“Pregnancy nose” is a common term describing nasal congestion and noticeable swelling that can affect the nose during gestation. This temporary physiological change often involves a feeling of stuffiness or a visible puffiness of the outer nose. While its symptoms may mimic a cold or allergies, it is distinct from those conditions. Understanding the mechanisms behind this change helps clarify why some experience it while others do not.
Is Nasal Swelling Universal During Pregnancy
Nasal changes during pregnancy are common, but they do not happen to everyone. The condition technically known as “rhinitis of pregnancy” refers to nasal congestion and a runny nose not caused by infection or allergy. Estimates suggest this specific type of congestion affects 18% to 39% of pregnant individuals.
A majority of pregnant people will experience no such nasal symptoms during gestation. The visible swelling or broadening of the external nose, often called “pregnancy nose,” is less frequent than internal congestion alone. The severity of symptoms varies greatly, ranging from minor stuffiness to significant breathing difficulties or an obvious change in the nose’s appearance.
Hormonal and Vascular Causes of Nasal Changes
When nasal changes occur, the underlying cause is the shift in physiology during gestation. The primary drivers are the elevated levels of pregnancy hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen causes blood vessels throughout the body, including those lining the nasal passages, to relax and dilate (vasodilation).
This increased vessel size, combined with a surge in total blood volume (which can increase by up to 50%), leads to greater blood flow to the nasal tissues. The increased blood flow and vascular permeability cause the mucous membranes inside the nose to swell, resulting in edema. This swelling causes the internal congestion characteristic of rhinitis of pregnancy and, in pronounced cases, the visible puffiness of the outer nose.
The swelling is a temporary accumulation of fluid within the tissues. Progesterone may further contribute by causing vascular pooling and increasing resistance in the nasal passages. This physiological response is not limited to the nose, as similar fluid retention and swelling can be seen in the hands, ankles, and feet.
When Does the Swelling Subside
Nasal changes during pregnancy are temporary because their cause is directly tied to the presence of pregnancy hormones. Once delivery occurs, the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop rapidly. The body also begins shedding the extra fluid accumulated during gestation.
This rapid hormonal and fluid shift allows the dilated blood vessels in the nasal passages to constrict and the tissue swelling to resolve. For most people, congestion and visible swelling disappear soon after childbirth, typically within a few days to two weeks postpartum. In some cases, it may take up to six to eight weeks for the body’s fluid balance to fully stabilize and for residual puffiness to diminish.