It's more than a stuffy nose. Symptoms develop throughout pregnancy. They have a long shelf life and can last for several weeks. In addition to feeling uneasy, your sleep may be affected. This is due to the fact that when you lie down, the congestion worsens. You may also experience headaches, fatigue, cough, and sore throat. Sinus problems are common before and during pregnancy. The hormones produced by the placenta cause nasal mucous membranes to swell, making it difficult for air to reach the lungs while supplying the fetus with oxygen. This condition is called rhinitis (rh-inn-it-is). Medications used to treat asthma may cause nerve damage that can lead to pain in the face after an injury. During pregnancy, the need for medication reduces, so this side effect may not be noticed by most women. If you are taking any medications, discuss their use with your physician. He or she will be able to advise you on what changes to make during pregnancy. During pregnancy, many women report increased sensitivity of the sinuses to allergies and pollutants. This is because of the rising levels of estrogen and progesterone in the blood. As these hormones increase, so does the tendency toward nasal swelling and blockage caused by pollen, dust, chemicals, and other allergens. Sinus infections are also common during pregnancy.