Nosebleeds During Pregnancy: Here’s All You Need To Know

ByAnjali Gupta
Updated:6 May 2025, 9:30 pm

Nosebleeds are a common issue during pregnancy, often caused by hormonal changes and increased blood volume. Understanding the causes and symptoms can help you feel more prepared and less worried. It’s important to speak with your healthcare expert, as they can guide you on how to manage nosebleeds safely and effectively.

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Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also bring physical and emotional changes
In this article:

. One common change is an increase in nosebleeds. While they may be frustrating, they are usually harmless.

Nosebleeds during pregnancy are often caused by hormonal changes and increased blood volume. Dry air or allergens can also make nosebleeds more frequent.

Although generally mild, it’s important to understand why nosebleeds occur and how to manage them, so you can handle them easily and with confidence.


Types Of Nosebleeds

There are different types of nosebleeds that you can experience during pregnancy. Understanding them can help you recognise and manage them effectively.

  • Anterior nosebleeds

Bleeding from the front of the nose means that you are suffering from anterior nosebleeds. It is quite common during pregnancy.

  • Posterior nosebleeds

When the bleeding starts deeper inside the nose, then you might be experiencing posterior nosebleeds, and this can be harder to control but is less common.


Common Symptoms of Nosebleeds

You may notice several symptoms when experiencing a nosebleed, including:

  • Sudden bleeding

You may notice blood appearing unexpectedly from one or both nostrils. This can happen at any time, even while you are asleep, and may start without any obvious cause or warning sign.

  • Light or heavy flow

The amount of blood lost can range from just a few drops to a steady stream. The flow may vary during the nosebleed, being light at times and heavy at others.

  • Short or prolonged duration

Nosebleeds can be brief, lasting only a few seconds, or may continue for several minutes. Most nosebleeds during pregnancy stop on their own within a short time, but some may persist longer.

  • Nasal congestion

Nosebleeds are often accompanied by a blocked or stuffy feeling in the nose. It is common during conception, and it happens because of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the respective area.

  • Mild discomfort

Before, during, or after a nosebleed, you may feel a tingling, stinging, or mild burning sensation within your nose. More often than not, this pain goes away after the bleeding ends.


Are Nosebleeds Common During Pregnancy?

Indeed, many pregnant people experience nosebleeds rather frequently. In fact, most of them can easily be treated at home.


Causes of nosebleeds during pregnancy

Several factors can make nosebleeds more likely during pregnancy, including:

  • Hormonal changes and increased blood volume

Pregnancy hormones, especially oestrogen, cause blood vessels in your nose to expand and become more fragile. Increased blood volume puts extra pressure on these vessels, making them more likely to break.

  • Nasal congestion and increased sensitivity

Hormonal changes can also cause swelling in the nasal membranes, leading to congestion and increased sensitivity, which can trigger nosebleeds.

  • Environmental factors (dry air, allergens)

Dry air, especially in winter or air-conditioned spaces, can dry out your nasal passages. Allergens like dust, pollen, or smoke can also irritate your nose and make nosebleeds more likely.


Difference between mild and severe symptoms

Mild nosebleeds stop within a few minutes and involve a small amount of blood. Severe symptoms include heavy or prolonged bleeding, difficulty in breathing, or blood entering your mouth or throat. Immediate assistance from a healthcare expert can help you get this resolved while experiencing severe symptoms.


Risk Factors for Nosebleeds During Pregnancy

Certain factors can increase your risk of nosebleeds during pregnancy:

  • Hormonal fluctuations

Changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels make nasal blood vessels more fragile.

  • Pre-existing medical conditions

Pre-existing medical conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or bleeding disorders, can increase your risk of nosebleeds. This includes conditions like von Willebrand disease or platelet disorders, which can affect the body's ability to clot properly.

  • Use of medications

Blood thinners or frequent use of nasal sprays can increase the likelihood of bleeding.


Prevention Strategies

There are many preventive measures that can help you reduce the occurrence of nosebleeds:

  • Maintaining humidity levels

Always consider using a humidifier in your room, especially during dry weather, to keep your nasal passages moist.

  • Staying hydrated

Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to prevent dryness.

  • Using saline nasal sprays

Saline sprays help you to keep your nasal passages moist and reduce irritation. You can prepare a simple saline solution at home if needed.


Home Remedies For Managing Nosebleeds

  • If you experience a nosebleed, you can follow these first-aid steps:
  • Sit upright and lean slightly forward to reduce blood pressure in the nose and prevent swallowing blood.
  • Pinch the soft part of your nose just below the bridge and hold it for 10-15 minutes.
  • Breathe through your mouth while applying pressure.
  • Make sure to apply a cold compress to the bridge of your nose to constrict blood vessels.
  • It's best to avoid lying down or tilting your head back, as this can cause the blood to flow down your throat.
  • After the bleeding stops, rest and avoid blowing your nose for several hours.

Natural remedies to soothe the nasal passages

If you are looking for natural ways to soothe your nasal passages, there are several safe and effective options to consider:

  • Steam inhalation

Inhaling steam can help you keep your nasal passages moist and relieve congestion.

  • Vitamin C-rich foods

Eating vitamin C-rich foods, like citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers, may help strengthen your blood vessels and reduce the risk of nosebleeds. However, further research is needed to establish a definitive connection.

  • Gentle nasal care

Also, make sure to avoid picking your nose or blowing it forcefully to prevent further irritation.


When to Seek Medical Attention

Consulting a doctor about persistent or severe nosebleeds is important to rule out any potential underlying health issues.

  • Signs that require professional evaluation

    • Frequent or severe nosebleeds that don’t stop with home care
    • Bleeding accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, or blood in your mouth or throat
    • Symptoms of anaemia, such as fatigue, dizziness, or pale skin
    • Nosebleeds linked to high blood pressure or other medical conditions

Emotional Impact of Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds during pregnancy can understandably raise concerns about your health and your baby’s well-being.

  • Coping with anxiety

It is important that you practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to manage stress.

  • Support resources

Reaching out to support groups, counsellors, or your medical team for comfort and direction. Doing this will help you understand what needs to be done to deal with the emotional impact.

Nosebleeds are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume. Most of the time, they are mild and can be managed easily at home with basic treatments. Keeping your nasal passages moist and avoiding triggers like dry air or allergens can help prevent them. However, if you experience frequent, severe, or long-lasting nosebleeds or if you have underlying health conditions, it’s best to consult your healthcare professional.


FAQs on Nosebleeds During Pregnancy: Here’s All You Need To Know

  1. Can nosebleeds indicate a more serious health issue?
    Though frequent or severe occurrences can occasionally indicate underlying issues like hypertension or bleeding disorders, nosebleeds are often innocuous during pregnancy.
  2. Should you avoid certain activities after a nosebleed?
    To avoid recurrence, it is recommended that you refrain from vigorous activity, leaning over, or strong nasal blowing for many hours following a nosebleed.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr. Pankhuri Gautam, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cocoon Hospital Jaipur

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