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.
