Yes. A nosebleed is a loss of blood from the tissues lining the nose. Because pregnancy can make the blood vessels in your nose expand, it makes them prone to breaking and bleeding more easily. Twenty percent of pregnant women have nosebleeds, compared with 6 percent of nonpregnant women. Show
Fortunately, the occasional minor nosebleed is usually harmless. Some doctors say even a few nosebleeds over the course of pregnancy aren't cause for alarm. What causes nosebleeds during pregnancy?In addition to the expansion of blood vessels that makes you more prone to nosebleeds when you're pregnant, you're also especially likely to get a nosebleed if:
How can I stop a nosebleed during pregnancy?If you have a bloody nose during pregnancy:
Don't pack your nose with gauze or tissues. And don't lie down or tilt your head back: You might end up swallowing blood, which could cause nausea and vomiting or even make you accidentally inhale some blood into your lungs. If the bleeding hasn't stopped after 15 minutes of applying pressure and ice, continue for another 10 to 15 minutes. When should I seek medical care for my nosebleed?Contact your provider if you have frequent nosebleeds during pregnancy. She may want to do an exam to rule out any bigger problems. If you get nosebleeds often, it could be a symptom of something else, such as high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder. Sometimes, a nosebleed during pregnancy requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 or have someone drive you to the emergency room if:
How to avoid a nosebleed during pregnancy
Even though nosebleeds are common in pregnancy, it can be a little unnerving to be bleeding. If you're ever in doubt about whether or not to call your practitioner, err on the side of caution during pregnancy. It might also help you feel prepared to read our article on Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore. Learn more: You're as stuffed up as if you had a cold or allergies — and what’s with the bloody nose that appears every week? If it helps you feel any better, you’re not alone: nasal congestion and nosebleeds during pregnancy are a very common issue and can even last the whole nine months (pass the tissues!). But while congestion and nosebleeds while you’re expecting are certainly an annoyance, they’re definitely treatable. For more about when a stuffy nose usually starts during pregnancy, what’s behind it and some quick ways to find relief, read on. When do congestion and nosebleeds generally start during pregnancy?Nasal congestion is a classic sign of pregnancy so don’t be surprised if you develop a case of stuffiness and even a few nosebleeds around week 16. In fact, stopped-up noses are so commonplace that congestion affected a whopping 65 percent of pregnant women enrolled in one study. And if you think you’ll get a break from the dripping and blowing in a later trimester, that’s usually not the case. Congestion during pregnancy tends to stick with you (and sometimes it gets worse) to the very end. Remember — keep the tissues or a few hankies handy! What causes congestion and nosebleeds during pregnancy?Alas, it probably feels like every part of your body is swelling these days (thanks to pregnancy edema), but honestly, now your nose? If you were prone to feeling stuffy and blocked before pregnancy, you’re likely to feel it even more now. Plus your allergies may be kicking in, which only adds to your nose woes. Congestion and nosebleeds happen often in pregnancy thanks to increased vascularity or blood flow and the swelling of mucus membranes, which is also known as pregnancy rhinitis. And the culprit behind it all? Yup, you can point to higher-than-usual levels of the pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone coursing through your veins. This extra blood flow and swelling softens nasal membranes, leading to congestion. What’s more, the constant blowing and sneezing can dry out your nose, causing it to bleed easily. You may also develop postnasal drip, which in turn can cause coughing or gagging at night (as if you didn't have enough other things keeping you awake). Can nosebleeds affect pregnancy?Fortunately, you don’t need to worry that your stuffy nose and occasional nosebleeds are a bad sign during pregnancy. Truth is, these conditions don’t adversely affect you or your baby on board. But if you’re experiencing a bloody nose almost daily, it may be due to a single vessel that keeps bleeding. Luckily, it can be cauterized at an ENT's office, which will put a stop to frequent nosebleeds. How do I get rid of congestion and nosebleeds during pregnancy?While you can’t prevent congestion during pregnancy or the nosebleeds that come with it, you can ease the soreness and dryness as well as treat symptoms with OTC options. Just be sure to clear anything you’re planning to take with your doctor first. Here’s what you should know:
How long does nasal congestion last during pregnancy?As with many conditions of pregnancy, you’ll have to get mentally prepared to live with nasal congestion and nosebleeds for a while. Chances are, your case of pregnancy rhinitis will probably get progressively worse as you go through the nine months — and your nose won't know relief until after delivery. For most women, congestion usually clears up in the first week postpartum. When should I call the doctor about my stuffy nose and congestion during pregnancy?You can always bring up a stuffy nose and nosebleeds at your next prenatal appointment or make a call sooner if you’re very uncomfortable. This way, your practitioner can make sure your congestion isn’t a sign of something more serious, like sinusitis. Be sure you’ve had the flu shot, as you’re more susceptible to infection during pregnancy. And if your nose is blocked enough to cause sleeplessness, exhaustion, excessive snoring or other symptoms that can severely affect your quality of life during pregnancy, he or she can recommend treatment options that ease your air flow and help you get the rest you and your growing baby need. Hang in there when it comes to nasal congestion and nosebleeds! While these aren’t much fun and some days they can be downright messy, keep in mind that you’ll be breathing more easily in the days right after your sweet bundle of joy arrives. The Weirdest Pregnancy Symptoms
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