Nosebleeds and Pregnancy

So, you’re just walking around one day when all of a sudden you notice that your nose starts to bleed. You quench the blood flow, but the very next day your nose starts to bleed again! Well, now that you’re pregnant, you may have to get used to these sudden streams of blood from your nose. Frequent nosebleeds are a very common pregnancy symptom, and though they can be annoying, they are typically quite harmless.

What are Nosebleeds?
Pretty much everyone has had a nosebleed at some point in their lives, and usually they come at the most inopportune times – when you are giving a speech, writing an exam, or giving a presentation at work. Nosebleeds are just that – bleeds from the nose. They typically last up to ten minutes but sometimes they can become chronic, particularly if you are a frequent nose blower or have very dry nostrils.

Typically, nosebleeds start in the front of the nasal septum or at the very back of the nose cavity. Many people have nosebleeds and they don’t even notice them, except when they blow their nose. Sometimes, nosebleeds can be quite noticeable, and you will end up with blood running down your face.

What Causes Nosebleeds During Pregnancy?
Causes of nosebleeds usually depend upon the person, but pregnant women seem to get more than their fair share of nosebleeds. Nosebleeds causes in pregnancy are probably the result of increased blood flow. Pregnant women actually have 30% to 50% more blood circulating in their bodies than they would normally. This blood is needed in order to maintain a healthy placenta and baby.

As hormones like estrogen and progesterone rise during pregnancy, so too does a woman’s blood flow. You may notice that you are glowing more than normal and have particularly tender breasts. These are all results of that increased blood flow. This increased blood flow though is also one of them main reasons for nosebleeds because it exerts pressure on the mucous lining in the nose. Sometimes these vessels can’t take this pressure and, as a result, they rupture.

Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of a nosebleed is bleeding from the nose. But there are other symptoms that may indicate that you are about to have a nosebleed:

• sinus headache (increased blood flow can cause congestion in the nose, leading to sinus blockages)
• dry or stuffy nose
• itchy nose
• excessive sneezing or nose blowing