When Should I Be Worried About Nosebleeds During Pregnancy

Hi Mommy, Welcome to PregnancyMommy. This time we will discuss about When Should I Be Worried About Nosebleeds During Pregnancy, hopefully the article we wrote can be useful for Mommy.

Nosebleeds during pregnancy are quite common. Although they can be alarming, in most cases there is no need to worry and you should be able to treat a nosebleed yourself.

Why are nosebleeds common during pregnancy?

During your first trimester, the amount of blood circulating in your body increases and your heart works harder. This means that the lining of your nasal passage (inside your nose) also receives more blood. You have small blood vessels inside your nose, so increased blood volume can sometimes damage those blood vessels and cause them to burst, resulting in a nosebleed.

Changes in your hormones during pregnancy can also contribute to nosebleeds.

These changes can make your nose feel stuffy (congested) and it may become more clogged than normal. Your gums may also feel swollen and bleed.

A nosebleed can last a few seconds or a few minutes and can flow through one or both nostrils. Blood flow can be light or quite heavy. If your nose bleeds at night while you sleep, you may wake up feeling the blood rush down your throat before sitting up. Then it will come out of your nose.
Are Nosebleeds During Pregnancy a Concern?

Nosebleeds can scare you or be a nuisance, but as long as you don't lose a lot of blood, there's usually nothing to worry about. In most cases, a nosebleed will not harm you or your baby.
How can I stop a nosebleed if I have one?

•     Sitting or standing, keep your head up. This reduces the pressure on the blood vessels inside the nose and will help slow down bleeding.
•     Pinch the soft part of the nose, below the bony ridge, between the thumb and forefinger. Once you have done this, the two sides of your nose should be pressed together.
•     Keep pinching, without releasing, for 10 minutes.
•     If your nose is bleeding a lot, you can lean forward slightly and breathe through your mouth so that the blood comes out of your nose, rather than down the back of your throat.
•     Spit out the blood in your mouth.
•     You can also suck on an ice cube or place an ice pack on the back of your neck or forehead, or on the bony part of your nose.
•     After 10 minutes, gently release your pinch to see if the bleeding has stopped.
•     If your nose is still bleeding, try this procedure again for another 10 minutes.

Colds, medications, and stubborn sinuses

Even when you're not pregnant, your nose is more likely to bleed with a cold, sinus infection, or allergies. But about 20% of women experience pregnancy rhinitis - inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose.

Rhinitis of pregnancy causes congestion, postnasal drip, and a runny nose. And when you constantly blow your nose, you are more susceptible to nosebleeds.

Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or bleeding disorders, can also cause nosebleeds.

You can also have a nosebleed if the membranes in your nose become dry and cracked due to cold weather, dry air, or intense air conditioning.

How can I prevent nosebleeds during pregnancy?

While it is not possible to prevent all nosebleeds, there are few things you can do to avoid irritating the sensitive blood vessels in your nose.

● Moisten the inside of your nose: use a little saline nasal gel to lubricate dry or irritated nasal passages.

● Use a humidifier: Because dry air increases the risk of nosebleeds, adding a little moisture to the air can work wonders.

● Drink plenty of fluids - this keeps your mucous membranes well hydrated and is less likely to dry out and crack.

● Treat colds and allergies: Talk to your doctor about which over-the-counter medications may be the best.

Be especially gentle after a nosebleed. Your nose needs to heal, so don't blow on it too hard or put tissue in your nostrils, which can prolong bleeding.

Pregnancy can cause strange things to happen to your body. While nosebleeds are usually nothing to worry about too much, talk to your doctor if you are concerned. We are always available to help you feel more comfortable during your pregnancy.