Nosebleeds during pregnancy – is it dangerous?

For most pregnant women, nosebleeds occur more frequently than outside of pregnancy. This is due to physiological changes in the body of the expectant mother. However, it can also happen that nosebleeds are a symptom of a condition and should not be ignored. What should one do when nosebleeds occur during pregnancy? Can nosebleeds be one of the first signs of pregnancy?

Causes of nosebleeds during pregnancy

During pregnancy, there are many changes in a woman’s body. One of these changes affects the upper respiratory tract. Among other things, there is increased blood flow to the mucous membranes, an increase in the secretory activity of the glands, and an increase in the production of mucopolysaccharides. These changes often lead to a feeling of a blocked nose and can also cause more frequent nosebleeds.

There are factors that can worsen or increase the frequency of nosebleeds during pregnancy. These include cold and dry air, which dries out the mucous membranes. Therefore, nosebleeds are especially common in winter.

A runny nose is one of the symptoms of a common cold. Excessive discharge and vigorous nose blowing can also lead to nosebleeds. During pregnancy, blood vessels also expand. High blood pressure can cause the walls of the blood vessels in the nose to rupture, resulting in nosebleeds. Therefore, women with high blood pressure or those taking acetylsalicylic acid to prevent preeclampsia (pregnancy poisoning) are more likely to experience nosebleeds.

It is important to note that nosebleeds can also occur in connection with blood clotting disorders such as von Willebrand disease or thrombocytopenia. Gum bleeding is also common during pregnancy.

What to do in case of a nosebleed

It is very important that the head is not tilted backward during a nosebleed, so that the blood does not enter the digestive tract. It is best for the pregnant woman to sit down and lean slightly forward. A cold compress made from ice can be prepared, but it is important not to place it directly on the skin. A cloth, such as a towel, should be used in between. Additionally, the nostrils should be pinched together with two fingers, and it should be waited for about 10 minutes. In the case of mild nosebleeds, it should stop after this time.

Nosebleeds during pregnancy – is it dangerous?

Nosebleeds during pregnancy are generally harmless. If the bleeding stops after about 10 minutes, there is usually no reason for concern. However, there are cases where nosebleeds can be a sign of an underlying condition. These include, among others, high blood pressure, thrombocytopenia, or blood clotting disorders such as hemophilia.

If the nosebleed is severe and accompanied by other symptoms like headaches or high blood pressure, or if it occurs after head trauma, the pregnant woman should immediately go to the emergency room so that doctors can diagnose the cause and initiate appropriate treatment. Nosebleeds can also be related to thrombocytopenia, which, if untreated, can lead to problems such as significant blood loss during delivery.

How to prevent nosebleeds during pregnancy

It is important to pay attention to the proper humidity in the rooms where the expectant mother stays. The pregnant woman should also avoid blowing her nose forcefully or intensively to prevent the blood vessels from rupturing. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is also very important. It is recommended that a pregnant woman drink enough fluids, about 2 liters of water, to reduce the risk of the mucous membranes drying out and causing nosebleeds. A balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients is also of great importance.

Nosebleeds – early pregnancy

Many women wonder if nosebleeds can be a sign of early pregnancy. For some pregnant women, one of the first symptoms, in addition to the typical pregnancy signs, includes flu-like symptoms. These may include a blocked nose and a runny nose, which can occasionally promote nosebleeds. A blocked nose and nosebleeds can therefore be one of the first signs of pregnancy for some women. However, it is important to note that to confirm a pregnancy, a pregnancy test should be done, and the pregnant woman should visit an obstetrician to have an ultrasound, which will show the embryo and the function of its heart.