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I had horrible congestion the entire time, too. And I totally remember that feeling of gagging and throwing up (which I did several times). The only things thst worked for me were focusing on my breathing when an attack started coming. (When I'd start having it would almost feel like an attack of sorts). Slow breathing helped. I also tried to blow my nose and get the funk out as much as possible. Very warm showers (with the steam, helped too. I'd get it really hot before I'd even step in there, just to get the humidity going.

I have been congested my whole pregnancy as well and it really stinks! Using my Neto pot regularly to lee my sinuses clear helped somewhat- keep things from building up, similar to why shower steam helps

My OB approved a nasal steroid. There is one on the market that is Category B, and I used that for a while but it did nothing. So she agreed to let me use a different one that is actually category C but the class is considered safe in general. It was one that I took before pregnant sometimes and worked. You can ask your OB to put you on the category B prescription nasal steroid and see if that helps - Budesonide. It is generic now but the branded name is Rhinocort Aqua.

I have SEVERE pregnancy rhinitis- like breathing from my mouth would be the only option. Along with nose bleeds and tons of other fun nose issues. So I feel ya. And for me, it started early and just continued to worsen. The budesonide helped for a few months, but then it was doing nothing. But it's probably the right place to start if you've never tried it.

And even though some OBs will allow Afrin, it's terrible for rhinitis because it causes a rebound effect. In other words, when it wears off, it causes more swelling in your nasal passages, which worsens the symptoms of your rhinitis. That is why Afrin is only supposed to be used for 3 days, and why it is considered highly addictive. You are worse when it wears off, and are forced to use it more for some relief. It is a very slippery (and miserable) slope, and even though it works and you feel great initially, you will get the rebound effect and be cycling back and forth in misery.

I eliminated dairy from my diet, I had the same exact problems. Dairy products increase phlegm production. It worked for me. Best of luck!!

Breath right strips at night really helped me.

I'm suffering though this as well. I find a humidifier in my room at night helps some. I've also had some relief with Ayr gel which is a saline nasal gel you can find it at the pharmacy near the saline nose squirt bottles like Ocean.

I dealt with this too! I didn't realize it was a pregnancy symptom, and went to a sinus specialist... his answer was to "come back when you're not pregnant". (And I was billed $450... WTF) I used a lot of those Breathe Right nasal strips at night.

Pregnancy rhinitis here too. When it got really bad I've used the neti pot, otherwise I get some relief in a steamy shower.