Nosebleeds during pregnancy

By trimester

Weeks 1–13

1st trimester

Rising blood volume starts early, so nosebleeds can show up in the first trimester even if you've never had one before. A cool-mist humidifier at night and a gentle saline spray during the day are simple, safe first steps.

Weeks 14–27

2nd trimester

Pregnancy rhinitis, the stuffy nose linked to pregnancy hormones, often peaks around the second trimester and can make nosebleeds more frequent. Keep the air humidified, drink water throughout the day, and blow your nose gently instead of hard.

Weeks 28–birth

3rd trimester

Blood volume is at its highest in the third trimester, and one recent study linked nosebleeds at this stage to a higher chance of needing a blood transfusion around delivery. Mention any nosebleeds to your provider, especially if they're frequent or heavy, and keep using a humidifier and saline spray to protect the nasal lining.

What does the evidence show for nosebleeds?

• Nosebleeds are about three times more common during pregnancy, showing up in roughly 1 in 5 pregnant women compared with about 1 in 16 people who aren't pregnant. 1
• The stuffy, swollen nose called pregnancy rhinitis affects roughly 1 in 5 pregnant women, and while no single cause explains it, it leaves the nasal lining more sensitive and easier to irritate. 2
• Saline nasal rinses are considered a safe, first-choice way to ease pregnancy congestion and the dryness that can lead to nosebleeds. 3
• Most pregnancy nosebleeds are minor and pass quickly, but rare cases of severe or repeated bleeding can turn into a serious pregnancy complication that needs prompt evaluation. 4
• Nosebleeds that show up in the third trimester have been linked to a nearly five-times-higher chance of needing a blood transfusion, which is why it's worth telling your care team about them. 5
• Direct pressure on the soft part of the nose for at least 10 minutes is the recommended first step for a nosebleed, and only about 1 in 10 nosebleeds turns out severe enough to need medical intervention. 6
• Severe epistaxis in pregnancy is uncommon but can require hospital admission, and rare cases have needed a blood transfusion. 7

When should I call my provider about nosebleeds?

Pinch the soft part of your nose and hold firm, steady pressure for at least 10 minutes before checking whether it has stopped, since letting go early is the most common reason a nosebleed seems to keep going. Only about 1 in 10 nosebleeds turns out severe enough to need medical care, so call your provider if bleeding has not slowed after a full 10 minutes of solid pressure, comes back several times in the same day, or feels unusually heavy. Rare, severe cases have needed a hospital visit and, occasionally, a blood transfusion, so a nosebleed that will not quit deserves same-day evaluation rather than more waiting at home. Trust your read on your own body. If something feels off beyond the list above, please consult your healthcare provider rather than waiting it out.