Is it normal to have phlegm when pregnant

While you may not normally call your doctor for these symptoms, you have to be more careful during pregnancy. Bronchitis is fairly common, especially during the winter months. Taking preventive steps is important to help you and your baby-to-be stay well. Bronchitis can be the result of a bacterial or viral infection. Both are unfortunately easy to catch.

One of the best ways to protect against bronchitis is to wash your hands often. Avoiding exposure to people that have bronchitis or other respiratory conditions is also important. If a loved one has an infection, try to stay away as much as you can.

This is especially true if they have a fever. The flu virus can cause bronchitis, so be sure to get an annual flu shot. You can also encourage those around you to get the shot. That means your little one will be less likely to experience the flu virus. Avoiding cigarette smoke is also important in preventing bronchitis. Unfortunately, for some expectant moms, bronchitis can quickly progress to a more severe respiratory disorder. What is a cough during pregnancy? What could be causing my cough during pregnancy?

When should I go to the doctor about a cough during pregnancy? What should I do to treat my cough during pregnancy? Plus, more from The Bump:. Next on Your Reading List. Early Pregnancy Signs: Darkening Areolas. Although sinusitis is common during pregnancy, symptoms that accompany congestion may require medical diagnosis and treatment, especially if you develop a bacterial infection.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause your nasal passages to swell and produce more mucus. This change occurs most often during the second trimester.

Pregnancy causes the blood flow in your mucous membranes to increase. In response to the additional blood volume, the lining of your sinuses and nasal passageways tends to swell, sometimes restricting your airflow. Pregnancy is one of the main risk factors in the development of sinusitis. Sinusitis is the medical term for inflammation of your sinuses.

This swelling can block the drainage, causing thick mucus to build up in the sinus cavities. If a cough lasts for a long time or or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever or shortness of breath, it is recommended to see a general practitioner to identify the possible cause and start the appropriate treatment.

Maintaining a well-hydrated throat at all times can be helpful in reducing and controlling a cough. So, some tips that can help relieve this discomfort during pregnancy are:. A useful tip for a pregnant woman who has a cough at night is to hug a pillow or cushion whenever coughing, because it lessens the effects of coughing in the abdominal area.