Weird Early Pregnancy Symptoms: 10 Unexpected Ones

Introduction

While many people are familiar with the classic signs of pregnancy, such as a missed period, tender breasts, and morning sickness, there are many other unusual symptoms that can occur during the early stages of pregnancy. These symptoms can be caused by hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and other physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. In this article, we will explore 10 weird early pregnancy symptoms that you may not know about.

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Increased Discharge

While many people experience vaginal discharge, it’s not often associated with pregnancy. However, most pregnant people will experience increased discharge in the first trimester and throughout the pregnancy. This discharge is typically sticky, white, or pale-yellow mucus. Increased hormones and vaginal blood flow cause discharge to increase during pregnancy, which may help prevent infections as the cervix and vaginal walls soften.

Basal Body Temperature

When you first wake up in the morning after ovulation, your body temperature is slightly elevated. This temperature, known as basal body temperature, stays elevated until you get your next period. However, if this temperature stays elevated for more than two weeks, it may be an early indicator of pregnancy.

Lightheadedness and Dizziness

Pregnancy can cause blood pressure to drop and blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness. This is especially common in the first trimester. While it’s normal to feel a little lightheaded, severe dizziness coupled with vaginal bleeding and severe abdominal pain could indicate an ectopic pregnancy.

Bloating and Constipation

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to bloating, which can make you feel like you need to pass gas or poop without being able to. This is because the uterus grows during pregnancy, which can shift the intestines and affect regularity. Prenatal vitamins can also cause constipation due to the iron content. Some steps to help alleviate constipation include eating smaller, more frequent meals, increasing fiber intake, and staying hydrated.

Spotting and Implantation Bleeding

Spotting, or light bleeding, occurs early on in about one in three pregnancies. This bleeding can happen when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, a process known as implantation bleeding. It’s common about two weeks after conception. However, bleeding can also be caused by other issues, such as hormonal changes or a miscarriage.

Cold and Flu-Like Symptoms

Pregnancy lowers your immunity, making you more prone to infection. It’s not uncommon to experience cold or flu-like symptoms early in pregnancy. A doctor can recommend pregnancy-safe treatment options, as pregnant people are more vulnerable to severe illnesses and complications from the flu.

Heartburn

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the valve between the stomach and esophagus, causing stomach acid to leak into the esophagus and cause heartburn. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding certain foods, such as fried foods, spicy foods, and citrus fruits, may help alleviate heartburn.

Mood Swings and Emotional Changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your emotions, leading to mood swings and emotional changes. These changes are common during early pregnancy and can be caused by the fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone levels.

Changes in Taste

Increases in estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can lead to changes in taste for many pregnant people. Some pregnant people may develop dysgeusia, which causes altered taste sensations. This may make food taste metallic, sour, or bitter. While there isn’t a cure for dysgeusia, you may be able to reduce the taste by chewing sugarless gum, adding seasonings and spices to dishes, or neutralizing the metallic taste by adding sweetness or sourness to dishes.

Conclusion

While these symptoms may seem unusual, they are all common during early pregnancy. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a doctor to confirm the pregnancy and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.

FAQs

Q: What are some common early pregnancy symptoms?
A: Some common early pregnancy symptoms include increased discharge, basal body temperature changes, lightheadedness and dizziness, bloating and constipation, spotting and implantation bleeding, cold and flu-like symptoms, heartburn, mood swings and emotional changes, and changes in taste.

Q: What causes these symptoms?
A: These symptoms are caused by hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and other physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.

Q: Are these symptoms normal?
A: Yes, these symptoms are normal during early pregnancy. However, it’s essential to consult with a doctor to confirm the pregnancy and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.

Q: How can I alleviate these symptoms?
A: There are many ways to alleviate these symptoms, including eating smaller, more frequent meals, increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, avoiding certain foods, and practicing relaxation techniques.

Q: When should I see a doctor?
A: If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a doctor to confirm the pregnancy and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.