We all know the body goes through a number of changes as it grows a little human. From the pregnancy glow and luscious locks to the not-so-glamorous swollen feet, frequent urge to pee, back pain, swelling and general weight gain. Now you can add one more to that never-ending list of common pregnancy ailments; pregnancy nose.
What is pregnancy nose?
In its simplest form, pregnancy nose - technically not a medical term - refers to the physical changes that happen to a woman’s nose during pregnancy. The nose can appear larger and some women think their nose is swollen during pregnancy. It tends to happen more so towards the last trimester, just ask Chrissy Teigen who tweeted about it in 2018 when she was pregnant with her son Miles. Pop superstar, Rhianna has also said her nose spread when she was pregnant with her first son RZA in 2022.
What causes pregnancy nose?
As the name suggests, it comes down to being pregnant. It won't affect everyone and there isn’t one distinct cause, but some people suggest it could be down to hormones, the increase in blood flow of pregnant women or fluid retention. Some experts suggests it can also be caused by pregnancy rhinitis. which is a condition that causes nasal congestion, irritation, and sneezing. The congestion could possibly cause inflammation and increased mucus production, which can lead to nasal swelling.
Does pregnancy nose go away?
Yes! Cue a collective sigh of relief! Like most things that show up during pregnancy, it's a temporary condition and should resolve itself after giving birth as hormone levels return to normal but the time frame can vary from one person to another.
Pregnancy nose FAQs
Does your nose look different when pregnant?
Not everyone will experience a swollen or larger nose when pregnant. Some women who have more nasal soft tissue may experience more swelling.
Is there a way to avoid pregnancy nose?
There's no way to prevent pregnancy nose just like there's no way to prevent your feet getting swollen. All the changes that occur internally and externally in the body during pregnancy are a natural part of it. If your nose does feel swollen, it's best to stay hydrated and avoid anything that could irritate the nasal passage further.
Keya Modessa, is our Senior Digital Writer and brings over a decade of experience from the digital realm to Mother&Baby. As a mother of two, Keya understands the joys and challenges of modern parenthood and uses her own experience, to give practical advice. Keya has worked across national publications including glossy women's mags, Food and Travel, and more recently Muddy Stilettos.