Swollen Facial Features in Pregnancy

Women are turning to social media to share the phenomenon of “pregnancy nose” and “pregnancy lips.” According to experts, hormones are to blame for the appearance of swollen facial features. The specific hormone behind the swell is progesterone, which increases throughout one’s pregnancy, as Jill Hechtman, M.D., an OB-GYN with OB Hospitalists of Florida, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group, explained. Progesterone can cause water retention throughout the body, along with increased blood flow, which helps the uterus to grow to accommodate the fetus. “This can lead to nasal swelling as well as a runny nose and/or feeling stuffy,” said Dr. Hechtman. While swelling can happen during the first trimester, it’s more prevalent throughout the later stages of pregnancy in the second and third trimesters.

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