A woman who is in the second trimester of pregnancy mentions that she has had "more nosebleeds than ever" since she became pregnant. What is the likely reason for this?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nasal stuffiness and epistaxis may occur during pregnancy as a result of increased vascularity in the upper respiratory tract. Inappropriate use of nasal sprays often causes rebound congestion or swelling, but not usually nosebleeds. Nasal stuffiness and epistaxis may occur during pregnancy as a result of increased vascularity in the upper respiratory tract so this patient's nose bleeds are more likely to be due to the increased vascularity in the upper respiratory tract than to a problem with the coagulation system or an increased susceptibility to colds and nasal irritation.

A Woman Who Is in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy