Why Do You Get Congested When Pregnant //top\\

Your blood volume increases by nearly 50% during pregnancy to support the baby. This extra blood flow affects blood vessels throughout your body, including in the nasal passages. The vessels expand and swell, narrowing the airways and causing stuffiness.

While hormones are the main driver, other factors can make the congestion worse: why do you get congested when pregnant

During pregnancy, the body experiences a significant surge in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen levels increase by up to 100-fold, while progesterone levels rise by 10-20 times (2). These hormonal fluctuations have a profound impact on the nasal mucosa and sinuses. Your blood volume increases by nearly 50% during

Pregnancy is characterized by a significant increase in blood volume, which peaks at around 32-34 weeks of gestation (4). This increased blood volume leads to engorgement of the nasal mucosa, sinuses, and other tissues, contributing to congestion. While hormones are the main driver, other factors

The primary cause is the surge of hormones, specifically .

Essentially, the swelling narrows the nasal airway, and the extra mucus clogs what space is left, leading to that stuffed-up feeling.