Is it normal to get bad nose bleeds in pregnancy?

Question

i've heard some people say they did get them, but not bad ones. for the past two nights i've been waking up with my face covered in blood!! (im scarey enuf in the morning as it is!) i was just wondering if its normal. if i need to go doc's or tlk 2 my midwife or wot? help!!!

thanks to people giving me advice to stop them, but im asleep when they start!! i hav been ill with flu, but its mainly just coughing, my nose is hardly bunged up at all!! its kinda terrorfying my partner when he see's me like that..poor thing thought i'd been brutally murdered when he 1st saw it!!

im 23 weeks gone at the mo...and being awake 4 ages is bad enuf, let alone waking up with LOADS of blood around!

Answer 1

Is it common to get nosebleeds during pregnancy?
Yes, nosebleeds do tend to occur more often during pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause the blood vessels in your nose to expand, and your increased blood supply puts more pressure on those delicate vessels, causing them to rupture more easily. Although it's unpleasant and inconvenient, an occasional minor nosebleed is generally harmless.

You're especially likely to get a nosebleed when you have a cold, sinus infection, or allergies, or when the membranes inside your nose dry out, as they do in cold weather, air-conditioned rooms, airline cabins, and other dry environments. Trauma and certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or a clotting disorder, may cause nosebleeds as well.

How can I stop a nosebleed?
When your nose starts to bleed, sit down, keep your head higher than your heart, and put pressure on the bleeding nostril for five to ten minutes. (Use a watch — it's longer than you think.)

Using your thumb and the side of your bent index finger, firmly pinch the whole soft lower part of your nose and exert pressure toward your face. Don't let up for a second — even if you're getting very curious to see if the bleeding has stopped — because that could interfere with the coagulation process.

Applying ice can help, too, because it constricts blood vessels. Hold a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas over your nose and cheeks with the hand that's not pinching your nostrils closed. Don't lie down or tilt your head back: You might end up swallowing blood, which could cause nausea or even vomiting.

If the bleeding hasn't stopped after ten minutes of pressure and ice, continue for another ten minutes as long as you're not bleeding heavily. Consult your healthcare practitioner if the bleeding doesn't stop after 20 minutes of pressure.

You'll need a medical evaluation if you get a nosebleed following a head injury, even if you only have minor bleeding. Let your practitioner know if you have frequent nosebleeds so she can rule out underlying problems.

Can I do anything to avoid getting a nosebleed?

• Drink extra fluids to help keep all of your mucous membranes well hydrated.

• Blow your nose gently. Aggressive blowing can lead to nosebleeds.

• Try to keep your mouth open when you sneeze.

• Avoid dry air, especially in wintertime or in dry climates, by running a humidifier inside your house and not overheating your bedroom. Also stay away from irritants like smoke, which you should be avoiding anyway.

• Use a lubricant to prevent nasal dryness. Some experts recommend petroleum jelly. Others suggest a special water-based nasal lubricant that is available over the counter at pharmacies. Saline nasal sprays or drops can help, too.

• Don't overuse medicated nasal sprays or decongestants. They can dry out and further irritate your nose.

Answer 2

See if you can get your nose cauterised with silver nitrate (GP does this), I had that (although they didn't start at night, just when I got up too fast) and had my nose cauterised. The only thing is that you end up with a giant crust up your nose for a few days until it falls out and it's really difficult to resist the urge to pick it out! LOL
When they do it, don't move a millimeter, my GP nicked the side of my nostril, the stuff burns like hell -well, it cauterises-.

Good luck and comiserations to your other half!

Answer 3

how far are you in to your pregnancy? my cousin got terrible nose bleeds for a few months before the baby was born. its something about the blood vessles relaxing and the extra pressure that causes them. some people have them and some dont but it shouldnt cause too much of a problem. go to the docs to make sure, if it is 1 particular vessle thats causing it they may do something about it but otherwise might just give you some tips.

Answer 4

You may have high blood pressure, which should be checked constantly anyway, and that potential cause must be eliminated.
Because you are pregnant, it is likely that you are sleeping more on your back. When you do that, you may tend to snore (yes, ladies do snore at times) and that process can irritate your nasal system including the sinuses. Dry air will further irritate that problem. Rub a bit of petroleum jelly in each nostril before going to bed.

Answer 5

I had nose bleeds all through my pregnancy, just like you described yours. You can mention it to your midwife but I'm almost sure there isn't anything they can do to help you. It's a drab but you'll just have to put up with it!

Answer 6

Go see your doc straight away it sounds to me that you have high blood pressure which is bad news.

Answer 7

yes it normal try to sleep on your side so you dont choke on the congealed blood if you sleep on your left side you ll give a better supply of blood to your baby too

Answer 8

When in doubt call the doctor. You can't be too careful. Congratulations and best wishes.

Answer 9

I've never heard of this, I do urge you though to go see your doctor. It won't hurt to get it checked out. Good luck!!

Answer 10

isnt it sometimes a sign of high blood pressure? see your doc anyway