Am I pregnant? Strange pregnancy symptoms

The most well-known early pregnancy sign is a missed period. But did you know there are actually quite a few other symptoms you could experience even before you reach for a pregnancy test? Here are 10 odd early signs of pregnancy that you don’t often hear about.

1. Discharge – Many women experience some kind of vaginal discharge throughout their lives, so it’s not usually associated with pregnancy. However, due to increased hormones and blood flow, discharge is a common early sign of pregnancy. Many women secrete sticky, white, or pale-yellow mucus early on and throughout the remainder of their pregnancy.

2. Your Body Temperature Rises – Body temperature is higher the day after ovulation and remains that way until your next cycle. But if you’re feeling the heat for more than two weeks, it could be a sign you’re expecting.

3. Headaches, Cramping, and Frequent Bathroom Trips – Changes in hormones and blood flow can cause increased headaches during early pregnancy. Women may also experience menstrual-like cramping and an increased urgency to urinate due to the growing uterus.

4. Dizziness – Blood pressure can drop during pregnancy, resulting in some women feeling lightheaded or dizzy during the first trimester. Keep an eye on this symptom, though, because severe dizziness accompanied by vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

5. Backed Up – Hormonal changes, prenatal vitamins, and a slowed digestive system can cause constipation, leading to bloating and gas.

6. False Period – Roughly 25–40% of women experience light bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy due to the fertilized egg attaching to the uterine lining. If bleeding becomes heavier or is coupled with sharp pains, back pain, or cramping, seek medical help right away.

7. Decreased Immunity – Pregnancy can lower your immune system, making it easier to develop a cough, cold, or the flu.

8. Heartburn – Hormones cause the valve between your stomach and esophagus to relax, allowing stomach acid to flow into the esophagus and cause heartburn.

9. Emotional Rollercoaster – Hormonal changes can make emotions feel all over the place, leading to mood swings and heightened sensitivity.

10. Metallic Taste – Dysgeusia, caused by increased estrogen and progesterone, can result in a metallic taste in the mouth. Try eating something salty or chewing sugar-free gum to help combat the unpleasant taste.

Individually, these symptoms might make you think you’re just tired or run down. However, if several appear together, they could be an early sign that you’re pregnant. Pay close attention to how your body is feeling and consider taking an at-home pregnancy test before ruling it out as a possibility.