Pregnancy is a time where a woman experiences all kinds of emotional and physical changes. All mothers go through some very obvious changes like a missed period and fuller, tender breasts.
However, there are changes that are not too obvious. Most women are not even aware of these changes that could appear during their pregnant months.
So, to avoid anxiety and confusion when you are expecting, take a look at this list of unusual pregnancy signs you may experience.
1. Excess Vaginal Discharge
Most women experience harmless vaginal discharge during their child-bearing years. However, it may not be frequent during pregnancy. Some pregnant women experience sticky white or pale yellow discharge in the first trimester and, sometimes, throughout pregnancy.
The changes in your hormone levels and an increase in the vaginal blood flow may be considered the reason for the vaginal discharge. This may help to fight infections during pregnancy.
However, if you notice a change in the odor or color of the discharge and experience burning or itching, then you may have to consult your gynecologist immediately.
2. A Rising Body Temperature
The basal body temperature (BBT) is the temperature of your body at rest which is usually lower than normal body temperature. It is normal to have an elevated BBT for about two weeks after ovulation.
However, if you notice an elevated body temperature for more than two weeks, then it may be an early sign of pregnancy. You can always check your BBT with the help of a basal body thermometer.
3. Headaches And Cramps
Pregnant women may experience headaches at any time during their pregnancy, but most experience them during the first and third trimesters. Hormonal changes and increased blood flow may cause a headache.
Headaches may be aggravated by stress, poor posture, low blood sugar, lack of sleep, or dehydration.1
Some women also experience period-like cramps during pregnancy. These are described as pulling sensations on one or both sides of the abdomen. So, if your periods are not due but experience cramping, it may be a sign of pregnancy.2
4. Frequent Urination
If you are visiting the washroom to urinate frequently, it may be a sign of pregnancy. This usually occurs after two to three weeks of conception.
The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, commonly known as hCG, is produced during pregnancy. Your growing uterus may apply additional pressure on your bladder and may cause you to urinate more often than usual.
5. Dizziness
As mentioned earlier, pregnant women face hormonal changes and an increased blood flow. The rising hormones may cause your blood vessels to relax and widen, increasing blood flow to the growing baby.
This may cause dizziness and is common during the first trimester.3 Dizziness may also be caused due to low blood sugar levels.
6. Light Bleeding Or Spotting
Spotting is any kind of discharge from the vagina. If you have missed your period but observe light bleeding with varying colors like pink, red, or brown, then you may be pregnant.4
Many pregnant women face light bleeding or spotting during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and it is usually harmless. However, it is always better to get yourself checked by a medical professional to be sure nothing is wrong.
7. A Reduced Immunity
If you find yourself catching a cold or flu too often and feeling weak for most part of the day, then it could be a sign of pregnancy. This is because pregnancy reduces your immunity and may make you more prone to coughs or cold.
So, if you notice a general weakness, get yourself checked and if you are pregnant, consult your doctor to know what you can do to prevent illnesses and infections.
8. Moodiness
Mood swings are normal among pregnant women. At one point, you may be worried and upset while in a few minutes you feel happy and excited. A state of emotional instability is another sign of early pregnancy.5
Significant hormonal changes affect the neurotransmitters present in the brain that regulate your mood. Therefore, during the first trimester, you may see yourself as an emotional wreck. But, don’t worry about it, you will get through the phase.
9. Changes In Taste
Some women find a weird change in their taste buds during pregnancy. They may seem to enjoy foods they never did and may not be able to enjoy the foods they did earlier without feeling sick.
A change in the sense of taste is another early symptom of pregnancy. This is, yet again, because of the hormonal changes that your body goes through during pregnancy.
Some women also experience a metallic taste and can be avoided by having citric juices like lemonade or salty foods. However, always consult your doctor before you eat anything unusual or in excess which may not be good for the growing baby.6
So, watch out for these not-so-obvious signs of pregnancy and make sure you consult your doctor to be sure of a pregnancy.
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