TikTok’s new beauty standard just came out and this time it’s for pregnant women.
Yeah. Mothers shouldn’t feel excluded from the constant emergence of new things we hate about ourselves™ on social media.
First came thigh dimples, then buccal fat, and now “pregnant nose,” a term that became accepted after several women went viral after sharing before and after videos of their pregnancy noses.
The women in the video express shock (and sometimes even disgust) at how swollen their noses are.
Here’s the thing: Your nose can change during pregnancy. But really there is nothing to worry about.
Dr Ashfaq Khan, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Harley Street Gynaecology, told Metro.co.uk that pregnancy noses are caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy.
“During the last stages of pregnancy, some women report that their noses seem larger and nasal congestion becomes a problem,” he says.
“Most likely, this is a symptom of rhinitis of pregnant women or inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose.”
During pregnancy, extra fluid in the body puts stress on the lymphatic system, he continues.
“This, combined with the increased blood supply, means that the mucous membranes in the body can experience increased pressure, with the nose sometimes being affected.”
For the most part, a pregnant nose is rarely noticeable—you might just have a few runny noses rather than a radical new look—and not every woman is affected.
We know what you’re thinking, but a pregnant nose can’t be prevented, so ignore any TikTok videos you see claiming to stop changes in its tracks.
There is nothing you can do but wait, but Ashfaq assures us that the shape and size of your nose should return to normal in a few days and weeks after delivery.
Medically speaking, a pregnant nose is not dangerous, but, Ashfaq warns, “if accompanied by swelling elsewhere, nosebleeds, headaches, and blurred vision, it could be a sign of preeclampsia and medical attention should be sought immediately.”
After all, a pregnant nose shouldn’t be a source of shame.
Whether it’s hair loss or weight gain, we need to stop talking negatively about the very normal and natural physical changes that happen to people when they bring life into the world.
Pregnant women have enough.
Do you have a story you want to share?
Contact us at MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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