Nosebleeds during pregnancy are an odd sign but actually a common & normal early sign of pregnancy for some people.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Hi, I’m Hilary and I’m an L&D nurse, and while we don’t see people as early as I’m talking about (these are symptoms of just the first few weeks of pregnancy) I’ve had 3 kids of my own and have been around countless pregnant women.
These early pregnancy symptoms are NOT a pregnancy test.
If you’ve had a negative test, but are wondering if you could still be pregnant, my friend Katie has a post on negative pregnancy tests, as well as some other early pregnancy symptoms.
Many can come with or without pregnancy, but sometimes, once I have a positive test (as we waited a long time for the last baby at our house) these are reassuring signs (even if they are annoying). I also have a whole post on what to do when you’re first pregnant that will give you a bit of a to-do list.
Keep in mind that these are normal things to see in early pregnancy, but it’s normal not to have all of them, or even to have none of them. A positive pregnancy test is your BEST sign, and then hopefully you can see a health care provider and see/hear a heartbeat as that is also a very important thing.
If you don’t have these symptoms, please don’t worry!
Nosebleeds During Pregnancy
This seems like an odd one, though — right?
What causes nosebleeds in pregnancy?
The truth is you have more blood flowing through all of your body, and your nose is an area where tissue can tear or be bothered really easily and create a nosebleed.
Hopefully it isn’t a big one, an a little compression makes it stop quickly.
For me, it’s actually one of my main symptoms of early pregnancy. Nosebleeds in pregnancy are very common.
I remember charting in a room (back when we paper charted) and I saw a bright red drip come out my nose onto my chart. It was super awkward….
Swollen/Tender Breasts during pregnanacy
Your breasts are affected by all the new/different hormones coursing through your body. For the duration of your pregnancy your boobs will hurt and swell at different times and may stay that way for long periods.
All gettin’ ready to become a juice bar. 🙂 Sidenote, I am a big fan of taking a breastfeeding class.
Tired during early pregnancy
While you are creating small (but HUGE) building blocks of a human, the majority of your resources are creating the placenta at this point.
Later, when you look at it — it takes SO much iron and resources to make this magical organ.
So, have a nap. You deserve it!
The fatigue will get better.
Spotting during early pregnancy
When the placenta implants there is often some spotting.
This can range from a fair amount to just a tiny amount.
Not usually like a period, but I have heard stories of women who felt like they bled a normal amount, and it must’ve been implantation bleeding.
Nausea, sometimes with Vomiting during pregnancy
Although this doesn’t usually happen in the VERY early pregnancy, it will start to increase as you progress in gestation.
A lot of women also complain about feeling super “gaggy” and gross. All of that is normal (and super fun) #sarcasmfont
Issues with Food during pregnancy
You might crave certain items, or you might NOT want other items. All of that is normal as your hormones are affecting your digestive cycle.
Also, you might just not be feeling well, and be turning to food to make you happy. I turn to food a lot when I’m tired. It’s not served me well. 🙂
Fainting or Dizziness during early pregnancy
Because you’re using your resources to create a baby and a placenta, it’s not unusual that you might feel faint or dizzy.
Make SURE that you are drinking enough water. In fact, I would certainly err on the side of too much water vs not enough at this stage. You’ll feel better for it.
Constipation during pregnancy
Like above — your body is trying to conserve resources — and give as much as they can to the baby.
Leaving you with hard poop.
More water, more fiber. Tally ho!
Headaches during pregnancy
Headaches can be from dehydration or homes, or fatigue. They will probably stay with you on and off during the pregnancy.
Bloating/swelling during pregnancy
With all the fluid/hormone changes it’s normal to have some swelling and bloating during pregnancy.
It could also be from the popcorn you ate.
Mood Swings During Pregnancy
Whether it’s from hormones, fatigue or just a crappy spouse — who knows. Just know this is normal. Ask your husband/partner to be more forgiving, and remind him you don’t mean it when you head spins backwards sometimes. 🙂
FAQ’s about early pregnancy:
Are early pregnancy cramps the same as period cramps?
They sure can feel the same. It’s just your uterus growing. They shouldn’t be too painful, and don’t take ibuprofen at this stage in the game. Sometimes a warm shower can help.
Are early pregnancy symptoms on and off?
Yes, 100%. Just because you feel really nauseous one day, and not the next — don’t get concerned and stress-out. It’s just your body trying to find a new normal.
Can early pregnancy cause pimples?
Yes, darn hormones. They’re all over the place at this point in the game. Sorry about that.
When should I take a Prenatal Vitamin?
Right away! Prenatal Vitamins should be taken by all women who have a chance of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
What should I not do during early pregnancy?
- Freak out — stressing out about all of it is not a great plan
- Take medication — unless your doctor has directed you to, I recommend a neutral body during pregnancy which means trying to make your diet and intake as clean as possible
Otherwise just act normal. Your body takes care of this, and hopefully, it works out. Honestly, the first few weeks don’t seem “real” and I try to sort of ignore it. As someone who had infertility for quite a while I like to give it a few weeks to get my heart set on stuff, but that’s me. I have a whole post on what you SHOULD do during early pregnancy.
That includes
- Drink lots of water
- Eat balanced meals — try not to go too salty or too sugary. Balance protein and sugar. It will just help you feel better overall.
- Take it easy. Try not to over-schedule yourself, leave a lot of margins in your life.
It’s never too early to think about getting educated for your baby’s birth. I have an online prenatal class that will help you and your partner prepare for what’s to come – -check it out. In the meantime, jump on my pregnancy series where I can give you useful tips as you progress in your pregnancy. And, be sure to check out my other pregnancy posts below that!
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