Nasal Congestion & Nosebleeds

What It Feels Like

Nosebleeds and nasal stuffiness are common during pregnancy. A nosebleed is loss of blood from the tissue lining the nose. Bleeding most commonly occurs in one nostril only.

Nasal congestion refers to a stuffy nose. Many people think that a nose gets congested (stuffy) from too much thick mucus. This is incorrect. The nose becomes congested when the tissues lining the nose become swollen due to inflamed blood vessels.

Why do you get nasal congestion and nosebleeds? 

Nosebleeds and nasal congestion are caused by the increased amount of blood in your body and hormones acting on the tissues of your nose.

How to Mange Nosebleeds and Nasal Congestion

• Blow your nose gently.
• To stop a nosebleed, squeeze your nose between your thumb and forefinger for a few minutes.
• Apply cold compresses or ice across the bridge of the nose.
• Do not lie down if you have a nosebleed.
• Do not pack the inside of your nose with gauze or tissue.
• Avoid sniffing or blowing your nose for several hours after a nosebleed.
• Drink extra hot fluids such as hot team, broth or chicken soup.
• Use a cool mist humidifier.