What Causes Thick Red Mucous Discharge On Blowing Nose?

I'm 33 weeks pregnant and have had a very sore throat, particularly in the early mornings, as well as a stuffY nose for the last week. My family physician said it is probably viral since I have no fever. For the past 3 days, my sore throat has been getting slightly better as I am now able to blow my nose. I drink about six-eight 500 ml bottles of water a day since fighting this cold in order to stay hydrated. However, when I blow my nose, I find that I have to blow hard and manipulate the 'angle' of my blow to coax the thick mucus out, which I can hear as I'm blowing. Many times, a thick dark red blob comes out, which looks wet but is oddly dry to touch. Is this normal? Where is the blood coming from? It still hurts to breathe through my nose, as if the air feels so dry it stings. Is there anything else I can do to expedite the healing process? Thanks.