What causes nosebleeds in pregnant women?

Generally, nosebleeds in pregnant women may be caused by hormonal changes, dry air, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or gestational hypertension. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels cause nasal mucosal blood vessels to dilate and become congested, increasing the fragility of the vessel walls and making them prone to rupture and bleeding. This is a relatively common physiological phenomenon during pregnancy, typically involving minor bleeding. Avoid forceful nose-blowing or picking the nose to reduce nasal mucosa irritation. When experiencing a nosebleed, gently pinch both sides of the nostrils with your fingers, keep your head slightly forward, and maintain pressure for 5-10 minutes, which generally stops the bleeding. Drink plenty of warm water regularly to keep the body hydrated, helping maintain moist nasal mucosa.

2. Dry Air

In dry air, nasal mucosa easily loses moisture and becomes dry. Combined with the naturally dilated nasal blood vessels during pregnancy, this increases the likelihood of rupture and bleeding, possibly accompanied by a dry sensation in the nasal cavity. Place a humidifier indoors to maintain air humidity around 50%-60%, regularly open windows for ventilation to ensure air circulation. Use a saline nasal spray daily to gently mist the nasal passages, keeping the nasal mucosa moist. Avoid staying for prolonged periods in environments with direct air conditioner or excessive heating exposure.

3. Allergic Rhinitis

When pregnant women are exposed to allergens such as pollen or dust mites, the nasal mucosa may have an allergic reaction, causing swelling and itching. Frequent sneezing or nose rubbing can lead to nasal mucosal blood vessel rupture and bleeding, often accompanied by symptoms such as nasal itching and runny nose. Once the allergen is identified, exposure should be minimized. For example, wear a mask when going outdoors if allergic to pollen; regularly clean and sun-dry bedding if allergic to dust mites. Under medical guidance, use relatively safe medications such as physiological seawater nasal sprays to rinse the nasal cavity, loratadine tablets, or budesonide nasal spray to alleviate symptoms.

4. Sinusitis

When the sinuses become inflamed, the inflammatory irritation causes nasal mucosal congestion and swelling, making the submucosal blood vessels prone to rupture and bleeding. Symptoms may include purulent nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and headache. If not treated promptly, it may affect the pregnant woman's quality of life. Treatment should be conducted under medical guidance, using saline nasal irrigation to clear nasal secretions and reduce inflammatory irritation. When necessary, follow medical advice to use relatively safe antibiotics such as penicillin V potassium tablets, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or azithromycin tablets to control infection. Avoid self-medicating. Additionally, rest adequately, ensure sufficient sleep, and enhance physical immunity.

5. Gestational Hypertension

For pregnant women with gestational hypertension, elevated blood pressure increases the pressure in nasal blood vessels, making them prone to rupture and bleeding. Symptoms may include dizziness, headache, and blurred vision, which can affect the health of both the mother and the fetus. Rest immediately, maintain emotional stability, and avoid anxiety. Seek timely medical attention and use antihypertensive medications such as labetalol tablets, nifedipine sustained-release tablets, or methyldopa tablets under medical guidance to control blood pressure within a reasonable range. Regularly monitor blood pressure and urinary protein, closely observe maternal and fetal conditions, and follow medical advice for prenatal checkups and treatment.

In daily life, pregnant women should maintain a light diet, consume more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries, kiwifruit, and spinach, which help enhance blood vessel elasticity. Maintain regular sleep patterns, avoid staying up late, and pay attention to nasal hygiene, avoiding forceful nose-blowing or picking.