Sinus pressure pregnancy: quick relief that’s safe for you and baby
About one in three pregnant people get worse nasal congestion or sinus pressure thanks to hormone-driven swelling of nasal tissues. That tight, aching feeling across your cheeks or forehead is common, but you don’t have to suffer. Here are simple, safe moves you can try at home and clear signs that you need medical help.
Practical at-home relief that actually works
Start with saline. Saline sprays or a nasal rinse (Neti pot or squeeze bottle) help wash mucus and allergens out without drugs — safe any time in pregnancy. Use sterile or distilled water and follow the device instructions to avoid irritation.
Steam and humidity loosen stubborn mucus. Take a hot shower, breathe steam over a bowl with a towel for 5–10 minutes, or run a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep. A warm compress across your cheeks and nose for 5–10 minutes can ease facial pain and help drainage.
Sleep smarter: prop your head up with an extra pillow to prevent pooling of mucus. Stay hydrated and use saline nasal spray before bed to improve breathing. Nasal strips that lift the nostrils can help you breathe at night without medication.
Medications: what’s usually safe and what to avoid
Talk to your OB before starting any drug. For pain or fever, most doctors recommend acetaminophen for short-term use. Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, especially after 20 weeks, because they can affect the baby and pregnancy flow.
Allergy medicines like loratadine or cetirizine are often considered okay in pregnancy, but confirm with your provider. Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are usually avoided in the first trimester unless your doctor says otherwise because of possible risks. Topical nasal decongestant sprays (oxymetazoline) may be used short-term — generally no longer than 48–72 hours — to prevent rebound congestion, but check with your OB first.
Antibiotics are only needed if you have a bacterial sinus infection. Consider antibiotics when symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, you have a high fever, or facial swelling and intense pain. Your doctor will pick a pregnancy-safe option if needed.
When should you call your provider right away? If you have a high fever, severe headache, vision changes, facial swelling, trouble breathing, or symptoms that get worse after a short improvement, contact your care team. Persistent sinus problems can affect sleep and nutrition during pregnancy, so don’t shrug them off.
Simple changes — saline rinses, steam, humidity, elevation, and checking meds with your OB — solve most cases. If relief doesn’t come or symptoms look severe, get medical advice promptly. Your doctor can help you balance symptom relief with what's safest for your baby.
