Stuffy or bloody noses are extremely common during pregnancy, and generally do not subside until after giving birth.
What causes it?
Although your nasal congestion may be the result of something unrelated to pregnancy, like allergies or a sinus infection, many expectant moms experience bloody noses for no reason besides their gestational state. As the pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone course through your body, they bring with them an increase in blood flow, and make your tissues soften. This can cause your blood vessels constrict, which results in congestion and bloody noses.
Tips?
If the congestion is a factor of your pregnancy as opposed to allergies or the like, be prepared for the long haul. Congestion is not likely to disappear before you give birth, but there are some things you can do to manage it. Adding Vitamin C to your diet, and a humidifier to your room may help you deal with the congestion, as would proper, gentle nose-blowing.
Sources
- Gregg Goldstein, M.D., Satish Govindaraj, M.D. “Rhinologic issues in pregnancy.” Allergy & Rhinology. 3(1):e13-e15. Web. 2012.
- M Schatz, RS Zeiger. “Diagnosis and management of rhinitis during pregnancy.” Allergy Proc. 9(5):545-54. Web. Sep-Oct 1988.
- EK Ellegård. “The etiology and management of pregnancy rhinitis.” Am J Respir Med. 2(6):469-75. Web. 2003.
