Nasal stuffiness during pregnancy

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of nasal stuffiness during pregnan cy. Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study, with collection of data d uring 1 year in a cohort of 2,264 pregnant women. Methods: Self-reported na sal stuffiness in gestational weeks 12, 20, 30, and 36 was correlated to ag e, parity, body mass index, and smoking habits. Results: The prevalence of nasal stuffiness increased during pregnancy and occurred in 27% of the wome n at 12 weeks of gestation, in 37% at 20 weeks, in 40% at 30 weeks and in 4 2% at 36 weeks. Sixty-five percent of the women reported stuffiness at some time when asked. It was commoner in multiparous than in nulliparous women. Age, body mass index, and smoking habits were not associated with nasal st uffiness. Conclusion: Self-reported nasal stuffiness for 3 or more weeks wa s common during pregnancy and could occur at any time in two thirds of the women. Treatment regimens to alleviate this symptom should be developed.