Pregnancy Nose: What Is It & Why Does It Happen?

So… on top of morning sickness, weight changes, sore breasts, and allllll the rest…

Does your nose get bigger during pregnancy too?!

Turns out, yep — it can. 👃

(Seriously, what doesn’t change during pregnancy?! 🙃)

But why would pregnancy make your nose grow or swell?

And how long does this pesky pregnancy symptom last?

Let’s get right into it. 👇

In this article: 📝

Why does ‘pregnancy nose’ happen?

So, first off, let’s just clarify… ‘pregnancy nose’ isn’t a medical term.

But, that doesn’t make the symptoms any less real…

When discussing ‘pregnancy nose’, it’s likely referring to how your nose can swell and get bigger during your pregnancy. 👃

This is usually more common in the third trimester.

Many women have taken to TikTok to discuss this lesser-known symptom of pregnancy. 👈

So, if you notice your nose is starting to look puffier, more swollen, or has changed in shape, don’t worry — it’s a totally natural symptom of pregnancy. 🤰

So, what’s the cause of pregnancy nose?

Well, you guessed it — those pesky pregnancy hormones are at it again. 🫠

Changes in estrogen mean that it dilates the blood vessels, causing swelling around the entire body — including the nose. [1]

But, everyone’s hormone levels are different, so some may experience ‘pregnancy nose’ more intensely than others… and some may not experience it at all.

Basically, everyone responds differently to these hormonal changes — some women may have more sickness, or need to pee allllll the time.

Some may develop lesser-known symptoms, such as ‘pregnancy nose’.

And some unlucky mamas-to-be may experience them all. 😬

But, whatever the size of your nose during pregnancy, we’re sure you look radiant either way. 🤗

How early does pregnancy nose start?

Again, everyone is different.

But most people say their ‘pregnancy nose’ symptoms appeared later on in their pregnancy, most commonly in the third trimester.

But, for some, it might appear as early as the first trimester.

It all depends on you, mama-to-be.

How to avoid getting a big nose during pregnancy

Sorry mama-to-be…

We’re, once again, at the will of Mother Nature, here. 🍃

There’s not really much you can do about not getting ‘pregnancy nose’ during pregnancy…

But, of course, keeping up with regular medically-approved exercise is always advised to stay as healthy as possible, and to regain your pre-pregnancy physique quicker once the baby is born. [2]

Of course, it’s good to note that ‘pregnancy nose’ doesn’t just happen because you’re not exercising.

It’s something that’s totally out of our control, mama.

So, to conclude, keep eating healthily and make sure you’re regularly exercising, but if your ‘pregnancy nose’ be nosing, there’s not too much we can do about it. 🤷‍♀️

Just try to embrace your pregnancy journey — despite all the weird and random symptoms you experience!

Is ‘pregnancy nose’ the same as pregnancy rhinitis?

Not quite…

As well as increasing in size, ‘pregnancy nose’ may also make women experience more frequent nasal drainage, known as pregnancy rhinitis. [3]

This might cause you to have a stuffy nose, difficulty breathing or sleeping, and you might even start snoring too… 🫣

This could happen from environmental irritants (such as hayfever), or it could be caused by infection.

If you suspect you may have pregnancy rhinitis, get checked over by your doctor as soon as possible. 👩‍⚕️

Does your nose go back to normal after pregnancy?

After you’ve given birth, your nose should return back to normal.

Phew! 😮‍💨

Your ‘pregnancy nose’ should disappear completely around six weeks after giving birth.

How to shrink nose after pregnancy 👃

If your pregnancy nose is a little more persistent to hang about, and you’re ready to get your pre-pregnancy nose back, sorry to say, mama, but there’s not much you can do…

It will likely reduce in swelling over time, and typically clears up around 6 weeks postpartum.

But, if your pregnancy nose is hanging on for longer than 6 weeks, it’s best to get checked over by the doctor — just to make sure everything is returning back to normal as it should be. 🩺

Can a ‘pregnancy nose’ determine the gender of your baby?

And, of course, what would a pregnancy symptom be without the classic old wives’ tales of gender prediction? 😅

Some people think that having a fuller or rounder face (which is often accompanied with a ‘pregnancy nose’) is a sign that you’re having a girl. 🎀

But then, of course, others think it might mean you’re having a boy. 🤣

As is the case with all old wives’ tales, the gender of your child can’t be determined from pregnancy symptoms, and this myth about a ‘pregnancy nose’ is just that… a myth.

So, there you have it!

The 411 on what this whole ‘pregnancy nose’ business is all about.

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