Pregnancy Info HOME

Things that Exacerbate Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are often brought on by certain triggers, particularly a chronically dry nose. Smoking and drinking alcohol can also cause nosebleeds, because they cause the blood vessels to become irritated and break.

A lack of Vitamin C, a proven tissue builder, may also be involved in causing nosebleeds during pregnancy.

Complications of Nosebleeds

The majority of pregnant women who suffer from nosebleeds do not have to worry about adverse side effects, either for themselves or for their baby.

Usually, the amount of blood lost is too little to worry about. Rarely, some women can lose large amounts of blood with nose bleeds during pregnancy. This can lead to weakness, fainting, and even the need for a blood transfusion.

If you are losing large amounts of blood with your nosebleeds, go to your nearest emergency room. The doctors there will attempt to stop the bleeding.

They may:

• try to contract the blood vessels in your nose
• cauterize the leaking blood vessels with certain chemicals
• pack your nose with gauze
• operate, if the bleeding is severe

How to Stop Nosebleeds

When you get a nosebleed, it is important to try and stop the flow of blood.

Follow these simple steps for stopping nosebleeds:

• Sit down
• Lean forward and keep your head at a level that is above your heart
• Pinch your nose firmly, just under the bridge
• Maintain pressure for at least ten minutes
• Don’t release this pressure until ten minutes are up – it will stop the coagulation process
• If you have some ice, put a bag of it over your nose – this will help the blood vessels to constrict
• Don’t lie down or lean your head back – this could cause you to swallow your blood, which can lead to nausea and vomiting
• Once the bleeding has stopped, try not to blow your nose for at least 12 hours

Prevention of nose bleeds

If you find that your nosebleeds are particularly annoying, try some of these quick fixes for future prevention:

• don’t pick your nose!
• try to blow your nose gently
• when you sneeze, keep your mouth open to relieve the pressure on your nostrils
• buy a humidifier for you house or office to keep the air nice and moist
• put petroleum jelly or saline drops in your nose to keep the mucous membranes hydrated
• drink lots of fluids, especially water
• bulk up on your Vitamin C intake as it promotes tissue healing

 

Nosebleeds got you down? Visit the forum to ask other women for their tips on how to deal with pregnancy discomforts