Is it okay to use nasal spray while pregnant

Nasal decongestant sprays are administered to the nasal passages as tiny drops of liquid. The ingredients in each nasal decongestant spray are quite different. Nasal Decongestant sprays are commonly used for sinusitis and allergies. But you should know about the ingredients of the nasal spray to ensure if it is safe to use during pregnancy.

Can You Use Nasal Spray in Pregnancy?

Use of nasal sprays for sinusitis, cold, or allergies for a long time is not recommended for any individual. These nasal decongestant sprays might make you addicted to it. Hence, the suggested time period for usage is about 2-3 days.

The safety of use of nasal spray during pregnancy depends on which type/category of nasal spray is being used. Except for the natural saline nasal spray (that contain saltwater only), every pregnant woman should consult a doctor before using any nasal decongestion spray.

Generally, the nasal decongestion spray works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal lining. There is a very high chance that these medications might cause constriction in blood vessels in the placenta and womb after entering the bloodstream. Hence, choosing the right nasal spray is very important.

Which Nasal Sprays are Safe for Pregnancy?

While a few medicines are unsafe during pregnancy, there are several FDA approved nasal sprays to cure sinus congestion. There are some pregnancy categories assigned by the FDA which is used in the FDA’s Drug Formulary. These categories help expectant women in differentiating between unsafe and safe nasal sprays. Following are the FDA-assigned categories.

• Category A –The medications in this category have been adequately studied. The medications do not demonstrate a risk to the unborn baby in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and there is no proof of risk in the later trimesters.
• Category B – Researches on animal reproduction do not indicate a risk to the unborn baby and there is inadequate research done on expecting women.
• Category C –Animal reproduction research shows that the medicine has a bad effect on the unborn baby and there is inadequate research done for humans. But the potential advantages of the drug may permit the use of the drug in expectant women regardless of the potential risks.
• Category D –There is potential evidence of risk on human babies based on adverse reaction data from research and studies conducted in humans. But the potential advantages of the may permit the use of the drug in expectant women regardless of potential risks.
• Category X –Foetal abnormalities have been shown by studies conducted on humans and animals. There is potential evidence of risk on human babies based on adverse reaction data from research and studies conducted in humans and the risks involved in the use of the drug in expectant women outweighs the potential advantages which the drug might have.

Before administering any kind of nasal spray medications, you should learn about the various categories of medicines. This will help you to understand which sprays contain saline, steroids, blocks blood flow to the sinuses or are absorbed into the body. Also, do not take any medicines without doctor’s prescription.

Here are some examples of safe nasal sprays during pregnancy approved by the FDA Pregnancy Categories:

• Prescription only nasal spray: Rhinocort Aqua (Category B)
• Over the counter (OTC) nasal spray: Nasacort (Category C)
• Another way to calm your sinuses is to use saline nasal spray during pregnancy. These nasal sprays are made only from salt and water. These saline solutions might not always remove your blockage for a long time but will help in decreasing any mucus build-up and will also moisturize the dry nasal passages instantaneously.

Pregnant women as recommended to use a saline nasal spray to calm your sinuses. If you have to use other nasal decongestant sprays, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor and get a prescription for it.

These five tips for treating sinus congestion while pregnant can help you get over your stuffy nose without using medication that might pose a risk to baby.

1. Avoid Allergens and Pollutants

2. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Drinking even more water than usual each day is very effective in treating sinus congestion while pregnant.

Related Articles

• Sinus Infection in Pregnancy

• Natural Ways to Reduce Nasal Congestion During Pregnancy

• Preventing Sinus Congestion

3. Keep Your Nasal Passages Clear

Flush your nasal passages with saltwater nose drops several times a day. These are available without a prescription, or you can make your own. To make your own saltwater drops, use a quarter teaspoon of salt to a cup of water.

4. Use a Facial Steamer for Treating Sinus Congestion

Clear sinus congestion while pregnant with a simple facial steamer. A facial steamer is a hot mist vaporizer. A facial steamer “steam cleans” your nasal passageways.

5. Consider Nasal Sprays (Decongestants, Antihistamines)

Medicines that constrict the nose’s blood vessels may enter the bloodstream and constrict the uterus or placenta blood vessels. Therefore, decongestants should be used only under a doctor’s supervision and only in the dosage and frequency your doctor recommends. (Women with decreased placental circulation should be cautious about taking any form of inhaled or oral decongestants.)

Some nasal sprays are safer than others. Except for saltwater (or saline) nasal spray, consult your doctor before taking nasal sprays.

Afrin

• Afrin (oxymetazoline), when used only twice a day and for a couple of days, hasn’t been shown to cause harmful effects on the developing baby.

Inhaled Nasal Steroids

• Inhaled nasal steroids (e.g., Vancenase and Beconase) are in the “probably safe” category for treating sinus congestion while pregnant. However, only when taken a couple of times a day and for a short period of time. Best to stick with the lower potency inhaled steroids unless advised by your doctor.

Cromolyn

• Cromolyn (Intal) is safe to take during pregnancy. It’s not a decongestant, a steroid, or antihistamine. Cromolyn is a medication that lessens nasal congestion due to allergies when taken over a long period of time. It is beneficial during seasonal allergic rhinitis or hayfever. It’s not helpful during an acute attack of a stuffy nose.

Nasal or Oral Decongestants

• Nasal or oral decongestants that contain the following compounds are possibly harmful to the developing baby. They shouldn’t be taken to clear sinus congestion while pregnant. Consult with your doctor. These decongestants include ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, Neo-synephrine, phenylephrine. These decongestants constrict the vessels in the airway passages. Therefore, they may also constrict the blood vessels delivering blood to the baby.

Antihistamines

• Antihistamines. Chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine are categorized as safe to use for sinus congestion while pregnant. (green light). Others are recommended only with reservation (yellow light). Yellow light antihistamines include those containing brompheniramine, diphenhydramine, terfenadine, and clemastine. These have been implicated in causing eye damage in premature infants if taken in the last two weeks of pregnancy. However, this is a rare finding.

Injections

• If you have been taking allergy shots before becoming pregnant, your doctor may advise continuing these shots during pregnancy. However, reactivity to these injections may change during pregnancy. Your doctor may elect to change the dosage. It is unlikely that your doctor would advise starting allergy shots during pregnancy.

Cough Syrup

• While pregnant, cough syrups should be taken with caution. It’s best to limit to nighttime-use or severe coughs. Available studies have shown no link between guaifenesin and fetal defects.

For more information on medication safe during pregnancy, see The Healthy Pregnancy Book: Month by Month, Everything You Need to Know from America’s Baby Experts

What nasal spray Can I use while pregnant?

Are nasal sprays safe during early pregnancy?

How do I get rid of nasal congestion while pregnant?