7 Unexpected Signs Of Pregnancy You Might Not Even Know About

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Whether you’re aware or not about your pregnancy, the hormones in your body will start playing their roles. The change in hormone levels can manifest in a variety of ways giving many small as well as big signals about the pregnancy. Sure, you will experience common signs such as vomiting and nausea or the occasional spell of dizziness. But there are a myriad of other signs that are totally unexpected by pregnant women. No, there isn’t a need for any alarm. Hormone change can happen differently in different people. What one woman experiences can always slightly vary from another. As weird as they feel, know that pregnancy is indeed a time of great upheavals, and experiencing some weird conditions is part of the journey.

However, always rely on a medical pregnancy test to determine if you are pregnant. The other signs, no matter how strong or subtle they are, are best treated as signs and not information when it comes to pregnancy. So without further ado, let’s look into a bunch of unexpected signs of pregnancy you might not even know about:

1. Cravings As Well As Aversions

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We’ve heard about pregnant women going crazy over food, and that is not an exaggeration! Cravings for particular types of foods are common, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. You may want to have foods that you were not even fond of previously. In addition to this, some women may experience a strong desire to consume things that are not edible. There have been reports of women wanting to eat chalk, mud, or paper. This is a medical condition called Pica that requires intervention simply because, in extreme cases, women have consumed substances that could be harmful to their bodies or their growing baby (1).

While cravings exist, on the one hand, aversions exist on the other. This is possible because women have a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy, which makes the smell of food too much to handle (1).

2. Shortness Of Breath

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Not many people know this, but the shortness of breath can be experienced in the first few weeks of pregnancy. What happens is that during pregnancy, there is an increase in the hormone called progesterone. This sudden increase makes you want to take more breaths at shorter intervals, which in turn can make you feel breathless. Taking long, deep breaths and being mindful of your posture can help with shortness of breath (2).

3. You Have Sore Gums

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If you’ve been experiencing sore gums, you might want to stop blaming your toothbrush because sore gums could indicate pregnancy! You may be wondering how sore gums can even be connected to pregnancy, but there is an explanation for it: your hormones. If you don’t know it already, your hormones can wreak havoc on your body during pregnancy, and sore gums can result from that. The medical term for this condition is pregnancy gingivitis, and many women have experienced this in the early stages of their pregnancy. Luckily, it won’t last long, and your gums usually go back to normal soon after (3).

4. Your Nose Is All Runny

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Pregnancy rhinitis is a real thing, and it means that your nose gets all runny during this time. A runny nose can be highly uncomfortable, and that’s probably the last thing you need when you’re pregnant, but many women have complained of this. If you suffer from a runny nose, you can use a nasal spray or decongestant. However, make sure you check with your doctor before using any medication. Do not self-medicate. Certain decongestants can be harmful to you and your baby, so it is best to get one recommended by a healthcare professional (4).

5. Foods Give Off A Metallic Aftertaste

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Imagine craving your favorite burger and biting into it only to find that you’re eating something that tastes like metal! It’s called Dysgeusia, and if you experience this, you’re not alone! Dysgeusia is a medical condition in which foods taste different, mostly sour and metallic. Sometimes, your favorite foods can taste nasty, and this may freak you out! Again, your hormones are the culprit. If you’re experiencing this, talk to your doctor and avail of medical help. The condition doesn’t last forever, and it usually goes away after a few weeks (5) .

6. Acne

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You might have had the nicest skin all your life, but the start of pregnancy might mean the start of something else as well — acne! It doesn’t matter how lovely and careful your skincare routine is; you’ve got hormones at play here, and sometimes, you can’t really do much about it. Acne during pregnancy is normal, and although it can upset you, just know that it’s a phase and it will be over soon. Those who already have acne may notice that it worsens during the course of their pregnancy. Maintain good skincare habits such as washing your face with gentle, chemical-free cleansers, removing make-up before bed, and opting for oil-free cosmetic products. It may be tempting to pick and squeeze your acne — don’t do that, or it will leave marks. It usually clears out on its own, but you can visit a skincare specialist and figure out a few products that may help (6).

7. Nosebleeding

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A surge in hormones during pregnancy can cause an increase in the flow of blood. Also, nasal glands, in general, can be affected by the rise in certain hormones during pregnancy. These and other reasons can lead to nosebleeds. Nosebleed, also known as epistaxis, is seen quite often in pregnant women (7). Unless the bleeding is mild, there is no need for any worries. Lying face up for some time will solve the issue. However, if you are experiencing severe bleeding that is refusing to stop, immediately consult your doctor.

Although these signs are unexpected and might come as a surprise, they’re very normal and can be addressed with the proper medical intervention. These signs can’t be taken as a confirmation of your pregnancy; you will have to undergo tests to figure out if you’re pregnant or not. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!

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