A Bloody Nuisance! Nosebleeds During Pregnancy

Most women would be more than alarmed to experience nosebleeds during pregnancy. They can cause a lot of inconveniences but for the majority of the time, there is nothing to worry about.

Nosebleed During Pregnancy

Nosebleeds during pregnancy usually happen when the blood vessels in the body begin to dilate to accommodate the increased volume of blood. Pregnant women also often suffer from congested noses and therefore may experience nosebleeds if they blow too hard.

Nosebleeds could also occur for reasons that are not connected to pregnancy. Dry and cold conditions tend to irritate the inner membrane of the nose because of which nose bleeds occur.

Pregnant women are more prone to get nosebleeds due to the increased pressure from the fresh blood flowing through their bodies during pregnancy.

Your blood supply may increase by as much as 50% while you are pregnant. The blood vessels in your nose are extremely fragile and sensitive.

Take a water-filled balloon as an illustration. Eventually, that fragile latex balloon will be unable to expand and will deflate under pressure.

Throughout pregnancy, the blood vessels in your nose go through that. Changes in hormones brought on by pregnancy may cause nosebleeds and stuffy, congested noses.

The term “epistaxis” in medicine is used to describe nosebleeds. Nosebleeds can be treated, and they almost never harm an unborn child.

Nosebleeds during pregnancy – first trimester

Pregnancy nosebleeds that start in the first trimester and might last all the way to childbirth. It’s not always easy to tell when pregnancy-related nosebleeds start. The way of life, medical history, and other factors will differ for each person.

Nosebleeds during pregnancy – second trimester: Should I worry?

Although having nose bleeding while pregnant may sound terrifying, this is usually not a cause for alarm. If your bleeding continues or becomes uncontrollable, or if you feel dizzy, contact your healthcare provider.

They might want to rule out any potential problems or health worries. If not, mention your nosebleeds to your obstetrician when you next see her.

Nosebleeds during pregnancy third trimester: What is normal?

Nosebleeds during pregnancy may happen more frequently or with varied volumes of blood. While some pregnant women experience nosebleeds on a regular basis, others only do so a handful of times.

If you’re experiencing nosebleeds during pregnancy, you may find relief with Xlear Xylitol Saline Nasal Spray. This all-natural and doctor-recommended solution gently cleanses and moisturizes the sinuses and nasal passages, helping to alleviate dry air and wash away irritants. Safe for daily use, it can provide the soothing relief you need during this time.

The flow can be light, barely filling a tissue, or heavy, perhaps terrifying. On occasion, one side of your nose may bleed more frequently than the other. Pay attention to your symptoms, then talk to your doctor about them at your future prenatal exam.

Nose Bleed During Pregnancy: Causes and Symptoms

The physical changes brought by pregnancy can cause nose bleeding. There are numerous reasons for this, such as:

1. Increasing blood volume

During pregnancy, your body’s blood volume dramatically increases. This increase in blood flow makes the tiny blood veins that line the inside of your nose more vulnerable to rupture.

2. Changes in hormone

Hormonal changes might be the cause of many pregnant symptoms. Maybe you have a stuffier or more congested nose. The hormones that thicken the lining of your uterus might also influence the mucus membranes in your nose, thus more prone to bleeding.

3. Allergies or cold

Your nose’s blood vessels are more vulnerable to irritation and inflammation if you have a cold or seasonal allergies. As a result, they are more susceptible to crack open.

Due to a condition known as pregnant rhinitis, congestion and stuffiness are most prevalent in the first trimester of pregnancy (the thickening of mucous membranes in your nose). Additionally, nosebleeds could result from it.

4. Dehydration

You become dehydrated when you’re pregnant because you need more water. When you become dehydrated, the mucous membranes in your nose become dry and damaged. This could be the cause of nosebleeds in pregnant women.

Nosebleeding during pregnancy can happen in one or both nostrils. It can last anything from a few seconds to almost ten minutes. The degree of your nosebleed could range from a small spot to significant bleeding. 

Nose Bleeds During Pregnancy With Blood Clots

Young woman getting a bloody nose

Most nosebleeds are not life-threatening. However, frequent or severe nosebleeds could indicate more serious health conditions that should be looked at, such as hypertension or a blood coagulation disorder. For instance, severe bleeding that persists for a long time can cause anaemia.

Headache and Nosebleed During Pregnancy

Headaches and nosebleeds during pregnancy are more common.

The blood vessels are more likely to break while a woman is pregnant because the lining of the nasal passages receives more blood during that time. As a result, breathing might become more difficult.

Along with an increased frequency of nosebleeds, hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause more frequent headaches. However, if you experience a severe headache or one that doesn’t go away, see a doctor right away because these signs may point to a more serious disease, such as preeclampsia.

Nose bleeding while pregnant: Treatment and relief

1. Sit down and lean your head forward (not backward). This will make your nose bleed less, positioning your head above the heart. If you lean back, this can cause your body to experience more issues, such as gagging, nausea and vomiting.
2. Squeeze the softer parts of your nose together.
3. Apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables on your nose and cheeks. But remember to wrap it in a towel.

If your nosebleeds during pregnancy become severe and serious, do contact your GP or doctor.

ALSO READ:

Watch Out For These 7 Signs of Flu During Pregnancy

13 Symptoms Of Low Amniotic Fluid During Pregnancy

Varicose Veins and Haemorrhoids in Pregnancy: Causes and Solutions

How to Avoid Nose Bleeding While Pregnant

Despite your best efforts, nosebleeds can sometimes happen suddenly. However, there are several steps you may take to lower your risk of getting a nosebleed.

• Consume plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Use a humidifier while you are sleeping.
• Use a nasal gel, spray, or water-based solution to lubricate your nose.
• Keep your mouth open when you sneeze. As a result, there is less pressure on your nose.
• Avoid picking your nose.
• Blow your nose gently.

In the event that you frequently get nosebleeds, the following actions may be beneficial:

• There shouldn’t be any heavy lifting or demanding exercise the rest of the day.
• Cut back on the number of times you blow your nose.
• Sit up or stand to improve your posture rather than reclining down.

Updates from theAsianparent Philippines. 

Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.