Chenille and Stuffy Nose

It has been difficult to sleep the last several nights. I keep ending up on the couch, where I prop myself into a sitting position and put pillows under my knees and feet. Blankets rather than pillows are the key now, as my belly is insanely sensitive and itchy, and I can hardly stand any fabric touching my skin. I have been using two blankets, one for my legs and feet, and a super-soft chenille blanket for my shoulders and arms, generally leaving my belly exposed. I am also stuffy-nosed. What a sight to see! It must be time to pull out the humidifier.

From Babyfit.com
Believe it or not, it's pretty common to have a runny or stuffed-up nose during pregnancy. About 20 to 30 percent of pregnant women have congestion without having allergies or a viral infection like the common cold. This condition even has a name: rhinitis of pregnancy. It can start as early as your second month and last until you have your baby or even a few weeks afterward. Higher amounts of estrogen during pregnancy can contribute to swelling in the mucous membranes lining the nose and even cause you to make more mucus. What's more, the amount of blood in your body increases and your blood vessels expand during pregnancy, which can lead to swollen nasal membranes as well. Other hormones may also play a role.