During pregnancy, women's bodies undergo dramatic hormonal changes. These changes not only affect mood and appetite, but may also cause a physical discomfort that is often overlooked - nasal congestion during pregnancy. Many expectant mothers find themselves experiencing persistent nasal congestion, sneezing, and even difficulty breathing in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, which can affect sleep and mood in severe cases.
During pregnancy, the use of traditional medicines always makes people worried, so is there a safe, effective, and drug-free way to relieve nasal congestion during pregnancy? The answer is yes: nasal irrigation (Nasal Irrigation).
Why is it easy to have nasal congestion during pregnancy?
Medically, nasal congestion during pregnancy is called "pregnancy rhinitis", and its main causes include:
- Elevated estrogen: changes in hormone levels can cause nasal blood vessels to dilate and mucosal swelling.
- Increased body fluids: During pregnancy, the body's water content increases, and the nasal cavity is more likely to swell and accumulate fluid.
- Increased sensitivity to environmental stimuli: The response to allergens such as dust and pollen becomes stronger.
- Exacerbation of chronic rhinitis or sinusitis: Existing problems are more likely to recur or worsen during pregnancy.
These factors work together to make many expectant mothers have severe nasal congestion at night, open mouth breathing, poor sleep quality, and may also cause pharyngitis or headaches in the long run.
What kind of method is nasal irrigation?
Nasal irrigation uses isotonic or slightly hypertonic saline to gently enter one nostril and discharge from the other side through special equipment, thereby achieving:
- Clearing excess mucus and secretions in the nasal cavity
- Rinsing away inhaled dust, bacteria, pollen and other irritants
- Relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa and keep breathing unobstructed
It does not involve any drug ingredients, so it is widely regarded as a safe, natural and minimally side-effect relief method during pregnancy.
Precautions for pregnant women to use nasal irrigation
Although nasal irrigation is considered safe for pregnant women, in order to avoid discomfort and potential risks, it is still recommended to pay attention to the following points:
- Choose safe equipment and saline
- Use a nasal irrigation bottle designed for the nasal cavity, such as a squeeze bottle or a gravity-type neti pot
- It is recommended to use the matching nasal wash salt bag to prepare isotonic saline (0.9% concentration) to avoid making mistakes in your own mixing
- Avoid using tap water, it is best to use boiled and cooled water or distilled water
- Control water temperature and frequency
- The water temperature should be close to body temperature (about 37°C), too cold or too hot may irritate the nasal mucosa
- 1 to 2 times a day is appropriate, avoid excessive irrigation and cause dry mucosa
- Correct irrigation posture
- Tilt your head slightly forward and to one side, open your mouth slightly to breathe, and avoid water entering your throat
- Gently blow your nose after the process, don't use too much force
DeepCozy nasal rinser - a safer choice for nasal irrigation during pregnancy
For pregnant women, it is particularly important to choose a gentle, safe and easy-to-operate nasal rinser. Recommended use:
DeepCozy 300ml squeeze nasal wash bottle (including 30 packs of nasal wash salt)
Medical grade materials, bisphenol A free, safe and odorless
Soft nozzle fits the nasal cavity, and the washing is gentler
One-touch squeeze bottle body, easily control the water flow intensity
With a special salt bag, quickly mix isotonic saline suitable for pregnant women
DeepCozy makes every wash safe and comfortable, and is the word-of-mouth choice of many pregnant mothers.
When should nasal irrigation be stopped?
Although nasal irrigation is a relatively safe method, it is recommended to stop using it and seek medical attention in time in the following cases:
- Frequent nasal bleeding or obvious burning sensation
- Headache and ear pressure changes after washing
- Nasal congestion persists for more than two weeks and cannot be relieved
- When the doctor has other instructions, please follow the doctor's advice first
Pregnancy is not easy, and if you are still troubled by nasal congestion, it will greatly affect the quality of life. As a simple, safe, non-drug natural therapy, nasal irrigation is the ideal choice to relieve nasal congestion during pregnancy.
From today on, choose a scientific way of care for your own and your baby's health. If you haven't tried it yet, you might as well choose the DeepCozy nasal rinser to make your breath fresher and your sleep more peaceful.
