Headache and nosebleed during pregnancy

Pregnancy-related changes can increase blood flow and make the lining inside the nose sensitive. Dry air, frequent blowing, allergic rhinitis, a common cold, or sinusitis can add irritation and congestion. Headache may also follow poor sleep, dehydration, skipped meals, or muscle tension. High blood pressure in pregnancy can present with headache and needs checking, particularly when symptoms are new, persistent, or different from your usual pattern.

Sit upright, lean forward, and pinch the soft part of the nose steadily until bleeding stops. Keep the room comfortably humid, drink fluids regularly, and eat small meals if nausea makes eating difficult. Do not start a nasal spray, herbal product, or pain medicine without checking that it is appropriate during pregnancy. Keep a note of your blood pressure readings if your maternity team has asked you to monitor them.

Contact your maternity team urgently for a severe or persistent headache, vision changes, pain under the ribs, sudden swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, confusion, weakness, or reduced fetal movement. Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding, fainting, seizure, injury, or trouble breathing. A nosebleed that repeatedly returns or will not stop with pressure also needs prompt review.

Ask whether your symptoms could relate to blood pressure, nasal inflammation, anaemia, infection, or a medicine. Share your stage of pregnancy, the headache pattern, bleeding duration, recent readings, and any changes in vision or swelling.