10 Weird Symptoms of Early Pregnancy

A pregnancy brings with it many changes. Some of these changes are expected, and some can be totally unexpected. Nearly every woman knows the classic signs of pregnancy like missed periods, being tired all the time, morning sickness, and tender breasts. However, many pregnant women may experience a wide variety of symptoms that go beyond these common early signs. From having headaches to tasting metal, there are many weird early pregnancy symptoms that some women experience. Here is a list of some of the weird symptoms of early pregnancy women may experience. After all, pregnancy is a time to expect the unexpected.

1. Early Pregnancy Mucus Discharge

   It is often common for most women to experience some form of vaginal discharge on a day-to-day basis.^{(1, 2, 3)} This is usually not associated with pregnancy. However, many pregnant women tend to secrete a sticky, white, or pale yellowish mucus discharge very early on in their first trimester. Some may even experience this throughout the pregnancy.^{(4, 5)}

   The reason behind this type of mucus discharge during the early days of pregnancy is the increased level of hormones and vaginal blood flow. This discharge increases during pregnancy to prevent infections as the vaginal walls and cervix begins to soften. However, if you notice any of the following signs along with the discharge, you must visit your doctor:

   • Burning
   • Itching
   • Smelly discharge
   • Discharge turns greenish-yellow
   • Discharge becomes watery
   • The discharge becomes very thick

   These could be potential signs of an infection and must be checked out to prevent any complications in the pregnancy.^{(6, 7)}

2. Headaches, cramps, and wanting to pee all the time

   Some of these weird early pregnancy symptoms might not be pleasant at all. The many changes in blood and hormone volume in the body during pregnancy can cause frequent headaches.^{(8, 9, 10)}

   It is also normal for some women to experience cramps that are similar to menstrual cramps on either side of their lower abdomen. Many women may panic over this, thinking they are getting their periods. However, it is usually not a matter of concern. If you are worried about such cramps, it is best to bring them to the notice of your doctor at your next appointment.

   Many women will also find themselves needing to urinate more often. This is because the growing uterus and fetus inside start to put pressure on the bladder. Some may even find they are unable to hold onto their urine properly and experience urinary incontinence (leakage) from time to time.^{(11, 12)}

3. Elevated Basal Body Temperature

   Typically, when you start ovulating, your body temperature goes up slightly. The temperature remains slightly high until you get your next period. However, if this temperature (known as the basal body temperature) remains high for over two weeks, there is a good chance that you are pregnant.^{(13, 14)}

4. Feeling Dizzy

   It is pretty common for pregnant women to feel dizzy or lightheaded during their first trimester. This happens because pregnancy causes your blood pressure to fall while also dilating the blood vessels.⁽¹⁵⁾

   However, this is one symptom that you should pay close attention to. Severe dizziness combined with severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding could be a potential symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus. If you notice severe dizziness coupled with the other signs, you must make sure to seek medical help immediately to avoid any life-threatening complications. An ectopic pregnancy can prove to be fatal.⁽¹⁶⁾

5. Being Constipated

   During pregnancy, it is likely that you feel bloated. It may also feel like you need to pass stool or pass gas, but you are not able to. This confuses many pregnant women. However, these changes are also common as the hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to constipation. In some cases, prenatal vitamins can also cause constipation.

   The entire digestive system slows down when you are pregnant. This provides the nutrients more time to get absorbed into the bloodstream and reach the growing fetus.
   In case you are constipated, consider adding more fiber into your diet, increasing your intake of fluids, and also exercising regularly. If needed, you can also consult your doctor and ask about adding a stool softener that is safe to have when you are pregnant.^{(17, 18)}

6. More Prone To Coughs And Colds

   Being pregnant lowers your immunity. This leaves you susceptible to more coughs, colds, and the flu. It is common for many pregnant women to experience flu-like or cold-like symptoms during the early days of their pregnancy. However, before you pop an over-the-counter medication for a cold or flu, you should always talk to your doctor about medications that are safe to take while pregnant. Pregnant women are also more prone to developing other severe illnesses from the flu. This can cause some serious health issues for your baby. This is why you should always talk to your doctor if you notice any cold- or flu-like symptoms.^{(19, 20)}

7. Having a ‘False’ Period

   Nearly 25 to 40 percent of pregnant women will experience light bleeding or spotting during the early days of their pregnancy.⁽²¹⁾ This type of slight bleeding happens due to the fertilized egg attaching to the uterine lining. This light bleeding is known as implantation bleeding, and it is commonly observed two weeks after conception.⁽²²⁾

   In some cases, bleeding can also be caused due to cervical irritation, a threatened miscarriage, or an ectopic pregnancy. If you notice your light bleeding getting heavier or it is accompanied by severe abdominal cramps, stabbing pains, or back pain, seek immediate medical assistance.

8. Having A Metal Taste In Your Mouth

   In many pregnant women, the increase in the levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can bring about several changes in their taste. Sometimes, a condition known as dysgeusia causes some pregnant women to taste metal. You may feel like you have been eating old pennies for lunch. It is possible to get rid of this metallic taste by chewing sugarless gum or having saltines. You can also try to eat spicier foods or drink colder beverages.⁽²³⁾

9. Mood Swings

   The sudden increase in hormones when you become pregnant is likely to throw your emotions out of whack, making you experience rapid mood swings. You are likely to feel exceptionally weepy and emotional. You may also find changes in your libido. These are very common signs of an early pregnancy.

10. Acid Reflux

    There is no doubt that the hormonal change in the body during pregnancy affects everything. This also includes the valve located between the stomach and the esophagus. This area gets more relaxed when you are pregnant, causing some stomach acid to leak into your esophagus. This causes acid reflux or heartburn. To prevent this from happening, try eating smaller but more frequent meals. You should also avoid having fried and spicy foods. Also, cut out fizzy drinks, fruit juices, and citrus fruits.

Many of these weird symptoms of early pregnancy are likely to make you think you are stressed and just need some rest. However, if you are experiencing several of these symptoms at the same time, it might point to a pregnancy. Pay attention to your symptoms and consider seeing a doctor to have a pregnancy test done.

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Also Read:

• What Causes Shortness of Breath during Early Pregnancy?
• Effects of Breathing Dirty Air During Early Pregnancy
• What Are The Early Pregnancy Signs To Watch Out For?