Nosebleeds
Sudden bleeding from the nose caused by increased blood volume and hormones affecting nasal passages.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Can occur any time but more common in second and third trimesters
📊 How Common
Affects about 20% of pregnant women
Overview
Nosebleeds are surprisingly common during pregnancy, affecting about 20% of pregnant women. They occur because pregnancy increases blood volume by 50%, putting more pressure on the delicate blood vessels in your nose.
Pregnancy hormones, particularly estrogen, cause the mucous membranes in your nose to swell and the tiny blood vessels to expand. This makes them more prone to breaking and bleeding, especially in dry climates or during winter when indoor heating is used.
While alarming, pregnancy nosebleeds are usually harmless and don't indicate any serious problem. They typically resolve after delivery when hormone levels and blood volume return to normal.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Less common but can occur
Second Trimester
More frequent as blood volume peaks
Third Trimester
Continue to be common until delivery
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Increased blood volume putting pressure on nasal vessels
- •Pregnancy hormones causing nasal membrane swelling
- •Expanded blood vessels in the nose
- •Dry air (heating in winter, air conditioning)
- •Nasal congestion from pregnancy rhinitis
- •Cold or sinus infection
- •Blowing nose too hard
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Sit up and lean slightly forward (don't tilt head back)
- ✓Pinch soft part of nose for 10 minutes
- ✓Apply ice pack to bridge of nose
- ✓Use saline nasal spray to keep passages moist
- ✓Run humidifier in bedroom
- ✓Apply petroleum jelly inside nostrils
- ✓Avoid picking or blowing nose forcefully
- ✓Drink plenty of fluids
- ✓Take vitamin C to strengthen blood vessels
🛍️ Comfort Products That May Help
Comfort and preparation products other expecting parents find helpful at this stage. These are convenience picks, not medical advice — always follow your provider's guidance.
Full-Body Pregnancy Pillow
U-shaped support for side-sleeping that helps take pressure off hips and back.
Check Price on Amazon →Belly Butter / Stretch-Mark Cream
Rich cocoa-butter moisturizer to keep a growing belly comfortable and hydrated.
Check Price on Amazon →Motivational Water Bottle
Staying hydrated eases many pregnancy aches; a time-marked bottle makes it easy.
Check Price on Amazon →Amazon Associates Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. These recommendations are editorially chosen comfort and preparation products and are not medical advice.
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes
- ⚠Frequent nosebleeds (several per week)
- ⚠Heavy bleeding
- ⚠Difficulty breathing
- ⚠Dizziness or weakness
- ⚠Chest pain
- ⚠Nosebleed after head injury
Related Symptoms
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: