What is pregnancy nose and why does it occur?

During pregnancy, you may notice that your nose feels stuffy, runny, or even more sensitive than usual—this is often called "pregnancy nose" or pregnancy rhinitis. This happens when the high levels of hormones, especially estrogen, cause the tissues inside your nose to swell and become inflamed. The increased blood flow to your nasal passages, which is a normal change during pregnancy, can also lead to more mucus production. These changes are part of your body's way of adapting during pregnancy, although they might feel uncomfortable at times. While "pregnancy nose" can be annoying, it generally isn't a sign of a serious problem. Most often, the symptoms improve after you have your baby. If you ever feel that your nasal symptoms are very bothersome or are accompanied by other concerning signs, you can use our free symptom checker to help understand what might be happening, and then speak with your healthcare provider for advice on safe remedies and ways to ease the discomfort during this time.