Is severe rhinitis during early pregnancy harmful to the fetus?

In general, severe rhinitis during early pregnancy may affect the fetus.

When a pregnant woman suffers from rhinitis, increased nasal secretions may interfere with normal breathing, potentially causing intrauterine hypoxia and adversely affecting fetal development. Most medications used to treat rhinitis contain ingredients such as ephedrine, which may enter the fetal circulation through the placenta after maternal ingestion, influencing fetal growth and development and potentially increasing the risk of congenital intellectual disability.

If the mother suffers from allergic rhinitis, the child may be born with an allergic constitution, as allergic rhinitis has a certain degree of heritability. Severe rhinitis may cause nasal mucosal congestion and even lead to pulmonary infection, increasing the risk of preterm birth. For severe rhinitis symptoms, timely consultation with a physician is recommended; depending on the specific condition, the physician may recommend safe drug treatments or other interventions.

During early pregnancy, the fetus is in a critical period of neural development, so the severity of rhinitis has a particularly significant impact on the fetus. Pregnant women should try to prevent rhinitis episodes, maintain a reasonable and balanced diet, ensure adequate body warmth, and enhance physical resistance. If rhinitis symptoms are severe, prompt medical attention is advised, with treatment conducted under a physician's guidance to avoid risks associated with self-medication.