Nosebleeds During Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention

Just when you had thought that you’ve experienced all the quirks of pregnancy—you get a nosebleed. Well, this symptom might scare you at first, but nosebleeds during pregnancy are a pretty common occurrence that may last the entire pregnancy. 

While nosebleeds can be irritating and annoying, it’s definitely treatable. Read on to understand more about when a nosebleed starts during pregnancy, the causes, and some quick ways to find relief.

When Do Nosebleeds Start During Pregnancy?

Nosebleeds and nasal congestions are classic symptoms of pregnancy, and they mostly occur during your first trimester, or around week 16. Moreover, in some cases, you may experience a dripping nose even in your later trimesters, with nosebleeds getting more frequent and worse (sometimes). So make sure to keep a few tissues and napkins handy.

What Causes Nosebleeds During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body is constantly changing to ensure your little one’s healthy growth and development.  One such change includes raising your blood volume by about 50% to nourish and enrich your growing little one with nutrients. 

Additionally, the blood vessels in your body widen to help move the extra blood, including the tiny and delicate vessels in your nose. The increased blood flow in your nose along with spiking hormone levels can sometimes lead to nosebleeds during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Nosebleeds During Pregnancy

You may experience a nosebleed from one or both of your nostrils. It can last from a few seconds to almost 10 minutes. You may notice just a spot or heavy bleeding, and in some cases, you may have dried, crusty blood in your nose, which you may not even notice until you blow it.

Can Nosebleeds Affect Your Pregnancy?

Fortunately, a stuffy nose or occasional nosebleeds do not affect your pregnancy in any manner. But if you are experiencing a nosebleed almost daily, then you should contact your healthcare provider, as it could indicate a tear in one of the blood vessels inside your nose. An ENT specialist can help cauterise the blood vessel and put a stop to frequent nosebleeds.

What to do When You Have a Nosebleed During Pregnancy?

We’ve discussed a few things you can do to manage a nosebleed during pregnancy. 

• Stand up or sit if you are lying down.
• Keep your head elevated, as it helps reduce the pressure inside the blood vessels to help slow the bleeding.
• Do not lean or tilt your head back. This may not help stop your bleeding.
• Gently pinch your nose, above the tip where it feels soft, so that both nostrils touch each other. This can help stop the blood flow.
• Hold your nose, pretending that something is stinking for about 10 minutes.
• Spit out and rinse any blood that is in your mouth.
• If you are experiencing a heavy nosebleed, you can try leaning forward a little to help stop the blood from running down the back of your throat and into your mouth.
• Suck on an ice cube or put wrapped ice on the bony ridge of your nose to cool down the blood vessels causing the bleeding.
• You can also try icing the back of your neck or forehead to feel better.

After trying these steps for a good 10 minutes, let go of your nose to check if the bleeding has stopped. If your symptoms still persist, repeat the steps mentioned above or consult your doctor for guidance.

Is It Possible to Prevent Nosebleeds During Pregnancy?

In some cases, you might get a nosebleed during pregnancy for no possible reason at all. Regardless, you can lower the risk of a nosebleed during pregnancy by keeping a check on the pressure in your nose, and not irritating the sensitive blood vessels in your nose. Here are a few things you can do to prevent nosebleeds during pregnancy.

• Keep the inside of your nose moist by ap[plying a bit of aloe vera gel.
• Avoid rubbing or pinching your nose.
• Blow your nose gently if you are suffering from a stuffy or runny nose.
• Sneeze with your mouth open (keep a tissue handy to cover up your mouth while sneezing).
• Avoid fans and air-conditioners as they can dry up your nose quickly.
• Steer clear of intense workouts that include a lot of jumping and bending.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience a heavy nosebleed that lasts for more than 10 minutes, then you should contact your doctor immediately. You should also inform your doctor about the severity of your nosebleeds and whether you have a history of high blood pressure. 

Additionally, if your nosebleeds are accompanied by the following symptoms, then you should seek medical care immediately.

• Blurred vision
• Severe or chronic headaches
• Vomiting
• Sudden swelling in your legs
• Stomach or chest pain
• Severe bloating
• Fever and chills
• Dark urine

Conclusion

Nosebleeds during pregnancy are pretty common and mainly occur due to increased blood volume that stresses the delicate vessels in your nose. Fortunately, this symptom doesn’t harm or affect your growing baby and can be managed with a few simple preventive measures. However, if you experience nosebleeds for long durations, specifically for more than 10 minutes, then consider speaking with your healthcare provider, as it can be an indicator of an underlying health condition. 

Cover Image Credit: Freepik.com