Introduction
“Is this even normal during pregnancy? Let me Google it.”
This is one of the most common thoughts that cross the minds of expectant mothers, especially first-time moms.
Pregnancy is a journey filled with changes. While some changes such as nausea and back pain are common, there are a few lesser-known changes that can catch you off guard. One among them is nosebleeds during pregnancy.
This blog covers everything you need to know about why nosebleeds happen during pregnancy, how to manage them at home, and when it’s time to consult a doctor.
Is Nosebleeding Normal During Pregnancy?
Yes, nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, are absolutely normal during pregnancy. In most cases, nosebleeds are not a cause for concern during pregnancy unless the bleeding is too heavy.
What Causes Nosebleeds in Pregnant Women?
Nosebleeds during pregnancy can be caused by various factors including:
Hormonal Changes:
Hormonal changes are one of the common causes of nosebleeds during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the hormones estrogen and progesterone increase in order to support the pregnancy and help with the growth and development of the baby.
These hormones can impact the mucous membrane (a moist inner layer of some organs — the inner layer of the nose in this case), making it prone to bleeding.
Increased Blood Volume:
During pregnancy, the blood volume almost doubles in order to support the baby’s growth. Hence, the blood vessels in the nose become fragile and tend to burst easily, leading to nosebleeds during pregnancy.
Dry or Irritated Nasal Passages:
If you live in cold weather, it can make the nasal passage dry, leading to nosebleeds.
Allergies or Sinus Infections:
If you are someone with a history of sinus issues or allergies, pregnancy hormones can aggravate them, leading to irritation and inflammation in the blood vessels of the nose, which can cause nosebleeds.
Can Stress Cause Nosebleeds During Pregnancy?
Although stress doesn’t directly cause nosebleeds during pregnancy, it can add to your risk. Chronic stress can increase your blood pressure levels, leading to breakage of the blood vessels in the nose that are already sensitive.
When Are Nosebleeds Most Common in Pregnancy?
Nosebleeds can occur anytime during pregnancy; however, they are very common in the first trimester due to the major hormonal changes happening in the body.
How to Stop a Nosebleed Safely While Pregnant?
In order to stop a nosebleed while pregnant, you can follow these steps:
- Keep your head upright to reduce pressure in your blood vessels.
- Gently hold the two sides of your nose together for about 10 minutes. This can help arrest the bleeding.
- If the blood flow is more, ensure you keep your head forward so that you don’t choke on the blood.
- You can also keep an ice pack in the nose region to stop the nosebleed.
Home Remedies and Tips to Prevent Nosebleeds
Although nosebleeds during pregnancy cannot be completely prevented, there are a few things that you can do to reduce the impact or the chances of occurrence:
- Use a nasal spray suggested by your doctor if you feel your nostrils are dry.
- Keep yourself hydrated at all times, as dehydration can worsen your condition.
- Avoid irritants such as smoke and dust as much as possible, as they can lead to nosebleeds.
- If you have a history of sinus issues or allergies, consult with your doctor and ask for medications that are safe during pregnancy.
When to Worry: Warning Signs That Need Medical Attention
Although nosebleeds aren’t a cause for concern in most cases, it is important to contact your doctor if you experience:
- Severe nosebleeds
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop even after 30 minutes
- Nosebleed after any injury
- Reduced baby movements
Are Frequent Nosebleeds Harmful During Pregnancy?
No. Researchers say that nosebleeds during pregnancy are quite common and are not usually something to worry about.
So no, frequent nosebleeding isn’t harmful, but be watchful and contact your doctor if the bleeding does not subside in a few minutes or if it is accompanied by other symptoms including dizziness, blurry vision, and difficulty in breathing.
Can Nosebleeds Affect the Baby?
In most cases, nosebleeds during pregnancy do not affect the baby, as they are primarily caused due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume.
Conclusion
Nosebleeds during pregnancy are one of the common changes that occur in the body. While it is easily treatable at home, ensure you talk to your doctor about this when you go for your routine checkups and scans.
Do not miss any of your prenatal appointments to ensure the safety and well-being of your baby.
For appointments and consultations at the best pregnancy scan centre, contact Jammi Scans at 73387 71733.
Why Choose Jammi Scans?
- Trusted Expertise: Led by Dr. Deepthi Jammi, the best fetal medicine specialist in Chennai with 15+ years of experience
- ISO 9001:2015-NABCB -accredited, ensuring top-quality standards
- Immediate, clear, and detail-oriented reports
- In-depth counselling after scans in private consultation rooms for personalised care
- Clean, and hygienic restrooms
- Easy appointment scheduling with minimal waiting time
- Conveniently located in T.Nagar with excellent connectivity options
