Pregnancy comes with common symptoms including morning sickness, fatigue, and food cravings. However, some symptoms can totally leave you shocked. If you too are experiencing certain unusual changes in your body during pregnancy and figuring out if they’re normal, the answer is perhaps yes.
Read this article to explore five pregnancy symptoms that might surprise you.
Stuffy Nose Without a Cold
If you are experiencing a blocked or runny nose, even when you are not sick, pregnancy could be the reason. This condition is called pregnancy rhinitis and affects about 30 percent of pregnant women. This usually happens because pregnancy hormones increase blood flow and cause swelling in the nasal passages.
This symptom can be noticed as early as the first trimester and last until delivery.
However, by staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and using saline nasal sprays, you can get some relief.
A Metallic Taste in Your Mouth
Some expecting women might also notice a weird, metallic taste in their mouth, even when they are not consuming anything unusual. This is called dysgeusia and is caused by hormonal changes, especially due to a rise in estrogen. It can also make certain foods taste different while also impacting your appetite.
Dysgeusia is typically common during the first trimester and fades as pregnancy progresses.
By eating citrus fruits or chewing sugar-free gum, you can actually help reduce the metallic taste.
Growing Feet
Did you know that pregnancy can actually make your feet grow permanently? Yes, that’s true. Up to 70 percent of women experience a change in foot size during pregnancy.
This happens because the pregnancy hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments in the body, including those in the feet. In addition to extra weight and fluid retention, the arches flatten, which makes the feet longer and wider.
You can consider wearing supportive shoes and avoiding tight footwear to keep your feet comfortable.Â
Strange Dreams
Surprisingly, many pregnant women also report having intense and detailed dreams. This typically happens due to hormonal changes, increased emotions, and poor sleep patterns. And since pregnancy results in more frequent nighttime waking, there are high chances you remember your dreams.
Some women even dream about their baby before birth. However, keeping a consistent sleep routine and reducing stress before bed can actually help in making your dreams a little less overwhelming.Â
Belly Button Popping Out
Yes, at some point in pregnancy, you may also notice that your belly button is sticking out more than normal. This is due to the expansion of the uterus, which puts pressure on the abdominal wall. It is most common in the second and third trimesters.
The change is completely normal and usually goes away after birth.
Conclusion
It is an undeniable fact that pregnancy comes with many unexpected symptoms. While most of these symptoms are usually harmless, it might be an indication that your pregnancy is completely normal.
However, if you feel concerned about a symptom, consider checking with your doctor at the earliest.