I Keep Getting a Bloody Nose!

Updated on July 17, 2009
H.K. asks from Huntington, WV
26 answers

Hi! I'm 8.5 months pregnant (not sure if that's relevant in this situation) and I keep getting a bloody nose. I had two yesterday and one today. I've NEVER had one before, so this is really weird. My nose doesn't hurt and I haven't been picking it... haha. The first time yesterday, I felt a gush of liquid run down my throat and I tasted blood in my mouth. Yuck! A couple of seconds later it started coming out my nose - right nostril only. It's happened twice since then but only lasts a few minutes.

Does anyone have any idea what's going on? I have an appointment with my baby doctor on Friday and I'll definitely ask her, but I thought I'd ask you ladies, too. Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thanks, everyone! My doctor said it's normal during pregnancy. I'm not worried anymore and it hasn't happened again. Yippy!

Featured Answers

D.B.

answers from Memphis on

My 20yodd use to get bloody noses all the time. The doctor said some people just have thin membranes in their nose and the slightest dryness can cause nose bleeds. She then started using a saline nose spray to help keep her nostrils moist and it worked well for her. Might give that a try. Congrats on the soon to be little girl. This 20yodd I just told you about married in January and is now pregnant. Her first appointment is today so we should have a due date soon...can't wait!!

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E.B.

answers from Raleigh on

it is most def one of the crazy side effects of being pregnant. i had it w/ both of my pregnancies and, normally, i NEVER get them. i think it has something to do w/ the blood vessles being a bit constricted and maybe also dry nasal passages. it'll resolve itself post-baby....but it doesn't make it any more fun in the meantime. good luck w/ the baby!!!

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A.G.

answers from Memphis on

I am also 8.5 months pregnant and I get right nostril obly bloody noses. I even wake up with blood on my pillow. I was told and read that this is very common while pregnanct because you have double the blood volume right now. It is very annoying and should go away after the baby comes!!! Congrats

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K.D.

answers from Raleigh on

I read that Vitamin C can strengthen those tiny blood vessels, so you might want to consider taking some. Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of water so your nasal passages don't get dried out.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.J.

answers from Nashville on

I have had this problem all three times I've been pregnant. This time, my doctor told me to take an extra vitamin c supplement, and it has worked. I also later saw this same advice in What to Expect When You're Expecting but they recommended a lower mg than my doctor. This has worked for me, and I was very grateful. I would ask your doctor their opinion.

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M.W.

answers from Huntington on

Your blood volume expands during pregnancy, which does make bloody noses more common than usual, still, it can be a sx of dietary deficiencies. Increasing the Vit C in your diet will strengthen your capillary walls, and thereby decreasing the frequency of your nose bleeds. Also more Vit. K in your diet helps the blood clot better, decreasing the amount of blood lost during those bleeds (and pp!)
Nose bleeds can also at times be a sx of hypertension (high BP) improving diet usually also improves your BP. See Dr. Tom Brewers website; blueribbonbaby.org for more info on diet during pregnancy.

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K.D.

answers from Raleigh on

Hi H.,

I had some nose bleeds with my last pregnancy. Evidently they become more common when you are pregnant b/c of the extra blood volume you have during pregnancy. I was pregnant during the winter too, and the dry air didn't help any. Sometimes it is nothing, but I've heard it can be a sign of high blood pressure as well. I would just mention it to your dr.

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V.C.

answers from Wheeling on

I'm pretty sure it's nothing to worry about. Could be any of several things. The few times I ever had a nosebleed, I was on my period (as an adolescent/early teen). Don't know why, but that's just the simple fact. One son had frequent bleeds (mostly at night, & mostly in the winter when the indoor humidity was low), and it was a blood vessel that was thin. We had it cauterized when his tonsils/adenoids were (necessarily) removed. Very little problem after that. Could be that the extra blood in your body right now is just over-taxing a weak place in a blood vessel.

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B.M.

answers from Wilmington on

Hi H.,
When I was pregnant, I remember my dentist telling me that a lot of pregnant women experience bleeding gums (though I never experienced that myself). I think this is probably a similar thing, and most likely nothing to worry about. Just mention it to your doctor at your next visit, or call if you're really anxious about it.
Congratulations and best wishes to you and your family!

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K.S.

answers from Raleigh on

Go to the pharmacy and take your blood pressure.

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K.H.

answers from Huntington on

It's very relevent! You blood volume has significantly increased and your mucus membranes are much more sensitive (interesting how your body cannot distinguish between the membranes of your nose and your vagina, but I digress...)

As a pregnant girl myself, I have also been experiencing a couple of nosebleeds that come on out of the blue.

Just another one of the joys of pregnancy!!!

Congrats!

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L.L.

answers from Nashville on

use neosporin on a q-tip and rub it gently inside your nostrils, this will keep them moist and prevent the nosebleeds. Yes, very much a symptom of pregnancy.

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C.R.

answers from Lexington on

I had those too. I honestly can't remember what the reason was for them, but I had called my doctor and it was nothing to worry about. Ask your doctor about it and she'll tell you. I believe it had something to do with your nose gets so dry on the inside and maybe the prenatal vitamins have something to do with it. It's been a while so my memory is failing me. But I do know that it wasn't a serious problem, so don't be concerned.

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C.R.

answers from Knoxville on

It could be as simple as your nose is dry, irritated due to lack of moisture or your blood pressure could be elevated. Definetly talk to the dr. You could try a nasal saline solution as well.

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H.W.

answers from Raleigh on

I had the same problem! Ugh! No fun! I put some chapstick (or vaseline...just a thin coating!) inside my nose before bed at night. The extra moisture seemed to help them stop.
Hope this helps.

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J.T.

answers from Memphis on

I experienced the same thing during my pregnancy. From what I understand, your blood vessels are enlarged during pregnancy and carry more blood to the baby.

Here's an article on babycenter you might want to read.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_nosebleeds-during-pregnancy_2...

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W.M.

answers from Louisville on

Hi H.,
I have a friend whose nose would bleed right before she would start her period. Every month, same time everytime. It has a lot to do with the stress your body is under carrying your baby girl and sometimes your body does some strange stuff that cannot be explained. I bet when you have this baby it will stop.
I wish you all the very best!!!
W.

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E.F.

answers from Louisville on

Normal. Don't worry. I had the same problem. I stopped blowing my nose and that helped. My nose returned to normal after about 3 days post pardum.

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S.T.

answers from Nashville on

get your blood pressure checked!

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J.L.

answers from Louisville on

Bloody noses are completely normal during pregnancy - don't worry! I had them all the time when I was pregnant. It has to do with increased blood flow while you're pregnant. congrats on the little one!

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G.M.

answers from Raleigh on

yeah, totally pregnant. that's the same reason many pregnant women get bloody gums. The soft tissues become extra sensitive and filled with blood and it's gotta go somewhere! :) If you're ever concerned about anything while pregnant, call your doctor just for peace of mind.

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A.F.

answers from Raleigh on

HI H.:
THis is totally normal, since you are pregnant. (I am sure your doctor can tell you why exactly, medically, I just know that things in the face get sort of inflamed with pregnancy.) With both of my pregnancies, I had increased nasal congestion, easy nosebleeds, and even gum bleeding. I know it is all connected, you probably just didn't experience it with your first child. Living in a hot climate is probably complicating it. It should dissipate when the baby comes.

Blessings!
A. F.

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T.A.

answers from Greensboro on

I had the same issue during my pregnancies. My OB let me know that it was completely normal. Apparently due to the fact that your blood supply increases while pregnant, which in turn puts a bit more pressue on your blood vessels, causing the tiny ones in your nose to rupture more easily. It's nothing to worry about.

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L.W.

answers from Raleigh on

Hi H.! I'm sure that did freak you out a little. No need to worry. The same thing happened to me when I was prego. It is just another one of those bizarre pregnancy/hormonal things that nobody tells you about! :) Just keep some tissues handy. It shouldn't happen too often, and should stop bleeding in pretty short order. Best of luck to you!

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R.C.

answers from Raleigh on

Def. mention it to your doc. Our blood volume almost doubles during pregnancy. Your nostrils are probably just too dry especially if you use air conditioning. There are 3 things I can think of to help you avoid it- 1- in the hospital we used to put a small dab of vasoline on a q-tip and wipe the inside of patient's nostrils- it feels funny when you do it to your self since you will feel the "wet" sensation but it might prevent the bloody nose again. 2- have you considered using a cool humidifer in your room? A third option might be to go get some saline nasal spray to keep your nostril moist. The good thing is that these are all good things to have handy around the house for a newborn too.:)
Good luck!!!

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A.H.

answers from Nashville on

Yes, it is pregnancy related. The only time I ever had a bloody nose was while I was pregnant. Something about the blood vessels. It may happen to your gums as well. Good luck!

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