Nasal congestion, often accompanied by nosebleeds, it is a common ailment during pregnancy. You usually have a feeling of plugging and difficulty breathing through your nose, without getting a cold.
This congestion causing the hemorrhages is probably due to high estrogen levels and increased blood flow to the mucous membranes of the nose that causes them to soften and swell. If we think that pregnant women have 30% to 50% more blood circulation in their body than they normally should, it is understandable.
Congestion usually appears by the second month of pregnancy and may last until the time of delivery. Nasal hemorrhages are more common during cold times due to heating systems that dry the environment. They can also occur after blowing your nose hard. To contain a nosebleed It is best to sit or stand leaning forward slightly.
You have to keep your head at a higher level than the heart. Press the nostrils against the septum with your fingers and keep them like this for a few minutes, repeating the operation if we see that the bleeding continues. If the blood loss is very slight, it will be enough to apply a cotton ball in the nostril to stop it. Some ice may be applied so that the blood vessels contract.
Usually a few minutes will be enough for the bleeding to be cut. Then, you have to be able not to blow your nose for a few hours. If the bleeding is very abundant, it will cause dizziness or fainting and / or occur too often, you should consult with the specialist to rule out other problems.
But most of pregnant women experiencing nosebleeds They should not worry about adverse side effects. Usually, the amount of blood lost is too small to worry.
Humidifiers, abundant fluid intake, a band aid that opens the nostrils, the application of petroleum jelly or physiological serum in the nostrils, sneezing with an open mouth, vitamin C, avoiding smoky environments, tobacco and alcohol ... are some remedies that could improve congestion and decrease the frequency of nosebleeds during pregnancy.
