Did you know that there are unusual signs and symptoms of pregnancy that you may experience in addition to the classic signs of early pregnancy? However, if you are experiencing any type of pregnancy symptoms, you should do a home pregnancy test or be seen by your OB/Gyn doctor.
Unusual Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms
Some women may notice the unusual symptoms but don't realize they could be associated with early pregnancy. Typically, these unusual signs and symptoms on their own would not be alarming or cause a woman to suspect she may be pregnant. Some of these unusual pregnancy signs and symptoms include:
Darker Areolas and Blue Veins in Breasts
In addition to tender, swollen breasts, you may notice that there are darkened rings around your nipples. Your areolas become darker because pregnancy hormones produce more pigment. There may also be an increase in prominent blue veins in the breasts which is due to an increase in blood volume that supports your developing baby.
Discharge
You may experience an increase in mucus discharge in early pregnancy. This discharge is referred to as leukorrhea. Your discharge is normal if it is thin, clear or white in color and has a mild odor. Abnormal discharge would be yellow or green, have a strong smell and may cause itching and redness.
Spotting
Implantation bleeding or spotting can occur early in pregnancy. Spotting, in general, can be a cause for concern. However, it can also indicate that the fertilized egg is implanting in the uterus which can cause a small amount of bleeding.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
You may experience lightheadedness or dizziness which can happen during early pregnancy. This may occur due to your blood pressure being lower than normal due to hormone changes. You may also become dizzy or lightheaded if you experience a drop in your blood sugar levels.
Stuffy Nose
A stuffy nose can be a sign of early pregnancy. This is due to an increase in pregnancy hormones and blood volume in early pregnancy. Your nasal passages can become swollen and congested which, of course, results in a stuffy nose.
Mood Swings
Mood swings typically occur due to the fluctuation of hormone levels in early pregnancy. You may also experience moodiness because of fatigue or disruption of sleep caused by the pregnancy as well.
Flatulence
Flatulence or passing gas is actually not unusual in early pregnancy. The increase in the hormone progesterone slows down the digestive system which allows gas to build which will ultimately lead to flatulence.
Nose Bleeds
Hormone changes can cause an increase in blood volume to the lining of your nasal passages. This can cause the small vessels inside your nose to break which will cause a nose bleed.
Constipation
Constipation is caused by the hormone progesterone which can make your bowel movements sluggish. It is not uncommon to experience constipation in the early stages of pregnancy.
Food Aversions
Food aversions along with nausea can be attributed to the rapidly rising levels of HCG in early pregnancy. Food aversions and the start of morning sickness are typically experienced around the same time. Your hormones will actually affect your appetite throughout your pregnancy.
Metallic Taste
Some women claim they notice a metallic taste in their mouth soon after they become pregnant. This phenomenon is called dysgeusia, which describes the change in how you detect taste. Two explanations for the change in your taste during pregnancy may be the increased hormones and a more acute sense of smell.
Bleeding Gums
Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can make your gums more susceptible to bacteria and plaque. This, in turn, will lead to tender, bleeding gums and inflammation.
Sick With Every Bug Going Around
Pregnancy will lower your immune system which will then make you more susceptible to catching colds or any other 'bug' that happens to be going around at the time.
Vivid Dreams or Nightmares
Vivid dreams or nightmares can be a sign of early pregnancy. This may happen due to increased hormone levels and could also be caused by frequent sleep disruptions during the night as well.
Classic Pregnancy Symptoms May Also Be Present
Most women keep track of their menstrual cycles and know when to expect their next period. Missing a period is one of the first common early signs of pregnancy. Fatigue, tender breasts, nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), and frequent urination are typical early signs of pregnancy as well.
Take Notice of Possible Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms
Be sure to pay attention to any potential signs and symptoms of pregnancy whether they are the classic signs or more on the unusual side. Early pregnancy detection is important for the health of you and your baby. It is important to confirm your pregnancy with a doctor so you can get started on the proper prenatal care.
