10 of the Weirdest Pregnancy Symptoms Ever

With pregnancy comes many different symptoms. Most of them are common and well known. But some are unheard of! Below I share some of the weirdest pregnancy symptoms I had that caught me by surprise.

One of the most common pregnancy symptoms is morning sickness. Pregnant women also feel bloated, tired, pee a lot, sleepy, have sore breasts, and may have light bleeding. But what about the other pregnancy symptoms?

Pregnant women often experience various unusual symptoms, many of which are considered normal. However, some pregnancy symptoms can be regarded as weird, and they can be surprising for both the expectant mother and her family and friends.

Early pregnancy symptoms can include unusual food cravings, sudden weight gain or loss, and mood swings. Some women also experience changes in their skin, such as darkening of the nipples or hyperpigmentation. While these symptoms may be unusual, they are usually nothing to worry about. However, if you are concerned about any of your symptoms, it is always best to speak to your doctor or midwife.

Below are those shockingly weird early pregnancy symptoms that are very common but unheard of. Just know that most pregnant women are right there with you. If you are experiencing it, you can bet other mommas have too. They are just unspoken symptoms for some reason.

What are those weird but common pregnancy symptoms?

Some unusual early pregnancy symptoms are often overlooked. For example, many pregnant women experience increased vaginal discharge, which can be unnerving. Some also notice changes in their skin, such as darkening patches or stretch marks.

While these symptoms can be unsettling, they are normal and nothing to worry about. Remember, every pregnancy is different, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Ultimately, every woman experiences pregnancy differently. So if you find yourself experiencing any weird pregnancy symptoms that you weren’t expecting, don’t worry – it’s just your body adapting to accommodate the new life growing inside you. Hang in there and enjoy this particular time!

1. You can smell EVERYTHING while pregnant

One of the first and most common pregnancy symptoms is a heightened sense of smell. While this may not seem like a big deal at first, it can soon become overwhelming. Foods that you once enjoyed may now make you nauseous, and strong smells that you never noticed before can now be overpowering.

This is what can bring on morning sickness during early pregnancy. The smell of meat cooking for me would have me running to the bathroom. I could not stand it. I could smell what my husband had for lunch right when he walked through the door sometimes. Sometimes it made me sick, but other times it would make me crave something.

This is one of those early pregnancy symptoms due to your increased estrogen levels and are responsible for your sensitive nose. It makes any scent seem intense. While this can be a wonderful thing (freshly baked cookies, anyone?), it can also be a bit of a nuisance. Strong smells can quickly become overwhelming, and many women find that they need to avoid places like the garbage can or the fish counter at the grocery store.

I remember just walking by people sometimes, and it would make me so nauseous. Their perfume or cologne would smell like the person bathed in it. Or they smelt like they hadn’t showered in weeks when I am sure that neither was the case.

Tips to Help

Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to help manage this symptom. First, try to avoid strong smells whenever possible. If you must be around them, try to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. You can also carry a handkerchief or tissue to cover your nose when needed.

Finally, try to keep your environment as clean and fresh as possible. This means opening windows, using air fresheners, and avoiding smoking. By taking these steps, you can help minimize the impact of this symptom on your life.

Get ready to smell things you’ve never smelt before and more intense than you ever thought possible. Hopefully, not all smells make you nauseous, and you enjoy some of them.

2. Weird Food Aversions

While many women experience cravings during pregnancy, some women find that they develop strong aversions to certain foods. This can be a very confusing and frustrating symptom, as it can suddenly make foods that you used to enjoy completely unappetizing.

In some cases, the aversion may be linked to a specific smell or taste; in others, it may be triggered by the mere sight of the food. While there is no clear explanation for why this happens, some experts believe that it may be due to changes in hormones or a heightened sense of smell.

If you are struggling with food aversions, listening to your body and eating whatever sounds palatable is essential. In the meantime, try to eat a well-rounded diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need. However, if you are losing weight or not getting enough nutrients, be sure to speak to your doctor.

Food Aversion Example

I could not eat or even look at melted cheese during my first pregnancy. Melted cheese! How weird is that? I was okay with hard cheese, but I couldn’t eat it once the cheese was melted.

Anything that involved cheese that was melted would make me extremely nauseous. Pizza, grilled cheese, quesadillas, nachos, Mac and Cheese, and anything else you could think of that has melted cheese.

These are all things I loved, and now I could not even think of them without gagging. Thinking about it now, I still can’t believe it, but during my pregnancy, I didn’t even give it a second thought. It was my new regular.

Another weird aversion I had was sweets. Anything sweet was so gross to me. Anything at all. Syrup on pancakes, cake, cookies, ice cream, chocolate, if it was sweet at all, I didn’t want it.

Once I had my baby, my sweet tooth came back in full swing, but during my whole pregnancy, I never wanted anything sweet.

3. The REAL reason behind the pregnancy glow

In early pregnancy, many women experience a phenomenon commonly known as the “pregnancy glow.” This is characterized by a radiant, healthy appearance that stems from increases in blood flow and secretions throughout the body. Some common symptoms of this pregnancy glow include brighter skin, rosy cheeks, glowing eyes, thicker hair, and healthier nails.

According to experts, a pregnancy glow is generally associated with high estrogen levels and increased blood flow to the skin. This can lead to redness and irritation in the cheeks and around the nose and changes in skin pigmentation.

While this may seem like just another pregnancy “side effect,” it can be quite crucial for your overall health and well-being during this time. After all, having a healthy appearance can help to boost your confidence and energy levels.

So while it might be an odd feeling at first, a pregnancy glow is a completely regular occurrence during those early weeks of pregnancy when your body undergoes so many changes with pregnancy hormones. Additionally, the increased blood flow provides essential nutrients to your growing baby.

Tips to Help

If you are experiencing a pregnancy glow yourself, but not the one you expect, there are several things you can do to take care of your skin during this time. Be sure to drink lots of water and go easy on makeup products like foundation or blush that might irritate your complexion.

In addition, it’s best to avoid harsh cleansers or soaps. Instead, opt for mild and gentle products that won’t irritate or dry your skin. And if you’re feeling extra self-conscious about the redness on your face, try using a bit of concealer to even out your complexion.

Unfortunately, in my case, during both pregnancies, the extra oil made my face break out, and the increased blood flow made me look blotchy most of the time. So if you’re experiencing a pregnancy glow right now, embrace it! It’s one of the many unique experiences that come with welcoming a new life into the world.

4. Flatulence

One of the most common and perhaps most dreaded symptoms pregnant women experience is extreme gassiness in early pregnancy. This sensation can be highly uncomfortable, and it may seem as though one’s body is out of control. However, there does seem to be a reason for this weird early pregnancy symptom.

During early pregnancy, there is an increase in the production of the hormone progesterone, a hormone that helps to maintain a healthy reproductive system. This increased production can sometimes cause digestive problems like bloating and gas, which leads to the discomfort of feeling bloated and gassy.

This can be a difficult quality to deal with on its own, but it is often paired with feelings of nausea and sickness can make it even harder to cope with. But there are some simple strategies that you can use to deal with this weird pregnancy symptom.

Tips to Help

One option is to avoid certain trigger foods that may be causing your extra body trouble. Some foods like cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower can cause even more gas than usual, so try limiting or eliminating these from your diet for a while. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can also help cut down on overall gas production by keeping your digestive system from working too hard in between meals.

Your prenatal vitamins are also one of the causes. The extra iron needed during pregnancy, usually present in prenatal vitamins, can cause excess gas. Iron can cause constipation, and when you are constipated, you produce more gas leading to more flatulence.

And remember that simply letting out your farts when you need to, rather than holding them in, will help relieve uncomfortable pressure on your belly and potentially prevent bad smells.

While this can be an unpleasant side effect of early pregnancy, rest assured that it will usually subside as your body adjusts to the hormonal changes within you. So if you are dealing with excessive flatulence during your first trimester, know that it’s normal and just another part of being pregnant!

5. EXTREME sudden hunger (in the middle of the night)

One early pregnancy symptom that can come as a surprise is sudden hunger. While it’s normal to feel hungrier than usual during pregnancy, some women experience extreme or sudden need that feels out of the ordinary. This can be incredibly confusing in the first trimester when you may not yet be showing or telling people about your pregnancy.

Your body and baby are telling you loud and clear that they need more nourishment. Therefore, it is essential to listen to your body when it tells you you’re hungry. Just be sensible about what you eat. Even though you may feel starving, don’t overeat; this can lead to uncomfortable heartburn or even more gas build-up since digestion will be slower.

Tips to Help

If you’re struggling with sudden hunger, you can do a few things to help manage it. First, make sure you’re eating nutritious foods and snacks throughout the day. This will help keep your energy levels up and prevent you from getting too hungry.

Second, try to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Thirst can sometimes masquerade as hunger, so drinking water may help to ease your hunger pangs. Finally, if you find yourself snacking more often than usual, choose healthy options like fruits and vegetables instead of processed snacks. By following these tips, you can help to control your hunger and keep your early pregnancy symptoms under control.

I remember my husband would wake up sometimes and find me with a massive sandwich in bed. I would take some sliced grilled chicken, pile on the veggies, all on a soft sourdough roll with extra pickles and pepperoncini. So good!

6. Newfound confidence in your body

I’m not sure if this is a weird pregnancy symptom, but it was for me during both pregnancies. I felt amazing and so positive about my body. I find most women find joy in showing off their baby bump.

I am usually timid about my body and don’t like to wear too tight things and show my shape. But during my pregnancy, I would feel more than comfortable wearing maxi dresses that clung a little. I was excited to shop for a dress to wear to my baby shower and usually, I’m not too fond of shopping.

Or just leggings with a longer top. It might have been because that was comfortable, but I felt good in it regardless. I was proud of my body and everything it was doing.

I was growing a human inside me, and it was the most fantastic feeling. My confidence during both my pregnancies shined for sure.

Now, post two babies, I don’t have quite as much confidence. But, I always remind myself of what my body accomplished, making me feel better.

7. You cry at the drop of a hat (literally)

It’s not unusual to feel emotional during pregnancy. It’s pretty standard and often one of the early signs before a missed period. One of the most common weird pregnancy symptoms in early pregnancy is that you may cry about anything. You may be crying because you’re happy, or you may be crying because you’re frustrated. You may even be crying because you’re hormonal.

Once again, the increased hormones cause different emotions during early pregnancy. Your body is getting used to the extra hormones, which causes extreme mood swings. Your mind is also trying to control the profound changes once you have a baby.

Whatever the reason, it’s perfectly normal to have a good cry during pregnancy. If you’re finding that you’re crying more than usual, try to take a few deep breaths and relax. It’s also important to talk to your partner, a friend, or even a healthcare provider about how you’re feeling. Remember, you’re not alone. Most women experience the same thing.

I cried one day when I dropped a baby hat I was looking at in the store because I couldn’t even bend over to pick it up. It turned into a rush of emotions about wondering whether I could do this and whether I would be a good mom. Every commercial that involved a baby would make me bawl.

8. Weird vivid dreams

It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to report having vivid dreams during early pregnancy. This is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed that the increased hormone levels in early pregnancy may be responsible.

The increased hormones can cause changes in brain activity, resulting in more vivid and intense dreams. These dreams can range from pleasant to disturbing, and they may even be bizarre or humorous. If you are pregnant and experiencing vivid dreams, rest assured that this is a typical early pregnancy symptom.

Your brain is trying to process the different emotions and anxiety you may be experiencing, and it does that with dreams. When pregnant, you tend to remember your dreams more because you wake up more. The baby moving around in the womb tends to bring you out of your deep sleep, and in turn, you become more conscious of your dreams.

However, if the dreams are causing you distress, speak to your doctor or midwife for guidance. You may also find it helpful to keep a dream journal, as this can help you make sense of your dreams and understand what they might be trying to tell you.

During my second pregnancy, I had several strange dreams, one that I still remember vividly. I dreamt that my baby was in a kangaroo-like pouch, and I was able to bring my baby out to feed and cuddle, and then I would put it back into the pouch.

Once I put my baby back into the pouch, it would somehow seal back up, and the baby would continue growing. It was so weird, but it seemed completely normal to me when I remembered it after first dreaming about it.

That was one of the strangest and most real feelings of dreams I had about my baby. I think its meaning meant that I was scared to have my baby for fear that I couldn’t protect them once they were out of the womb.

Your brain creates many different scenarios reflecting your other emotions and anxiety during pregnancy. It can seem strange until you try to piece together the real reason behind it.

9. Easily aroused

In the early stages of pregnancy, many women experience a weird and often embarrassing symptom: heightened sexual arousal. This may be as simple as being more easily aroused by everyday activities or stimuli; for others, it may mean feeling hot and bothered much of the time, with frequent wet dreams or increased sexual fantasies.

Whatever the case, this symptom can be extremely uncomfortable due to its inappropriateness and intensity. At first, many women find their heightened sexual response wholly unexpected and downright shocking. But there is nothing wrong with your body during pregnancy – this symptom is quite common.

Some believe that the hormonal changes during early pregnancy make you more susceptible to sexual feelings and sensations. In contrast, others attribute it to increased blood flow to your genitals. Whatever the underlying cause, rest assured that this symptom will pass as your pregnancy progresses.

Tips to Help

You can do a few things to help manage your heightened arousal: try distracting yourself with other activities such as reading or listening to music; keep a cool cloth on hand (literally!) to soothe overheated skin. Talk openly with your partner about what you’re going through so they can support you throughout the experience.

With patience, understanding, and self-care, you can weather this weird pregnancy symptom and stay comfortable throughout your entire pregnancy!

10. Hot flashes

When it comes to pregnancy, nearly every symptom is strange and uncomfortable. From nausea and exhaustion to heartburn and food cravings, being pregnant can be a challenge in many ways. But perhaps one of the most surprising symptoms that many women experience in early pregnancy is hot flashes. These sudden waves of heat may occur before a positive pregnancy test!

While the exact cause of hot flashes during pregnancy is not yet clear, many experts believe they are related to hormonal changes that occur during this time. One of the effects of this increased hormone production is an increased metabolic rate, which can cause temperature fluctuations throughout the body and lead to hot flashes.

These surges in rising hormones can make the body feel hot, leading to many uncomfortable symptoms, including flushing, sweating, itching, or even chills or shakiness. This symptom is why pregnant women tend to crank up the AC and why it is extra uncomfortable to be pregnant during the summer.

Tips to Help

Luckily, there are some simple strategies that women can use to combat these hot flashes and stay relaxed and comfortable throughout their pregnancy journey. For instance, drinking plenty of water and wearing loose-fitting clothing are good ways to reduce the severity and frequency of these flashes.

While the intensity of these episodes will vary from person to person, most find that they are only temporary side effects during pregnancy and eventually subside as hormone levels begin to stabilize later in the pregnancy. And remember that despite all your other weird symptoms during pregnancy, at least you don’t have to deal with embarrassing hot flashes every day!

The Joys of Pregnancy

While many of these weird symptoms are just uncomfortable or annoying, there are many joys during pregnancy in a woman’s life. The second trimester I found to be the most enjoyable.

During the second trimester, you can finally eat again and enjoy food. You are past the “is she just getting fat?” stage and have a cute bump to show off. Maternity clothes finally fit like they are supposed to. You get some of your energy back and feel like being more active.

Plus, the afterbirth or golden hour is the best. Once you have your baby, all the uncomfortable moments you endured during pregnancy melt away. It is so worth every second of pain and discomfort you felt once you hold that baby in your arms for the first time.

Conclusion

As most pregnant women know, the earliest stages of pregnancy can be a time of strange and unexpected changes. For example, many pregnant women experience a sudden increase in their sense of smell. Some report that they are suddenly repulsed by the smell of foods or scents they previously enjoyed.

In addition, most women report sharp mood swings and increasing bouts of fatigue as hormone levels change within the body. Although these symptoms can certainly seem odd or uncomfortable at times, it is essential to remember that they are all regular changes due to the effects of pregnancy hormones on the pregnant body.

To embrace this new stage in your journey and learn how to navigate it successfully, it is essential to take care of yourself physically and emotionally by getting plenty of rest, eating well-balanced meals, and connecting with those around you who can support and encourage you. In doing so, you will not only survive this weird period in early pregnancy, but you will also emerge stronger, more confident, and better prepared for what lies ahead.

So good luck on your pregnancy journey. Be sure to enjoy all the good moments that happen; it will be over before you know it, even if it feels like a lifetime right now.