Causes of nasal congestion and nosebleeds

Nasal congestion and nosebleeds during pregnancy are directly related. Congestion is caused by increasing blood volume in the nasal capillaries. As your stuffiness increases, you blow your nose more often trying to get relief, which causes irritation to the surface capillaries and can result in a nosebleed.

Important facts about nosebleeds

Nearly every pregnant woman suffers from nasal congestion and/or nosebleeds during pregnancy. While common, severe nosebleeds that persist and refuse to clot on their own may need to be treated by a medical professional. Stuffiness and bleeding will persist throughout the pregnancy and may even grow worse as the end nears. Rest assured that after delivery, blood volume and hormone levels return to normal, and nasal congestion and nosebleeds will fade.

Treatment for nasal congestion and nosebleeds

There are several over-the-counter medications that are approved for use during pregnancy which may help relieve some of the nasal congestion and mucus. Ask your medical provider before using any over-the-counter medication.

A warm mist humidifier may also help prevent nosebleeds by keeping nasal passages moist and preventing cracking. However, the humidifier should not be used all the time and cold mist should never be used.