Are bloody noses common in pregnancy?
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. (This expansion is also responsible for your stuffy nose, or pregnancy rhinitis.) Twenty percent of pregnant women have nosebleeds, compared with 6 percent of nonpregnant women.
Fortunately, the occasional minor nosebleed is usually harmless. Even a few nosebleeds over the course of pregnancy aren't cause for alarm.
Advertisement | page continues below
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:
- You have a cold
- You have a sinus infection
- You have allergies
- The membranes inside your nose dry out, as they do in cold weather, air-conditioned rooms, airline cabins, and other environments with dry air
- You have an injury to the area
- You use chemical irritants, such as nasal medicines or drugs that are sprayed or snorted
- You have certain medical condition, such as high blood pressure or a clotting disorder
How can I stop a nosebleed during pregnancy?
If you have a bloody nose during pregnancy:
- Sit down and lean forward a bit, but keep your head higher than your heart.
- Using your thumb and index finger, firmly pinch the whole soft lower part of your nose – that's both nostrils.
- Breathe through your mouth and squeeze your nostrils closed for 10 to 15 minutes. Don't let up or check to see if the bleeding has stopped before then because that could interfere with clotting. (You may want to set a timer.)
- Apply ice to constrict the blood vessels and slow the bleeding. Hold a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas over the bridge of your nose with the hand that's not pinching your nostrils closed.
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 bloody nose?
Contact your provider if you have frequent nosebleeds during pregnancy. They 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:
Advertisement | page continues below
- The bleeding doesn't stop after 30 minutes of pressure
- The blood flow is extremely heavy
- You have trouble breathing because of the bleeding
- You get a nosebleed following a head injury, even if you only have minor bleeding
- The bleeding causes fatigue, lightheadedness, or disorientation
- You turn pale from the bleeding
- You have chest pain
- You think your nose might be broken
- You are taking blood thinners and you have a nosebleed
How to avoid a nosebleed during pregnancy
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mucous membranes well hydrated.
- Blow your nose gently. Blowing too hard can cause a nosebleed.
- Try to keep your mouth open when you sneeze. This distributes the pressure of your sneeze rather than concentrating all of it in your nose.
- Use a humidifier inside your house, especially during the winter or if you live in a dry climate. Don't overheat your bedroom, and stay away from irritants like smoke.
- Use a lubricant to prevent dryness in your nose. Some experts recommend petroleum jelly. Others suggest a special water-based lubricant that's available over the counter at pharmacies. Saline nose sprays or drops can help, too.
- If your provider recommends that you use a medicated nose spray or decongestant, take it exactly as instructed. (Don't overuse it.) These medications can dry out and further irritate your nose.
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:
Advertisement | page continues below
