Read on to learn what causes nose bleeding in pregnant women and steps to deal with nose bleeds during pregnancy.The thought of impending motherhood fills a woman with great joy during pregnancy. However, it is also a time which is sometimes filled with discomfort and inconveniences. There is interplay of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone in the pregnant woman right from conception till the
delivery of the newborn. These hormones are responsible for many physical and emotional changes in the pregnant woman.
There is a rise in the total amount of blood being pumped by the heart. Some of these changes may be distressing and uncomfortable. Among them is nose bleeding in pregnancy which is also referred to as epitaxis. This leads us to wonder as to why nose bleeds during pregnancy occur? Epitaxis in pregnant women is not only unpleasant to bear, it can also cause a lot of stress for the expecting mother. However, it is important to remember that nose bleeds or epitaxis in
pregnancy is a normal symptom and therefore not a cause for concern. You should worry about nose bleeds only if they are excessive.
Causes for Nose Bleeds during pregnancy
High levels of estrogen and progesterone circulating in your body increase the blood flow to the mucous membrane in the nose. The congestion normally lasts till after delivery. Let us have a look at the causes for
nose bleeds during pregnancy.
Increase in Volume of Blood
There is a large increase in the total volume of blood in the body of the pregnant woman. The growing foetus in the womb gets all its nutrients from the blood of the mother. The body deals with this growing demand for blood by an increased cardiac output and activity. As there is a rise in the total amount of blood in the body, the blood vessels expand to the rising blood volume. This may lead to an increased blood pressure on the delicate blood vessels located within the nose. As a result, the membrane lining the nasal opening may swell up and bleed causing nose bleeds in the pregnant woman.
Temperature of the Surroundings
The temperature of the surrounding area is also a reason for nose bleeds in pregnancy. If the temperature around the pregnant woman is on the higher side, for example in summer, then nose bleeds could occur. The nasal membrane becomes dry owing to the heat and breaks up leading to a nose bleed. If the body is not well hydrated, especially in the summers, nose bleeds may occur.
Allergies
If the pregnant woman is experiencing any kind of allergies, cold, swollen or tender sinuses then the nasal membrane could also dry up. This can cause epitaxis during pregnancy. Allergy to dust might initiate a bout of sneezing and blowing of the nose. The nerves lining the nasal membrane may get further aggravated, setting off a nose bleed.
Medications, Nasal Sprays and Somoking
Certain
medications can make one susceptible to nosebleeds in pregnancy. Nasal sprays and decongestants are known to cause epitaxis during pregnancy. Additionally,
smoking or even passive smoking and using strong perfumes can trigger off nose bleeds in pregnancy.
Tips for Dealing with Nose Bleeds during Pregnancy
Here are some tips for dealing with nose bleeds during pregnancy.
- The first thing to do is not to panic and try and keep calm. Nose bleeding in pregnancy is perfectly natural and nothing to be too alarmed about.
- Never tilt yourself backward as the blood will flow back to your throat and you may ingest the blood.
- Ensure that your head is always at a higher level than your body.
- You can bend your body, but do not bend it too low, avoiding placing your head between your legs.
- Squeeze your nostrils gently for about 10 seconds and then release them. If only the nostril on one side is bleeding, then pinch that nostril for the same amount of time and release it.
- Never attempt to blow your nose as it may lead to an excess of nose bleeding in pregnancy.
- You can apply an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth or towel on the nose bleed as well as forehead and cheeks. This will reduce the bleeding as well as work to cool off the heat in the body.
- Do not take any medicine for either blood clotting or thinning when your nose is bleeding in pregnancy.
- Do not use nasal sprays to alleviate those symptoms, without consulting your doctor.
- If the nose bleeding persists for more than 30 minutes, then seek medical help immediately.
Therefore, nose bleeding during pregnancy is a normal phenomenon and nothing to be unduly worried about. Effective treatment for bleeding noses in pregnancy requires that you should be prepared and know exactly the right steps to take when you get a nose bleed in pregnancy.
What are the common causes of nose bleeds during pregnancy? How to prevent nose bleeds during pregnancy? Which are the safe home remedies for dealing with bleeding nose during pregnancy? Discuss here.