use drops not more than 3 days, only before going to bed, i.e. Once a day. In addition, the treatment should be prescribed by the doctor, since many of these drugs are contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

When treating a cold in pregnant women, it is best to use alternative methods. For example, such as:

• washing of the nasal passages with saline solution or herbal decoctions (chamomile, calendula, plantain);
• warming up the nose with a boiled egg, warm pouches with salt or buckwheat;
• abundant drinking (at least 2 liters per day);
• short herbal inhalations;
• use of ointment "Asterisk" and other procedures.

Treatment of a runny nose during pregnancy should be determined by the doctor depending on the main causes of the onset of this symptom and the condition of the pregnant woman. Self-medication can harm both the future mother and her child, so it is so important not to avoid a visit to a medical specialist.

Allergic rhinitis is most often caused by seasonal flowering of plant-allergens. The main principle of treating such a cold is preventing the pregnant woman from contacting the allergen. It is necessary to eliminate pets, whose hair can also provoke an allergy and cause a protective reaction of the body. It is necessary to make more frequent wet cleaning of the premises, and also, if necessary, to install air filters.

If a cold is caused by an acute respiratory infection, it is very important to follow the rules of indoor hygiene. It is necessary that the air in the room is well-hydrated and fresh. This factor will facilitate the easy removal of slime accumulating in the nasal sinuses, as well as the establishment of the work of all mucous membranes. To this end, you should use a special device - an air humidifier. It can also be used as an inhaler, adding several drops of eucalyptus essential oil, tea tree, juniper or mint to the water tank. Thus, the air in the room is saturated with useful medicinal substances.

Runny nose during pregnancy is effectively treated with inhalation. For a separate procedure, it is recommended to use inhalers (nebulizers), but if there is no such device, you can try inhalation open method. Warm vapors with therapeutic substance favorably affect the nasal mucosa and evenly warm up the nasal cavity.

A good way to relieve the condition with a strong cold is a so-called massage. "Reflex" zones. The procedure is to simultaneously massage the bridge of the nose and the zone above the upper lip. Massaging these points effectively relieves nasal congestion. Other ways of this massage are light tapping of the nasal bone from both sides, as well as massaging the maxillary sinuses and the area above the brow ridges.

Abundant drink is an important point in the complex treatment of the common cold. Of drinks to a pregnant woman is best suited compotes, herbal teas, warm milk, fruit drinks, teas, mineral water without gas. It is also useful compote of currant and broth of wild rose, tk. They contain vitamin C, which is necessary for effective control of the infection. To properly prepare a decoction of rosehip, it is necessary to boil slightly dried inflorescences for 5 minutes, adding a small amount of sugar to the water.

It is necessary to create a favorable microclimate in the room, i.e. To ensure optimum humidity (about 60%) and air temperature (18-20 ° C). It is also important to ventilate the room more often and carry out a wet cleaning. You can periodically ignite the aroma lamp using the same essential oils as for steam inhalations.

A pregnant woman needs to take a close look at her breathing with a cold. It is necessary to try to breathe shallowly, but smoothly, slightly drawing in a breath in and out. Such exercises help to quickly get rid of annoying cold.

Runny nose during pregnancy is a symptom that should not leave a future mother unattended. Difficulty breathing a pregnant woman provokes a decrease in the amount of oxygen coming to the baby. Every woman should know about this, because she is responsible for the crumbs she carries under her heart.