We asked our expert midwife Sarah Joy Owen for the lowdown

Another day, another TikTok trend. And this time it’s focused on something you *might* recognise … pregnancy nose.

Yep, while bladder issues and morning sickness are common symptoms in pregnancy, another less well known side effect is going viral on TikTok. But with the ‘pregnancy nose’ search term racking up over 40 million views on the social media site, is it even a thing?

• Sam Faiers said she thought about buying an adult potty in pregnancy

What is the ‘pregnancy nose’ trend?

New mums are taking to TikTok to share photos of their noses before – and during – pregnancy.

One user, @kaylyn.hill shared a video captioned, ‘Y’all wanna talk about pregnancy nose 🫠’. In the video, which has 5.9 million views, she then shares photos of herself with a larger nose and writes, ‘It gets progressively worse’.

In another TikTok video that’s had 2.7 million views, user @kellieamartinez shares a photo of herself and says, ‘6 months before I got pregnant? Never had a big nose, everything’s fine.’

Sharing 2 more photos in pregnancy, with her nose appearing to be slightly bigger, she says, ‘Who is that?’

What is pregnancy nose?

Netmums' resident midwife Sarah Joy Owen says:

'Pregnancy nose is when your nose starts to look bigger or more swollen in pregnancy, normally in the third trimester .

'People often report their noses can become more bunged up during this time or that they have increased nose bleeds. It’s also really common for your sense of smell to become more heightened during pregnancy, in fact for some people this can be the first sign they may be pregnant.

'No one really knows why this happen but it could be a defence mechanism to help protect you from food and drink that might be off and give you food poisoning.'

What causes pregnancy nose?

There are a number of reasons your nose may get bigger in pregnancy, says Sarah.

Blood volume almost doubles by the end of pregnancy which can lead to swelling in the body, including the nose. This can also be what causes nose bleeds.

Your body also produces a hormone called relaxin when you are pregnant which causes your joints to become looser and smooth muscle to become more elastic.

She adds:

'Both of these are needed to help your body accommodate your growing baby and your pelvis open ready for birth. The downside is they can cause pregnancy nose, your feet to grow, sore gums, pelvic girdle pain, heartburn and urine infections .'

Ouch.

When should I be worried about pregnancy nose?

As with all pregnancy symptoms, if you're worried then speak to your GP or midwife. Sarah says:

'Very occasionally nose bleeds can be a sign of pre-eclampsia but generally if this is the case you will have other symptoms too. Ones to watch out for include; bad headaches, especially over the forehead; visual disturbances, including flashing lights or trouble focussing; sharp pain under the middle of your ribs which may be accompanied with vomiting and/or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet.'

Will my nose go back to normal after giving birth?

Usually ... but not always, says Sarah.

'Most swelling should go back to normal after having a baby but in some cases changes are more permanent including slightly bigger noses and feet!'

Related content

5 bizarre pregnancy side effects (and why they happen)

CHAT: Did your cravings tell you if it was a boy or girl?

Pregnant celebrities: who’s due next?