Do you also get nosebleeds during pregnancy? (Nosebleeds) Don't worry, let's talk about this!

Pregnancy is a very special and changing time in a mother's life. Sometimes you may experience minor discomforts such as dizziness when you wake up in the morning, loss of appetite, etc. Meanwhile, another thing that some mothers face is nosebleeds for no apparent reason. This can happen when you wash your face in the morning, take a shower, or even just when you are sitting. You may be very scared when you see this, thinking, "Oh, will something happen to me and the baby?" But in reality, most of the time this is not something to be afraid of. This is a very common condition during pregnancy. Let's talk about this clearly today.

Why does nosebleed occur during pregnancy?

There are several main reasons for this. It's all because of the amazing changes your body goes through to nourish a baby. In medical terms, we call nosebleeds epistaxis .

Simply put, this is caused by the physical changes that occur during pregnancy.

• Increased blood volume: When you become pregnant, your blood volume increases by about 50% compared to normal. Imagine, all this extra blood has to travel throughout your body. This increased pressure can strain the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) inside your nose. Just like when you fill a balloon with water, it bursts after a while, these tiny blood vessels burst and start bleeding.

• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy is a time of hormonal upheaval. The same hormones that thicken the walls of your uterus during this time also affect the mucus membranes inside your nose. This can cause the membranes inside your nose to swell and feel blocked, and the blood vessels in them can become easily damaged and bleed.

• Dehydration: During pregnancy, you need more water than usual. If you don't drink enough water, you can become dehydrated. When this happens, the mucous membranes inside your nose can dry out and become cracked. These cracks can also cause bleeding.

• Allergies and colds: If you have allergies, such as to dust mites, or if you have a cold, the blood vessels inside your nose can swell and become more sensitive. Blowing your nose too hard can cause a nosebleed. Some people develop a condition called pregnancy rhinitis, which is unique to pregnancy. This causes the lining of your nose to swell and make your nose feel blocked. This can also increase the risk of nosebleeds.

How do you stop a nosebleed?

If you suddenly start to bleed from your nose, don't panic and follow these steps.

• Sit up straight: First, sit in a chair and keep your head straight . A mistake that many people make is tilting their head back. Doing so can cause blood to go down your throat, causing coughing and choking. So, lean forward a little.
• Pinch your nose: Use your index finger and thumb to gently pinch the soft part of your nose (both nostrils) together for about 10 minutes . Breathe through your mouth. Release after 10 minutes. If there is still bleeding, pinch for another 10 minutes.
• Apply ice: Place a few ice cubes wrapped in a cloth or a bag of cold vegetables from the fridge on the bridge of your nose. The cold will constrict the blood vessels and help stop the bleeding.

Is there a connection between nosebleeds and anemia?

This is also a problem that many people have. During pregnancy, as the amount of blood in the body increases, the concentration of red blood cells in the blood may decrease slightly. We call this mild anemia , and in most cases, this is normal.

Although people with anemia may have nosebleeds, anemia is not the main cause of nosebleeds . On the other hand, if you have frequent, heavy nosebleeds, you may be anemic. If you have symptoms such as extreme fatigue, frequent fainting, or pale skin, tell your doctor. He or she may order a blood test if necessary.

What can be done to prevent this situation?

While sometimes it's impossible to prevent this completely, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk.

• Drink plenty of water: Drink the required amount of water daily without fail. This will prevent dehydration and reduce dryness inside the nose.
• Blow your nose slowly: When blowing your nose , do it very slowly and gently . Avoid blowing your nose forcefully.
• Do not put your fingers inside your nose: This habit can damage delicate blood vessels.
• Snort with your mouth open: If you keep your mouth open while snoring, the pressure on your nose will decrease.
• Use a humidifier: If the air in your room is dry, especially if you sleep in AC rooms, using a humidifier will add moisture to the air and reduce nasal dryness.
• Ask your doctor about nasal sprays: If your nose is very dry, there are saline nasal sprays (salt water) that you can use to moisturize it. However, be sure to ask your doctor before using anything during pregnancy .

When should you see a doctor?

Although this is usually not serious, in some cases it is essential to seek medical advice. If you have any of the following symptoms, please inform your doctor immediately .

Usually, a single nosebleed during pregnancy is nothing to worry about. However, if you have any concerns, be sure to mention this to your doctor at your next visit to the clinic.

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