I’d never had a nosebleed in my life before I got pregnant. But now I get them all the time. Why?
- Candace

Although seeing blood come out of any part of your body can be downright scary during pregnancy, rest assured that nosebleeds are common for many moms-to-be.

Both your hormone levels and your blood volume are increasing, which can cause changes throughout your body — even in your nose! Your nasal mucous membranes may become swollen, dried out, and may even bleed. And you may get congested or have a runny nose, to boot.

To ease any discomfort and help keep bloody and/or runny noses at bay:

• Use a humidifier.
• Drink plenty of liquids every day.
• Put a little petroleum jelly around the edges of your nostrils.
• Use saline nose drops or spray.

If a nosebleed isn't stopping, or if you get frequent nosebleeds, let your health care provider know.

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: October 2012