5 Weird Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy is an odd thing to live through. Though most women expect certain symptoms to come with the territory. Nausea, vomiting, even backaches are expected by most moms-to-be. That doesn't mean that there aren't symptoms that you've never considered in pregnancy before. There are the closely held secrets of the pregnant women who have come before you.

Here is a list of five pregnancy symptoms you may not have even thought about!

1. Nose Bleeds & Nasal Stuffiness
   Your nose is so far away from your uterus, how could it be involved? But nose bleeds and stuffiness can be very common. Treat the symptoms with natural remedies like a humidifier or snorting salt water. If that doesn't help, talk to your doctor or midwife for other options. There might be other ways to naturally put moisture back into your nose. This is one of the most common reasons for nose bleeds, which can be quite alarming, particularly in their suddenness.
2. Vaginal Discharge
   When you're pregnant you expect your periods to stop. You probably don't expect an increase in vaginal discharge. This discharge is normal and healthy. It is very similar to what you experience when you ovulate. If it bothers you, simply wear a panty liner. Many women choose to wear panty liners. It will increase in amount until the birth of your baby. If there is ever a change in color or an odor, you should report it to your doctor or midwife. See more on leukorrhea.

1. Insomnia
   When you think of pregnancy you probably think of being extremely tired. Sometimes, with or without the fatigue, you can experience pregnancy insomnia. So, insomnia is a sign of pregnancy for some women. This can manifest itself in the form of an inability to fall asleep or as the inability to fall back to sleep after being awakened (like your nightly trips to the potty). Exercise, decreasing caffeine and relaxation are the mainstays of non-medicinal relief. More pregnancy sleep tips. This is also usually something that comes and goes. You might experience it more in the first and third trimesters. You might also not see it at all. Both extremes are normal.

1. Gastrointestinal Distress (Burping & Gas)
   Is burping a sign of pregnancy? The hormones of pregnancy have sent your gastrointestinal tract in a spin. The unladylike affliction of belching, burping and gas are fairly common. Try to avoid offending foods and remember to just let it all hang out. Holding it in can cause a lot of pain. That said, you might feel quite embarrassed if you suffer, particularly from gas. Try to have a plan if you find yourself full of wind. Some moms go to the bathroom for awhile, others learn what causes it and try to avoid it, others just let it rip so to speak.
2. Constipation
   Yet another lovely affect that pregnancy can have on your body. The hormones of pregnancy cause your intestines to slow down and become sluggish. This creates a back up sorts, meaning you have trouble going to the bathroom. Exercise, drinking plenty of water and eating high fiber foods can be very helpful in this issue. If this doesn't help, be sure to talk to your midwife or doctor for additional measures you can take. Tips for preventing constipation are available and can be quite helpful. They are also, in general, simply good ideas for life.

Have you experienced these? Were you surprised?

It can really take you for a loop when you experience something like this and it's not what you were expecting. Never fear, you're not alone, many pregnant women have these symptoms, even if they don't talk about it. This is really a shame because, while it's not an attractive list, it is something that many moms-to-be have questions about. The secrecy often leads to women telling me that they were worried. Being worried and pregnant is a bad combination.

If you don't believe me, go ask anyone who has ever been pregnant. They usually slyly smile and say, "Oh yes, that..." Be sure to talk to other moms for advice that they have on how to combat these issues in pregnancy.

The creative and thoughtful ways that women come up with can be quite amazing and effective. Who knows, you might even find the answer yourself! (If you do be sure to share it with other moms so that they aren't quite as surprised as you were.)

You may also enjoy 7 Awesome Pregnancy Symptoms.

_Source:

_{Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. Gabbe, S, Niebyl, J, Simpson, JL. Sixth Edition.}