Stuffy nose and nosebleeds in pregnancy: why they happen and what helps

No cold, yet your nose is always blocked? Found a spot of blood on the pillow? A stuffy nose and nosebleeds are surprisingly common in pregnancy and usually harmless.

Why does the nose get blocked?

Blood volume rises in pregnancy and hormones swell the lining of the nose. This is called pregnancy rhinitis. The symptoms resemble a cold but without fever or cough. It can appear at any stage and usually settles within a few weeks of birth. Lying down at night can worsen the blockage and lead to snoring.

Why does the nose bleed?

For the same reasons, the fine blood vessels inside the nose widen and are easily irritated. Blowing the nose, dry air, sneezing or picking can trigger bleeding. Most nosebleeds are short and stop by themselves or with simple steps.

8 tips that may help

1. Moisten the nose with saline or salt-water sprays.
2. Humidify the room; steam from a warm shower can also soothe.
3. Drink plenty of fluids; thinner mucus blocks less.
4. Raise your head a little with a pillow when lying down.
5. Blow your nose gently, without forcing and without closing one side hard.
6. Do not pick inside the nose; keep your nails short.
7. Nasal strips or a light walk can sometimes open the airway.
8. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any nasal spray, drops or cold medicine.

First aid for a nosebleed

1. Sit down and lean your upper body slightly forward (do not lean back; blood may run down the throat).
2. Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly between thumb and finger for 10–15 minutes without letting go.
3. Breathe through your mouth and spit out blood rather than swallowing it.
4. You may place a cold compress on the bridge of the nose.
5. For a few hours after it stops, avoid blowing your nose and lifting heavy things.

Cold or allergy?

Fever, sore throat, aching and coloured discharge point to an infection; seasonal itching and sneezing point to an allergy. If you are unsure, ask your doctor. For tiredness and breathing difficulty, the article on shortness of breath and fatigue in pregnancy may also help.

Sleep and daily life

A blocked nose can interrupt your sleep. Cleaning the nose with saline before bed, keeping your head slightly raised and not letting the bedroom get too dry all help you sleep more comfortably. Cigarette smoke and strong smells irritate the lining, so avoiding them helps. Mouth breathing during the day can dry the throat, so remember to drink plenty of water. If snoring becomes pronounced or pauses in breathing are noticed during sleep, tell your doctor.

When to contact your doctor

• Bleeding does not stop after 15–20 minutes of pinching
• Nosebleeds come back often
• A blocked nose comes with fever, facial pain or yellow-green discharge
• The blockage lasts longer than two to three weeks
• You have severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling of the hands and face (these can relate to blood pressure)
• If bleeding is heavy, you feel faint or have trouble breathing, call 112 (in Turkey) or your local emergency number

Frequently asked questions

Can a nosebleed harm my baby? No; a nosebleed on its own does not affect the baby.

Can pregnancy rhinitis be prevented? It may be hard to prevent fully, but moisture and fluids can ease the symptoms.

Is steam inhalation safe? Steam from a warm shower or a warm humidifier is usually fine. Avoid very hot steam and the risk of burns.

Can I lie down during a nosebleed? It is better to sit and lean slightly forward rather than lie down, so blood does not run down the throat.

This article is for information; for any concerns, your doctor’s assessment is what counts.