Sneezing during pregnancy: causes, dos and don’ts 

There’s nothing worse than having to stop every couple of minutes to sneeze when you’re trying to get a million things done around the house. Especially when you’re also growing a tiny human life. But while you might be tempted to ignore your sneezing and get back to building that bassinet, this could be a sign to put your feet up and relax. Increased sneezing during pregnancy is normal but can be annoying, so it’s important to take a few minutes for yourself to decompress when you can. Don’t worry, baby isn’t coming yet! 

Let’s find out why frequent sneezing during pregnancy happens and how you can make this incredible journey of yours much easier. 

Is frequent sneezing in pregnancy normal? 

Morning sickness, swollen feet, an intense craving for ice cubes and coal and condiments — these are the things you associate with being pregnant. Not sneezing endlessly while trying to put on a pair of socks. But frequent sneezing during pregnancy is actually quite common! 

While sneezing in general can be a little annoying, frequent sneezing in pregnancy is actually part of a condition known as pregnancy rhinitis. Pregnancy rhinitis is an inflammation of the inside of the nose and can be caused by all sorts of internal and external factors. The symptoms are similar to that of a cold, including a blocked nose or mild nasal discomfort as well as frequent sneezing. Pregnancy causes your hormones to change their usual balance and when this change causes inflammation on the inside of your nose, you might get pregnancy rhinitis.  

You may also find yourself sneezing when pregnant because you’re picking up more common colds. While you’re pregnant, your immune system is a lot weaker. This is a protective measure from your body to prevent it from mistaking the unborn baby for an invading virus but, while your baby is safer, you’re more likely to pick up colds and other bugs. Of course, you wouldn’t have it any other way (you never do!). But that’s why it’s extra important to make time for yourself when you’re pregnant – you’ve given up unpasteurised cheese for your baby, you shouldn’t feel guilty about taking the time to rest and recharge to beat that cold! 

Can sneezing hurt your baby? 

If you’re anxious that the force of sneezing might be harmful to your baby, don’t worry! Sneezing won’t impact your baby’s health or growth at all. A common cold and a bit of extra nose-blowing during pregnancy isn’t harmful either; it’s just not much fun for you for nine months!  

If you think you might have flu, fever or a more severe illness than a common cold then there may be risks attached to this. See your doctor immediately. 

Experiencing pain when sneezing: pregnant edition 

Feeling pain when you’re pregnant can feel really scary, but not all pain means something is wrong! Experiencing pain when sneezing in pregnancy is usually due to the pressure sneezing and coughing puts on the ligaments around your uterus, which are stretched as you grow during pregnancy.  

If the pain you are experiencing is very severe or remains sharp for longer than a few seconds after sneezing, consult your doctor immediately. 

Abdominal pain when sneezing: am I pregnant? 

If you didn’t think you were pregnant before reading this article, pause before buying that baby book! A sneezing pain in the abdomen is a normal effect of pregnancy but there are many other possible reasons for experiencing it. If you think you might be pregnant it’s important to find out with a pregnancy test and trip to your doctor.  

If you’ve been sneezing a lot more often than usual because of a cold or seasonal allergy, the muscles in your abdomen will be working harder. This often results in muscle soreness. Take some time to unwind, use a heating pad for your muscles, and give yourself that much-needed break on the couch. Pregnant or not – you deserve a little treat. 

If you have other reasons for abdominal pain, the impact of sneezing will increase it. If you’re experiencing severe or lasting pain in your abdomen, it’s important to consult your doctor to find out what’s causing it. 

Pregnant sneezing: do’s and don’ts 

Here are some final tips to bear in mind when dealing with sneezing in pregnancy. 

Do: 

• Talk to your doctor before using sneezing medication to make sure it’s safe for pregnancy  
• Ask for medical advice on getting a flu vaccination to protect you and your baby before flu season 
• Use a humidifier or an eco-friendly alternative at night to soothe the inside of your nose and relieve the causes of sneezing 
• Keep a sneezing survival kit on you: nasal spray, tissues and a bottle of water to re-hydrate 
• Talk to your doctor if you’re worried about any part of your pregnancy 

Don't:

• Panic! Frequent sneezing in pregnancy or pain when sneezing in pregnancy is normal and usually harmless. 

There you have it — all the things you need to keep in mind when you’re frequently sneezing during pregnancy! And if you’re looking for more tips during pregnancy, discover what you should pack in your labour bag when the big day finally arrives! 

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