Weird Early Pregnancy Symptoms No One Tells You About

                                                                  

Everyone knows the classic signs of pregnancy. You’ve missed your period. Your breasts are tender. And you’re tired all the time.

But pregnant women also experience a whole host of symptoms beyond these first signs. From mucus discharge, to tasting metal, to headaches, expect the unexpected.

Here’s a list of 10 weird early pregnancy symptoms no one tells you about.

1. Weird stuff will come out of you.

While many women experience vaginal discharge, it’s not often associated with pregnancy. But most pregnant women will secrete sticky, white, or pale yellow mucus early on in the first trimester and throughout pregnancy.

Increased hormones and vaginal blood flow cause the discharge. It increases during pregnancy to prevent infections as your cervix and vaginal walls soften. If it starts to smell, burn, itch, turn greenish yellow, or becomes very thick or watery, visit your doctor. You may have an infection.

2. Your body will turn up the heat.

When you first wake up in the morning after ovulation, your body temperature is slightly elevated. It stays that way until you get your next period.

But if this temperature, known as basal body temperature, stays elevated for more than two weeks, you may be pregnant.

3. Your head will hurt, you’ll feel cramps, and you’ll want to pee all the time.

Hormonal and blood volume changes during pregnancy can lead to headaches.

Some women also experience period-like cramps on either side of the lower abdomen. And most women will make extra trips to the restroom. That’s because your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder.

4. It’ll feel like the room is spinning.

It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to feel lightheaded or dizzy in the first trimester. Pregnancy causes blood pressure to drop and blood vessels to dilate.

But pay close attention to your symptoms. Severe dizziness coupled with vaginal bleeding and severe abdominal pain could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Make sure to see a doctor right away to avoid life-threatening complications.

5. You just can’t go.

You may feel bloated, like you want to pass gas or go number two. But it’s just not happening. That’s because pregnancy’s hormonal changes can lead to constipation.

Your digestive system slows down during pregnancy. This gives nutrients just enough extra time to absorb into your bloodstream and reach your little one.

If you can’t go, add more fiber into your diet, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise regularly. If needed, you can also check with your doctor about adding a pregnancy-safe stool softener.

6. You may experience a false period.

About 25 to 30 percent of pregnant women will lightly bleed or notice spotting early on in their pregnancy. The slight bleeding can happen when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This is known as implantation bleeding. It’s common about two weeks after conception.

Bleeding can also be caused by cervical irritation, an ectopic pregnancy, or a threatened miscarriage. Make sure to get medical help right away if your light bleeding gets heavier, is accompanied by severe cramps, back pain, or stabbing pains.

7. Grab some tissues, pour some tea, and curl up in bed.

Pregnancy lowers your immunity. This means you’re more prone to a cough, colds, and the flu. It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to experience cold or flu-like symptoms early in pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor about pregnancy-safe treatment options. Pregnant women are more vulnerable to severe illnesses from the flu. This can lead to serious health problems for your baby.

8. Your chest, it burns.

Hormones change everything during pregnancy. This includes the valve between your stomach and esophagus. This area becomes relaxed during pregnancy, which can cause stomach acid to leak into your esophagus, causing heartburn.

Fight back by eating smaller, more frequent meals. Also cut out fried grub. Try to avoid fizzy drinks, citrus fruits, juices, and spicy foods.

9. You’re up, then you’re down.

Your hormones suddenly change when you become pregnant. This can throw your emotions out of whack. You’ll feel unusually weepy and emotional. You might also experience mood swings. This is very common during early pregnancy.

10. You’ll taste metal.

Increases in estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can lead to changes in taste for many pregnant women.

A condition called dysegusia has some pregnant women tasting metal. You’ll feel like you were chomping on some old pennies with your lunch. Get rid of the metallic flavor by munching on saltines and chewing sugarless gum. Also try drinking colder liquids or eating spicier foods.

The Takeaway

Some of the symptoms listed above may make you think you’re just stressed and run down. But experienced together, they can point to pregnancy.

Pay attention to what your body is telling you. It might be time to see your doctor for a pregnancy test.