Congestion during pregnancy

How common is it?
About 20% of pregnant women suffer with nasal congestion. The cause is unknown; however, the congestion clears once the baby is delivered.
The condition is relatively uncomfortable and may cause the following:
• Mouth breathing
• Desire to use nasal decongestant sprays for long periods
• Snoring and sleep apnoea
• High blood pressure
Mouth breathing
The nose has the essential functions of humidifying, warming and cleansing the air we breathe. Mouth breathing, therefore, is unnatural and can have adverse effects on the following:
Teeth: the saliva dries up, leaving teeth unprotected against bacteria.
Dental caries can result.
Throat: this can become sore because of the drying effects of inhaled, dry, cool air.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
A blocked nose can lead to snoring and, in extreme cases, to breath holding during sleep (called Sleep Apnoea).
Sleep Apnea can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood during sleep.
If you are becoming more tired than usual, or if your husband or partner complains about your snoring, please see your doctor to discuss possibly testing you for sleep apnea. The test is easy and painless.
How to temporarily relieve nasal congestion
- Regular exercise
- Stop smoking
- Raise the head of your bed
- Trial of nasal splints
Splints help support and keep the structures of the lower nasal cavity open and assist with breathing. They can be purchased from most retail pharmacies.



Washing your nose with a natural nasal spray should help to clear away any excess mucus and irritants in the nasal cavity and assist with breathing.
Please make sure you choose a product that is sterile and free of preservatives and chemical buffers to avoid any potential irritation or unwanted swelling of the nasal tissue.
FLO Saline Plus provides the ideal solution for a blocked nose during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
FLO Saline Plus spray –
- Contains extra minerals required in the nose.
- Natural, gentle formulation.
- Preservative-free isotonic solution.
- No stinging or burning.
- Cost-effective metered spray containing 200+ sprays per bottle
- May be used as often as needed to help clear nasal congestion
If you suffer from sinusitis, using a large-volume wash is more effective in clearing your congestion.
FLO Sinus Care is a natural, physiological solution containing saline and extra minerals as a large volume, positive pressure nasal irrigation to reach the sinus cavities. Flo Sinus Care thins and washes away mucus to help reduce sinus pressure and pain. For detailed info on Flo Sinus Care, click here.
Additional treatments can be offered should these simple measures fail to resolve your breathing difficulties.
Please consult your family doctor or obstetrician for further advice.
Always use medicines as directed and consult your healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist.