Strange Early Pregnancy Symptoms: Number 11 Will Surprise You

1. Swollen Gums

During early pregnancy, the gums swell up and may bleed when you brush your teeth, leading to pregnancy gingivitis and other dental issues. This is due to the changing levels of progesterone and oestrogen and increased blood flow in the body. [1]

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2. Vaginal Discharge

Most women experience genital mucosa during early pregnancy which is usually thinner and acquires a greater surface area. They are sticky and white/pale yellow mucus, which may get thicker with an increase in the gestational period. However, if you experience smelly and too thick discharge, consult a medical expert. [2]

3. Nose Bleed

Blood dripping from a nose during early pregnancy is quite common. This is because blood vessels present in the nose swells up due to increased blood flow in the body, and the increased pressure on delicate walls of the nose may cause a nose bleed. [3]

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4. High Body Temperature

Hot flushes or high body temperature at least up to five weeks of pregnancy is common. Increased blood flow due to hormonal changes affects the basal body temperature and can raise your body temperature.

5. Growing Feet

Many studies have shown that feet length increase during pregnancy, which can be temporary or permanent. This is due to increased weight on joints and loosening of the ligaments in the pelvis to allow the baby to come out. This can permanently cause musculoskeletal disorders, causing feet to flatten and become wider and/or longer. [4]

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6. Period-like Cramps

Period-like cramps on the lower stomach or lower back can be experienced during early pregnancy. This is due to the growing uterus which puts pressure on the stomach region and causes cramps.

7. Acne

Acne, blemishes, dark spots during pregnancy are the results of hormonal changes. Progesterone spikes during the gestation and may cause outbreaks of teenage acne. However, these skin problems can be easily treated at home. [5]

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8. Flu Symptoms

Pregnancy can lower immunity and make women more susceptible to illnesses. Pregnancy rhinitis is common in around 30 per cent of women characterised by a stuffy or a runny nose. Sometimes increased oestrogen can cause increased production of mucus leading to blocked nose.

9. The Veins

A growing baby requires extra oxygen and nutrients, causing the veins to expand or widen. Due to veins expansion, pregnant women may experience pain and swelling. This can be prevented by elevating the legs to improve the blood circulation in the body.

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10. Digestive issues

Digestive issues such as loss of appetite or increased appetite, heartburn, constipation and feeling of bloated stomach all the times during pregnancy can make women uncomfortable. This is due to an increase in the progesterone level, which slows down the transit time of the food from the stomach to the intestines, leading to the aforementioned digestive problems. [6]

11. Metallic Taste

Also known as dysgeusia, metallic taste during swallowing or chewing food is a strange symptom of early pregnancy. In short, the sensitivity for bitter taste heightens during pregnancy, maybe due to the body's adaption to avoid the intake of bitter-tasting toxic compounds. [7]

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12. Heightened Sense Of Smell

A study has shown that many pregnant women have reported increased olfactory sensitivity during early gestation, especially in the first pregnancy. Hyperosmia or heightened sense of smell was mainly reported for specific odours such as cigarettes, coffee, perfumes, spoiled foods and gasoline. [8]