What causes nosebleeds in the morning during late pregnancy?

In general, nosebleeds in the morning during late pregnancy may be caused by hormonal changes, dry environment, rhinitis, nasal mucosal ulcers, or gestational hypertension. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Hormonal changes: In late pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels cause dilation and congestion of blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, increasing their fragility. Blood pressure fluctuations upon waking can easily lead to rupture and bleeding of these vessels. When experiencing a nosebleed, lean forward and lower your head, then press the nostrils with your fingers for 5–10 minutes to stop the bleeding. Avoid tilting your head backward, which could allow blood to flow into the throat.

2. Dry environment: A dry sleeping environment at night causes the nasal mucosa to lose moisture and become brittle, making bleeding more likely when blowing the nose or breathing upon waking. Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60%. Apply physiological saline nasal spray before bedtime to moisten the nasal passages, and avoid forceful nose-blowing.

3. Rhinitis: Inflammation irritates and swells the nasal mucosa, making blood vessels prone to rupture. Symptoms are often worse in the morning and accompanied by nasal congestion and itching. Nasal irrigation with physiological saline under medical guidance is recommended. Treatments such as budesonide nasal spray or isotonic seawater nasal spray can be used, while avoiding exposure to allergens.

4. Nasal mucosal ulcer: Ulcerated areas on the nasal mucosa may bleed easily in the dry morning air or after minor irritation, often accompanied by a burning pain in the nose. Follow medical advice to apply recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel, take vitamin C tablets, or use cod liver oil nasal drops. Avoid picking the nose or exposure to irritating gases.

5. Gestational hypertension: Elevated blood pressure in late pregnancy increases stress on the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa. Nosebleeds often occur during the morning peak in blood pressure and may be accompanied by dizziness and blurred vision. Medications such as labetalol tablets, methyldopa tablets, or nifedipine sustained-release tablets should be taken under medical supervision. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential, along with reduced dietary salt intake.

In daily life, eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C; maintain indoor humidity to prevent dryness; avoid aggressive nose-picking or nose-blowing; attend regular prenatal checkups to monitor blood pressure, and seek medical attention promptly if frequent nosebleeds or abnormal blood pressure occur.