Common nose problems during pregnancy include stuffiness, a runny nose, and nosebleeds. These problems may start early in pregnancy and may continue throughout pregnancy.

The hormones of pregnancy may cause the lining of your nose and sinuses to swell, so you feel continually blocked up and stuffy. Hormones are also to blame for dilatation (widening) of the tiny blood vessels in your nose, a change that increases the chance of nosebleeds. This enhanced blood supply may also cause increased mucus production, so your nose is always runny.

Swelling in your sinuses can sometimes cause pain in your cheeks and behind your eyes, and may contribute to headaches. Nasal stuffiness and a runny nose can sometimes be due to sensitivities and allergies.

Nasal problems usually resolve soon after the birth of your baby.

What can I do?

• If you need to blow your nose, do so very gently.
• Try a steam inhalation, perhaps with a few drops of tea tree oil in the water.
• If your nose is blocked, you will probably find that you breathe through your mouth, especially while you are asleep. This will give you a very dry mouth, so keep a glass of water handy for when you wake and use Vaseline to keep your lips moist. You may start to snore. Sleeping on your side may relieve this. Otherwise, there is probably not much you can do about this – except explain to your partner and ask for his or her understanding.
• If things get very bad, ask you doctor about safe decongestant medications.
• If you get a nosebleed, lean forward slightly, and pinch the sides of your nose firmly together just below the bone. This should stop the bleeding. Do this for at least 10 minutes.

Nosebleed alert

If you have more than two bad nosebleeds (or lots of little ones), consult your doctor. Severe and frequent nosebleeds may contribute to anaemia, or may be a sign of underlying illness.