Nosebleeds During Pregnancy: Why They Happen and How to Manage Them Safely

Nosebleeds During Pregnancy: Why They Happen and How to Manage Them Safely

Pregnancy is a time of immense change, and not all of it is glamorous. While some symptoms like morning sickness or swollen feet are widely talked about, others like nosebleed during pregnancy can come as an unexpected surprise.

If you’ve suddenly found yourself reaching for tissues more often, you’re not alone. Studies show that around 20% of pregnant women experience nosebleeds, compared to just 6% of non-pregnant women. Although they can be startling, most bleeding from the nose in pregnancy are harmless and manageable with simple first aid.

Let
's discuss why they occur, how to avoid them, and what you can do if one catches you by surprisealong with a peek at a new, mess-free solution to treat them quickly.

 

Why Are Nosebleeds More Frequent During Pregnancy?

 

1. Increased Blood Volume

Your blood volume rises as much as 50% during pregnancy to nourish your unborn baby. This extra volume puts pressure on the delicate blood vessels in your nasal passages, making them more prone to bursting.

Analogy: Think of your blood vessels like balloons—overfilling them can cause them to pop. That’s what happens in your nose during pregnancy.

 

2. Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy hormones, such as estrogen and progesteronealso help to relax and dilate blood vessels. While this helps feed the baby, it also causes the blood vessels inside your nose to swell and become more fragile. These hormonal effects also contribute to pregnancy rhinitis, a condition known to cause nasal stuffiness or congestion. The constant urge to blow your nose can further irritate these sensitive vessels, triggering a bleeding from nose while pregnant.

 

When to Worry (And When Not To)

Most instances of a nosebleed during pregnancy are short-lived and not a medical issue at all. However, you should call your doctor or midwife if:

  • Bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes despite proper pressure
  • You feel dizzy, faint, or short of breath
  • You’re vomiting blood or swallowing a large amount
  • The nosebleed follows a head injury
  • You’re taking blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin

These might indicate that there is something more serious going on, and it might be anemia, hypertension, or even in rare cases HELLP syndrome or thrombocytopenia.

 

First Aid: How to Stop a Bleeding Nose in Pregnancy

Here’s how to stop a nosebleed quickly and safely:

  1. Stay calm – Stress can raise blood pressure and make bleeding worse.
  2. Sit up and lean forward – Prevents blood from flowing into your throat.
  3. Pinch your nostrils shut – Use your thumb and index finger to pinch the soft part of your nose for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Breathe through your mouth – Stay relaxed and use a timer.
  5. Spit out blood – Avoid swallowing it, which can lead to nausea.
  6. Apply a cold compress – Optional, but it may help constrict blood vessels.

Avoid tilting your head back, stuffing tissues deep into your nose, or blowing your nose afterward.

 

Use a Reliable Nose Bleed Stopper Plugs

 

Having a dedicated nose bleeding stopper is essential for severe or more frequent nosebleeds. The NozeCalm Nose Bleed Stopper Plugs is one such item that is intended to provide immediate relief:

Check Price and Purchase on Amazon

 

  • How It Works: A clotting agent built into these plugs accelerates coagulation, effectively halting the bleeding in a matter of seconds.
  • Why It’s Effective: Even kids can safely and comfortably use them because they are made of non-stick, hypoallergenic materials. When the plugs are inserted, they expand, guaranteeing a tight fit without being uncomfortable.
  • Practical Benefits: These plugs are perfect for usage at home or on the move because they are individually packaged for portability and sanitation.

Whether you're home, traveling, or in a prenatal yoga class, NozeCalm gives you peace of mind, so a sudden nosebleed doesn’t ruin your day.

Bonus Tip: Keep a couple of NozeCalm plugs in your prenatal kit or emergency bag, just in case.

 

How to Prevent Nosebleeds During Pregnancy

 

You may not be able to eliminate them entirely, but the following can help reduce frequency and severity:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep nasal tissues moist.
  • Use a humidifier: Especially in winter or dry climates.
  • Apply nasal gels: Products like saline sprays or gentle nasal moisturizers can reduce dryness.
  • Avoid irritants: Cigarette smoke, harsh perfumes, and excessive nose blowing.
  • Practice gentle nose care: No picking or aggressive blowing. If sneezing, keep your mouth open to relieve pressure.

 

Will Nosebleeds Stop After Pregnancy?

Usually, yes. Once your hormone levels stabilize and your blood volume returns to normal postpartum, most pregnancy-related nosebleeds disappear. If they persist, follow up with your healthcare provider to rule out other causes.

 

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This 

Pregnancy can be unpredictable, but understanding what’s normal—like the occasional nosebleed—can make the journey feel less overwhelming.

With the right knowledge, a few preventative habits, and modern solutions like NozeCalm Nose Bleed Stoppers, you can handle nosebleeds with confidence and ease.

Check Price and Purchase on Amazon

 

References

 

Disclaimer: This blog post's content is meant primarily as education and should not be interpreted as medical advice. For individualized advice on any health-related matter, always seek the advice of a medical practitioner.

 

Footnotes

  • American Pregnancy Association. Nosebleeds during pregnancy (https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-concerns/nosebleeds-during-pregnancy/).
  • Giambanco L, Iannone V, Borriello M, Scibilia G, Scollo P. The way a nose could affect pregnancy: severe and recurrent epistaxis (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6859019/). Pan Afr Med J. 2019;34:49. Published 2019 Sep 24.
  • Dugan-Kim, Melissa MD, MPH; Connell, Sarah; Stika, Catherine MD; Wong, Cynthia A. MD; Gossett, Dana R. MD. Epistaxis of Pregnancy and Association With Postpartum Hemorrhage (https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Fulltext/2009/12000/Epistaxis_of_Pregnancy_and_Association_With.24.aspx). Obstetrics & Gynecology: Volume 114:6.1322-1325.
  • National Health Service. Nosebleeds in pregnancy (https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/nosebleeds/).
  • Pregnancy Birth & Baby. Nosebleeds during pregnancy (https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/nosebleeds-during-pregnancy).
Back to blog