Pregnancy Symptoms: Nosebleeds During Pregnancy

Yikes! You're already up to your (protruding) belly in strange pregnancy symptoms and now suddenly your nose is bleeding! Is it normal? In short, yes. As alarming as they are, most pregnancy nosebleeds are harmless. They're just another one of those weird pregnancy symptoms like itchy skin and smelly pee!

Women tend to get more nosebleeds during pregnancy because pregnancy can cause the blood vessels in the nose to expand (just like every other part of your body!) which puts more pressure on them. Eventually, they rupture (not as bad as it sounds) and bleed.

Not surprisingly, you're more likely to get a nosebleed when you already have a cold or allergies—or if you're spending a lot of time in air-conditioning (which dries your nose out).

Of course, we hope it goes without saying, but just to be on the safe side, we'll say it anyway: if you're getting a lot of nosebleeds or if your nose is gushing blood, please see a doctor ASAP. Nosebleeds can be a symptom of high blood pressure or a clotting disorder (Ack!).

In the meantime, don't follow the classic nosebleed advice to lie down and tilt your head back. Instead, you're better off pinching the lower part of your nose and holding firmly for five or ten minutes. Applying ice is also a good idea because it will constrict blood vessels. If the bleeding still doesn't stop, call the doctor!