Pregnancy nose, a condition where the nose appears swollen or larger during pregnancy, is caused primarily by hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and fluid retention in the body during pregnancy. The key hormones involved are estrogen and progesterone, which cause the blood vessels in the nose to dilate and increase blood flow to the nasal tissues. This leads to swelling of the nasal tissues and mucus membranes, sometimes resulting in nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and even nosebleeds. Fluid retention, common in pregnancy, also contributes to the swelling by causing tissues to hold more fluid. Additionally, a condition called pregnancy rhinitis, affecting about 30% of pregnant women, can cause nasal congestion and related symptoms due to inflammation and increased mucus production. These changes are natural adaptations during pregnancy and usually resolve after giving birth as hormone levels return to normal. In summary, pregnancy nose is mainly caused by:
- Hormonal changes (especially estrogen and progesterone) dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow in the nose.
- Increased blood volume during pregnancy causing vessel expansion and swelling.
- Fluid retention leading to tissue swelling.
- Pregnancy rhinitis causing nasal inflammation and increased mucus production.
These symptoms typically appear in the later stages of pregnancy and go away within a few weeks after delivery.
