10 Pregnancy Symptoms No One Warns You About

You have just discovered that you are pregnant. Your heart is filled with joy and expectation about the new bundle growing inside of you. However, pregnancy can also be followed by unexpected symptoms. During the first 12 weeks, you can’t feel your baby move, and your body is changing quickly to provide nutrients to support the baby. These changes include increased blood flow, hormone levels, and changes in digestion. Keep in mind that everyone is different, so your experiences could be different from those of your family or friends. If you feel any concerns during your pregnancy, it is best to consult with your doctor, as they are equipped to guide and support you. We’ll go over 10 pregnancy symptoms no one warns you about and why they happen.

1. Feeling Tired

One of the first signs of pregnancy is feeling tired. This is known as “pregnancy fatigue.” Some women experience mild fatigue and others more severe. You may feel this in the first trimester and notice that you feel a little more energized by the second trimester. During the last 3 months, you may feel bushed again. Your stomach is heavier, and you might struggle to get a full night’s rest because your baby is pressing on your bladder. However, feeling tired can last throughout the whole pregnancy. Try these useful tips when you are feeling tired:

• It’s important to take naps when you can.
• Ask family members for help when you need it, for example, when doing the laundry or dishes.
• When your back is sore and you feel uncomfortable, put a pillow underneath or between your legs.
• To stabilize your blood sugar levels, eat regular snacks and meals. Apples, cheese, yogurts, and nuts are healthy options.
• Drink plenty of water.

2. Bad Taste in the Mouth

This is known as Dysgeusia pronounced (dis-GYOO-zee-a). It is when you have a metallic, salty, horrible taste in the mouth. Changes in pregnancy hormones are usually the cause. You may find that you don’t enjoy certain foods anymore or suddenly like to eat foods that you previously didn’t. Many women have mentioned that the taste of coffee was very off-putting while pregnant. Try these useful tips when you have a bad taste in the mouth:

• Try drinking lemonade.
• Don’t feel bad about avoiding certain foods.
• When brushing your teeth, brush your tongue too.
• According to Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, some prenatal vitamins can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, so it might be a good idea to switch to a different one.

3. Mood Swings

Being pregnant can be an emotional rollercoaster. One minute you’re happy and laughing, and the next minute you’re tearing up or hungry. There are times you may just feel like you are being overly dramatic. Mood swings tend to last in the first and third trimesters, so don’t worry; your feelings will soon return to normal. Mood swings are usually caused by hormone changes, fatigue, morning sickness, stress and anxiety, and physical changes in the appearance of your body. Try these useful tips to overcome mood swings:

• Getting some exercise by going for a walk or doing 20 minutes of yoga can help improve your mood and clear your mind.
• Eat well, choose healthy, nutritious foods like eggs, cream cheese, and whole wheat bread, and avoid too much sugar.
• Get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can make anyone grumpy, so make sure to take naps when you can.

4. Hemorrhoids and/or Constipation

Some women experience hemorrhoids and constipation during pregnancy. This is when the blood vessels swell around and in the lower rectum and anus. It can be very unpleasant; however, there are ways in which you can treat it.

• Eat more fiber-rich foods such as chickpeas, lentils, prunes, apples, corn, artichokes, sweet potatoes, and beans. Foods to avoid when constipated or suffering from hemorrhoids include salty fried foods, red meat, processed foods, chocolates, and sweets. You should also avoid soda and caffeine.
• Don’t sit for a long time; this puts pressure on the veins. You can also sit on a doughnut or ring cushion.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Lay in a warm bath without any soaps or bubbles.
• Additionally, you can also ask your healthcare provider for a hemorrhoid cream or stool softener that is safe to use during pregnancy.

5. Growing Facial Hair

It may sound odd; however, some women do experience facial hair growth. This is because of the increase in testosterone. Furthermore, you may notice hair growing around your nipples and belly. Luckily, this is temporary and usually disappears once your baby is born. Additionally, you can wax, shave, or tweeze unwanted hair.

6. Heartburn

Pregnant women experience heartburn when the muscles relax to send food down the esophagus into the stomach. Pregnancy hormones cause the valve to close slower, releasing the stomach acids back up into the esophagus. This can get worse during the last trimester as the uterus pushes up on the stomach. Try these tips to decrease heartburn:

• Drink milk or eat some yogurt.
• Avoid spicy foods and caffeine.
• Eat smaller portions, and chew properly and slowly.
• Try over-the-counter antacids such as Tums, Mylanta, or Maalox. Always speak to your healthcare provider to make sure it is safe to take during pregnancy.

7. Varicose Veins

These veins can be a common pregnancy symptom that not many women are aware of. You may be able to see swollen veins in your legs; this is because of increased blood flow in the veins. Additionally, vulvar varicosities can occur in the pelvic region during pregnancy because of increased blood flow from the lower part of the body to the heart. You might have a feeling of fullness or pain in your vulva. However, it usually goes away after birth. These veins tend to look as if they are bulging and purple or blue. Furthermore, if you experience any hardness, severe pain, redness, or large amounts of swelling, it is best to consult your healthcare provider. Try these tips to improve discomfort:

• Place a cold compress on your vulva.
• Like down on your left side with your hips elevated to take off any pressure.
• Drink at least 10–12 cups of water per day to improve blood flow.

8. Bleeding, Painful Gums

Pregnancy hormones can cause a spike in blood flow to the gums. This can lead to bleeding gums, sensitivity, and swelling. If you are susceptible to gingivitis, pregnancy can also cause a trigger in the gums. It is best to have regular dental checkups and use a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Not to worry, though; after your baby is born, your gums should go back to normal.

9. Hair Loss After Birth

After birth, some women notice that their hair begins to fall out, which is known as telogen effluvium. This usually happens when there is a change in your body or you have experienced stress. You may notice while pregnant that your hair looks lavish and thick. This is because pregnancy increases the estrogen levels that prolong the growing phase of your hair. Once you have given birth, your hormones begin to return to their normal state and go back into the resting phase, where they fall out. Try these tips to improve hair growth:

• Increase your vitamins and minerals.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Avoid using flat irons, curlers, and hair dryers.
• Use a volumizing shampoo and a conditioner for fine hair. If you have dry hair, you could try one of the following shampoos .

10. Discharge Issues

When pregnant, it is advised to buy pantyliners. Your body produces more progesterone and estrogen because there is more blood flow in your vaginal area. Sometimes it could be a green-yellowish color or white; this is known as leukorrhea. If the discharge has a fishy smell, it is best to see your healthcare provider to make sure that there is no infection. Furthermore, pantyliners are handy when you sneeze or cough in case you have an accidental tinkle drop.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages.

Up Next:

• Symptoms of Pregnancy
• Top 10 Signs of Miscarriage
• What Your Baby and Body Look Like at 10 Weeks Pregnant

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