Pregnancy nose: What is it and why does it happen?

So what’s the truth behind the myth that’s often believed to be an old-wives’ tale? We asked Dr Nicky Keay, Forth’s chief medical officer and honorary clinical lecturer in medicine at UCL to help us sniff out the truth (ahem).

‘While not a commonly discussed occurrence, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, it appears that rhinitis can occur in pregnancy, thought to be due to changes in female hormones (continuously raised oestradiol, progesterone and prolactin) in pregnancy.’

Why does the nose swell during pregnancy? 

So what does that mean for the nose on your face?

The same increased oestrogen and progesterone levels that make your feet swell, encourage blood flow to the mucous membranes, force the muscles and soft bones in the nose to expand and make your nose appear plumper and a different shape as a result. 

This is why most women have stuffy noses throughout their pregnancies and are more prone to nosebleeds.

It typically happens during the third trimester when high blood pressure and water retention can also cause swelling.

When will the nose return to its normal size and shape?

Pregnancy nose enlargement happens because of the hormonal changes the birthing person is experiencing.

These changes are temporary and, after delivery, the hormonal balance should be restored and your nose should go back to normal within four to six weeks after delivery when the pesky hormones are out of your system.

How to prevent pregnancy nose

Although it’s very normal during pregnancy and the effects of hormones cannot be prevented, there are said to be some ways to lessen the swelling. 

Try to minimise your overall salt intake and up your water intake to lessen the level of water retention and manage high blood pressure.

But according to the NHS website, a sudden increase in swelling – particularly in your face, hands or feet – can be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition that needs to be flagged as soon as possible to your midwife, GP or labour ward.

Does it mean you’re having a boy?

Linking the size of a pregnant woman’s nose to the gender of her baby is an old-wives’ tale that would make Pinnochio’s nose grow. Women produce large amounts of pregnancy hormones regardless of the baby’s sex.

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