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23 Weird Pregnancy Symptoms You Might Not Know About
Everyone is familiar with the classic signs of pregnancy. Missed period, tender breasts, food cravings, and feeling tired are just a few of them.
However, a mom-to-be also experiences a whole host of weird pregnancy symptoms beyond these initial signs. From blurry vision to itchy nipples to farting, expect the unexpected.
Here are 23 strange pregnancy symptoms that no one tells you.
In This Article
- Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy (NVP)
- Itchy Breasts/Nipples
- Constipation
- Blurry Vision
- Pregnancy Hemorrhoids
- Leaking Breasts
- Pregnancy Gas
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)- Numb or Tingling Hands
- Linea Nigra
- Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
- Belly Button Changes During Pregnancy- Innie Becomes an Outie
- Pregnancy Acne
- Nasal Congestion
- Urinary Frequency and Leaking
- Vaginal Discharge
- Varicose Veins
- Skin Tags
- Dental Distress
- Fatigue and Sleep Problems
- Elevated Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
- Indigestion, Heartburn and Acid Reflux
- Leg Cramps
- Stretch Marks, Skin Changes
#1. Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy (NVP)
Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy. It is also known as pregnancy sickness. Nearly 80% of expectant mothers experience nausea and vomiting, according to one study. Some pregnant moms even feel nauseous around the clock. The exact reason for pregnancy sickness is still known, but it is considered a healthy pregnancy. It starts around the six weeks of pregnancy, usually gets worse around nine weeks. Generally, it goes away by 14 weeks, but for some women, it lasts throughout the pregnancy. Significant symptoms of morning sickness include nausea, vomiting, strong aversions to certain foods, and fatigue. You can try these home or natural remedies to handle nausea and vomiting.
#2. Itchy Breasts/Nipples
Your changing breasts is a classic early sign of pregnancy. Stretching of areolas (the area surrounding your nipples), causing your nipples to be sore and itchy. Changes to the breasts can start as early as one week after conception, and will continue as your pregnancy progresses. You can wear a soft and comfortable cotton maternity bra and use cocoa butter or vitamin E body lotion to soothe the dry, itchy skin associated with pregnancy.
#3. Constipation
Constipation is another weird but common pregnancy symptom. It makes you feel constantly bloated, gassy, and uncomfortable. Typical constipation symptoms include infrequent bowel movements, lumpy and hard stools painful to pass, and abdominal pain relief by bowel movements. To ease constipation, eat at least 25 grams of fiber a day, and stay hydrated. Some home remedies to treat constipation during pregnancy.
#4. Blurry Vision
You might be surprised, but pregnancy can cause blurred vision. Don't panic as your eyesight will likely return to normal after delivery. Expecting moms with health conditions such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia are more prone to vision problems. Take rest, use pregnancy-safe eye drops, and wear sunglasses to deal with pregnancy-related bleary eyesight.
#5. Pregnancy Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are varicose (swollen) and bulging veins in the rectum, causing itching, pain, and bleeding. As per Office on Women's Health (OWH), up to 50% of pregnant women get hemorrhoids. There's no way to prevent them, but you can decrease pain and swelling by drinking a lot of fluids, eat high-fiber food, and don't wait to go to the toilet.
#6. Leaking Breasts
Leaky breasts are quite common among pregnant women, especially during the second trimester. It's another sign that your breasts are getting prepared for breastfeeding. You can put absorbent nursing pads inside your bra to absorb leakage. Also, wear a maternity bra with an excellent support.
#7. Pregnancy Gas
Gas is potentially the most embarrassing symptom of pregnancy. A pregnant woman may experience more gas during the third trimester when the growing fetus puts extra pressure on the abdominal cavity. Progesterone hormone is responsible for excess gas during pregnancy. To relieve gas during pregnancy, eat smaller but more frequent meals, avoid junk foods and carbohydrates, and exercise regularly. Natural remedies to relieve pregnancy gas.
#8. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)- Numb or Tingling Hands
During the end of the second trimester, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is common in pregnant women, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in their hands and arms. The issue gets resolved on its own after pregnancy. Swelling and pressure caused by hormonal changes often lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. There are a few things you can do to reduce the discomfort like wearing a wrist splint, don't sleep on your hands, apply hot compresses, and take a diet rich in Vitamin A, B complex, and Vitamin C and low in uric acid.
#9. Linea Nigra
The 'pregnancy line,' Linea nigra is a dark line running down your tummy, from your belly button to the pubic bone, during pregnancy. The linea nigra is the result of fluctuating pregnancy hormones. You really can't prevent linea nigra, but you can use a fade cream or sunscreen to stop it from becoming even darker. Additionally, foods high in folic acid can help prevent pigmentation.
#10. Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
It is also known as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). Pelvic or groin pain is a relatively common condition caused by the uneven movement or stiffness of your pelvic joints at the front or back of your pelvis. Try pregnancy-safe stretches, and pelvic exercises like Kegels and pelvic tilts to alleviate the groin pain.
#11. Belly Button Changes During Pregnancy- Innie Becomes an Outie
While a changing belly button seems like a weird pregnancy symptom, it's just your body's way of creating a little more extra space for your baby. Don't worry as it will shrink back to normal about six weeks after delivery. A popped-out belly button doesn't hurt, but if it rubs against your clothing, it can be painful. If your belly button is irritated due to repeatedly rubbing against your clothing, try wearing underbelly or low waisted maternity pants featuring a soft and breathable panel.
#12. Pregnancy Acne
Yes, pregnancy can cause acne! According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), acne is among the most common skin changes during pregnancy. Hormonal changes are responsible for acne, blackheads, and other similar skin problems during pregnancy. You can treat pregnancy acne with self-care and medication. Wash your face at least twice a day with a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm water. Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may prove helpful in treating acne.
#13. Nasal Congestion
When you're pregnant, get ready for stuffed up, runny or bloody nose, and even a scratchy throat. Nasal congestion usually starts around the 16th week of your pregnancy and sticks with you (and sometimes gets worse) to the end of pregnancy. To get rid of nasal congestion and nosebleeds during pregnancy, use saline drops or a saline rinse, and drink plenty of liquids.
#14. Urinary Frequency and Leaking
When you're pregnant, you may leak urine between bathroom visits, particularly when you cough, laugh, or sneeze. You may also experience urinary incontinence – a condition when you leak urine without intention – during pregnancy or after giving birth. Do Kegel Exercises several times a day to tone pelvic muscles, and you can also wear a pad or pantyliner.
#15. Vaginal Discharge
Normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy is known as leukorrhea. It is thin, milky white, and mild smelling. For every pregnant woman, this discharge may vary in thickness, frequency, and amount. Rising estrogen levels and vaginal blood flow cause vaginal discharge. To naturally cure vaginal discharge during pregnancy, you can use a pantyliner or a lightweight sanitary pad. Wear maternity pants specifically designed for pregnancy.
#16. Varicose Veins
Vulvar or vaginal varicose veins are large, bulging, swollen, twisted blood veins. They most often show up in the labia, backs of the calves, and the inside of the legs during pregnancy. Generally, they are painless but can be uncomfortable and itchy. There's no way to prevent them, but you can decrease pain and inflammation by regularly exercising and eating vitamin C rich food.
#17. Skin Tags
Skin tags are tiny flaps of skin. They usually appear in moist areas or when your skin rubs against itself or clothing, such as your armpits, neckline, groin, or breast folds. Surging hormonal levels and increased blood flow cause the hyperactive growth of your skin's outer layer, resulting in skin tags. Skin tags are not painful, and you can do nothing to prevent them.
#18. Dental Distress
During pregnancy, your gums become extremely sensitive, swell, and bleed when you blow your nose or brush them. The rise in estrogen and progesterone levels accompanied by an increased blood flow causes your gums to swell and bleed. Practice good oral hygiene, and have regular dental checkups and cleanings to stop bleeding gums in pregnancy.
#19. Fatigue and Sleep Problems
When you're pregnant, you might feel tired even after you've had more than adequate sleep. It's your body's way of telling you that take more rest. As your baby bump grows, you may find it difficult to sleep. The baby's movements, bathroom runs, increased metabolism, and leg cramping is a few things that might disturb or interfere with your pregnancy sleep. To prevent insomnia in pregnancy- wear comfortable sleepwear to enjoy a good night's sleep, and use pillows for support. Some tips to get good night sleep during pregnancy.
#20. Elevated Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Following ovulation, your body temperature gets slightly higher than usual, and it remains that way until your next period. Surging hormone levels and increased blood flow make you feel warmer and sweaty than usual during early pregnancy. To reduce body temperature during pregnancy, wear cotton or breathable fabrics, avoid caffeine, spicy foods, hot drinks, and drink plenty of water and fluids.
#21. Indigestion, Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Indigestion often referred to as heartburn or acid reflux. It is another common and weird condition during pregnancy. Fortunately, you can help ease it by making changes to your diet and lifestyle. Eat small, frequent meals instead of one large meal, drink lukewarm liquids and place pillows under your shoulders to prevent acid reflux.
#22. Leg Cramps
At different times during pregnancy, you may experience abrupt muscle cramps in your legs or feet, especially during nighttime. To prevent leg cramps during pregnancy, eat calcium-rich foods, gently stretch muscles. For sudden pains, flex your foot forward and pull your toes toward you.
#23. Stretch Marks, Skin Changes
Stretch marks are brown, red, or pink streaks on the skin, usually on the breasts, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Be patient — stretch marks and other skin changes, like darker and browner nipples and the linea nigra, usually fade after delivery. Ensure your pregnancy diet contains all the essential nutrients (especially vitamins C and E) needed for healthy and glowing skin. Apply lotion or moisturizer to keep your skin soft and hydrated.