Nosebleeds in Pregnancy: Why They Happen

Nosebleeds in pregnancy: how to think about it

Nosebleeds are noticeably more common in pregnancy for two reasons that reinforce each other. Blood volume increases substantially, raising pressure in the small vessels of the nasal lining. Hormonal changes also cause the nasal mucosa to swell and become more vascular, which is the same mechanism behind pregnancy rhinitis and the blocked-nose feeling many people notice. The combination makes the lining more fragile and more likely to bleed, particularly in dry air, after blowing the nose, or for no obvious reason at all. NHS first aid for nosebleeds is the same in pregnancy as outside it: sit up, lean forward, pinch the soft part of the nose continuously. The pregnancy-specific additions are that they are more likely to happen, and that frequent nosebleeds alongside high blood pressure are worth mentioning, since blood pressure is monitored closely in pregnancy anyway.

Nosebleeds: safer choices

• Sitting up and leaning forward rather than tipping your head back, then pinching the soft part of the nose just above the nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes without releasing to check.
• Breathing through your mouth and spitting out any blood that reaches it rather than swallowing, which can make you feel sick.
• Using a saline spray or a little petroleum jelly inside the nostril if the lining is dry, and keeping rooms from getting too dry.
• Avoiding blowing your nose hard, picking, or heavy lifting for a few hours afterwards, which can restart it.
• Mentioning frequent nosebleeds at an antenatal appointment, particularly if you also have high blood pressure or bruise easily.

Nosebleeds: what to avoid or double-check

• Do not tip your head back. It sends blood down the throat rather than stopping the bleed.
• Do not keep releasing the pressure to check whether it has stopped. Hold continuously for the full 10 to 15 minutes.
• Do not ignore bleeding that will not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of proper pressure, that is very heavy, or that follows a head injury. Seek medical help.
• Avoid decongestant nasal sprays as a routine fix without asking, since some are used cautiously in pregnancy.

How SafeMama helps

SafeMama can check nasal sprays, decongestants and saline products, including which decongestant a product contains, since some are treated more cautiously in pregnancy than others.

Open the SafeMama app, scan the barcode or search the ingredient, then use the result as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources

• NHS nosebleeds in pregnancy
• NHS nosebleed