Explaining the Infamous Pregnancy Nose

Have you ever looked at a pregnant woman and thought, “Wait… was her nose always that size?” Or have you seen the “pregnancy humbled me” trend on TikTok? If yes, you’re most likely aware of the infamous pregnancy nose.

Why Do Pregnant Women Have Big Noses?

First of all, not every woman gets a bigger nose during pregnancy, but for the hundreds of millions that do, here’s what science says:

Pregnancy nose is not a disease, unless accompanied by other symptoms. So, you pretty much have nothing to worry about. However, there is such a thing as pregnancy rhinitis, which is increased stuffiness, congestion, or dripping of the nose during pregnancy, and it often accompanies the increased nose size.

Pregnancy rhinitis can be a source of discomfort and may be treated with decongestants, nasal irrigation, or nasal sprays. Remember to discuss these options with your doctor or healthcare provider before choosing one that is suitable for you.

But let’s get back to the main question. Why do some women have bigger noses during pregnancy?

You see, during pregnancy, a woman’s body is fending for two people — the woman and her baby. Hence, the body undergoes some adaptive changes to meet this new demand. If you’re wondering whether the mummy is breathing for two, I see your logic. Nice try, but that’s not the case.  

What actually happens is that the mother’s body produces higher levels of estrogen and progesterone to sustain the pregnancy. Estrogen causes blood vessels to dilate (expand), while its sister hormone, progesterone, increases blood flow to mucous membranes such as the nasal mucosa and sinuses. Aside from this, pregnancy also causes the body to retain more fluid in different parts of the body, including the nose.

Is Pregnancy Nose Permanent?

If you’ve ever had — or if you have — a big nose in pregnancy, you now know why. And if you are wondering whether the “pregnant nose” is permanent, I’m happy to inform you that it is not. The bloated nose typically resolves within a few weeks after delivery.

Now, you may be wondering: “Don’t other body parts undergo these processes too? Why aren’t they affected like the nose?” Well, yes. Other parts of the body are also affected by the effects of estrogen and progesterone in pregnancy. However, different parts of the body exhibit these changes in different ways and to varying degrees.

For instance, the nose has a lot of vascular soft tissue and mucosa, especially in the nasal turbinates and lining. This tissue is very responsive to hormonal changes, making the swelling more visible. In contrast, the ears have much firmer cartilage and less soft tissue, so even if blood flow increases, there’s little room for visible swelling. Meanwhile, swelling in the fingers, ankles, and feet often presents as edema and usually resolves with elevation.

Can You Reduce The Nasal Swelling?

Some quick and helpful tips for reducing nasal swelling during pregnancy include:

• Staying Hydrated: This helps keep mucus thin and the nasal passages moist, preventing congestion.
• Moderate Exercise: This will improve circulation and reduce fluid retention.
• Avoid a High-Sodium Diet: Limit salty foods, as they can increase fluid retention in the body and exacerbate nose swelling during pregnancy.
• Eat Lots of Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts are rich in antioxidants. Feast on them.

Conclusively, pregnancy nose isn’t a myth. It’s a real, hormonally driven change that happens to some women. The good news? It’s normal, it’s harmless, and it won’t last forever. So, if you notice a little extra puff around your nose, remember it’s just one of the many ways your body is showing up for your baby. However, if you experience symptoms like nasal congestion or difficulty breathing, speak to your healthcare provider, as these may indicate a more serious condition.