Causes of Congestion and Nosebleeds During Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and the pressure of your increased blood supply on the delicate membranes in your nose may cause these membranes to swell, dry out, or bleed more easily during pregnancy. This may cause you to have a constant stuffy or runny nose, even if you have no cold symptoms. You may have occasional nosebleeds, particularly during the winter months. These symptoms often begin towards the end of the first trimester and may continue until after delivery.
Congestion and Nosebleeds: What You Can Do
The following tips may help you relieve congestion and dryness:
- Use a humidifier to moisten the air in your home. Keep a humidifier in the bedroom to help ease congestion that keeps you awake at night.
- Drink plenty of fluids. This will help keep your nasal passages moist.
- Use steam. Take a warm shower before bedtime. It may help ease congestion that keeps you awake at night.
- Use saline drops to help moisten your nasal passages. You can find these at the drug store. Don't use medicated nose drops, sprays, or decongestants without first checking with your health care provider.
- Blow your nose gently. Blowing your nose hard or often can aggravate the membranes and lead to more runniness or nosebleeds.
To stop a nosebleed:
- Remain seated and keep your head up. Lying down or tilting your head can cause you to swallow blood and become nauseated.
- Apply pressure. Hold the nostril closed and exert pressure for at least four minutes.
- Apply ice or a cold pack. This will help constrict the blood vessel and stop the bleeding.
When to Talk to Your Health Care Provider
Nosebleeds and congestion are very rarely a sign of any serious problem. Usually, the congestion, runny nose, and nosebleeds that occur during pregnancy clear up shortly after delivery.
Talk to your health care provider if you have nosebleeds very often or if the bleeding doesn't stop after applying pressure and ice. If the congestion is not eased by any of the suggestions above, or if congestion keeps you from getting a good night's rest, talk to your health care provider about whether it is safe to take an over-the-counter decongestant.
If you have a stuffy or runny nose plus signs of a cold or flu, talk to your health care provider before taking any type of over-the-counter cold remedies. The signs of cold or flu are sneezing, coughing, a sore throat, fever, or minor aches and pains.
