Pregnancy brings about many changes in a woman’s body. Right from the time of conception till birth of the child, she may experience many pleasant as well as discomforting moments. Besides bodily changes, she may also notice some changes in her psyche. These all changes occur as a result of estrogen and progesterone hormones. Both the hormones play an active role during pregnancy to prepare and maintain healthy pregnancy.
However, often interaction between these hormones may cause some emotional as well as physical symptoms. Nosebleed and headaches are two frequent problems that many woman experience from time to time during their pregnancy period.
What Causes Headaches And Nosebleeds In Pregnancy?
Nose bleeding which in medical parlance is also called epistaxis is common during pregnancy. It especially occurs in second trimester. However, a pregnant woman can suffer from this discomforting symptom anytime during pregnancy. At least one in five pregnant women may develop bleeding from nose. The reason for nose bleeding is due to the hormonal imbalance. Estrogen and progesterone hormones act upon the blood vessels and dilate them.
However, the increase in blood volume can put pressure on the tiny delicate capillaries and veins in the nose. Besides, the mucus membrane may swell and become dry, especially in winter months. All these factors can break open the delicate veins leading to mild to moderate bleeding from nose. Nose bleeding can also occur in pregnant woman having cold and allergic rhinitis. Women suffering from high blood pressure during their pregnancy are also at risk of suffering from nose bleeding.
Besides nose bleed, headache is common problem experienced by many pregnant women. As mentioned earlier, many changes develop due to estrogen and progesterone hormone. Blood vessel dilatation and increased blood volume can also affect the vessels of brain. This change in blood circulation may trigger headache in some woman.
During pregnancy many woman have lack of appetite. They do not eat proper diet which in turn can reduce level of sugar in blood which may become a cause of headache. Emotional and physical stress, fatigue, lack of proper sleep, dehydration etc are other contributory factors for headache during pregnancy.
How To Stop Nose Bleeds While Pregnant?
Most nose bleeds occur from the tiny blood vessels that are present in front part of the nose. It is easy to stop this bleeding. Bleeding from back part of nose is difficult to stop easily because it may occur from bigger blood vessels. Consult an ENT specialist if bleeding persists for long time. Following steps can stop bleeding from nose.
- Sit on a chair, quiet and calm. Do not panic.
- Press your nostril with your thumb and index finger for 5 to 10 minutes. During this period, breathe from mouth.
- Lean forward so that the blood can drip from the nose or from your mouth into the bowl.
- Take few ice cubes in a cloth and place the cloth over the nose. Place it for 5 to 10 minutes from time to time. It helps to stop bleeding as the veins contract due to cold.
- If bleeding does not stop or the flow is increased contact your doctor.
Since high blood pressure is one of the causes for headache during pregnancy, pregnant woman should regularly check her blood pressure during pregnancy. She should reduce intake of salt and take necessary prescribed medicines.
Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation will help to relieve headache if the underlying cause is mental stress. During pregnancy women should not drink or smoke.