Nosebleeds during pregnancy are fairly common and most stop quickly with pressure. While unexpected nosebleeds can be unsettling, there is a fairly simple explanation. Pregnancy hormones lead to an increase in blood in the nasal mucosa (the tissue that lines your nasal passage). Something as small as blowing your nose or dry air can cause…

If you find yourself stuck with a perpetually stuffy nose during pregnancy, you might be experiencing pregnancy rhinitis. Around 30-40% of pregnant people report nasal congestion (+/- watery clear nasal discharge), without other common cold symptoms. After ruling out a virus or sinus infection as the cause, the most likely culprit is pregnancy hormones. It…

Varicose veins can develop during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes and your uterus placing pressure on the veins that drain blood from your lower body. This can cause veins in your legs, vulva, and vagina to become swollen, sore and blue. Occasionally they become painful and hard and require evaluation and treatment with…

Though it often goes unnoticed prior to pregnancy, there is a line of skin that runs from your belly button to your mons pubis known as the linea alba. During pregnancy, this line becomes more distinct (hence the name change to linea nigra) due to hormonal changes that increase the production of melanin. Those with…

Pregnancy hormones can lead to an increased production of melanin in the body. Melanin is the substance that gives color to your skin and hair. Throughout pregnancy, dark patches might appear on your skin as the increase in melanin becomes more concentrated. While these dark patches, known as melasma, typically fade during postpartum, for some…

Migraines are a common type of headache associated with the dilation of blood vessels in the brain. Usually experienced as a pulsing or throbbing pain accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity, migraines can interfere with daily activities. Since the frequency of migraine headaches can be affected by changing hormone levels, if you suffer from migraines,…

If you find yourself craving non-food substances like clay, cleaning products or starches, it’s time to call your Ob provider since these are not considered normal pregnancy cravings. This type of craving, known as Pica, is sometimes associated with iron deficiency and can lead to harmful health consequences.  Whether or not you have consumed these…

While the exact causes are unknown, experiencing leg cramps in pregnancy is common, especially during the second and third trimester. Often occurring at night, painful calf and foot cramps are due to involuntary muscle contractions. Since comfortable sleep during pregnancy is hard to come by, follow these tips to help prevent and alleviate leg cramps: