10 Weird Pregnancy Symptoms That No One Warns You About

It's no secret that pregnancy comes with its fair share of embarrassing moments. Mothers usually expect glowing skin and gorgeous baby bump, but probably not itchy boobs or extra gas. If you're wondering what all weird pregnancy symptoms await you on this rollercoaster ride, then this article is for you.

In this article, we will explore the most common and most embarrassing pregnancy symptoms that pregnant women are likely to experience on their 9-month-long journey.

10 Weird Pregnancy Symptoms That May Leave You Embarrassed

So, without further ado, here are those weird symptoms that all pregnant women equally dread and anticipate:

1. Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. Most pregnant women get constipated at some point during their pregnancy. Soon after you conceive, ramped-up pregnancy hormones slow your digestive tract to a crawl which can throw off your digestion as early as eight weeks. As your growing baby also starts crowding your bowels, making it harder to process. Even tiny meals can lead to constipation.

2. Itchiness

Itchiness is another annoying pregnancy symptom that most expecting mothers face. You are likely to experience itchy belly, nipples and breasts due to the fact that these body parts grow in size during pregnancy. As your breasts and belly grow, the sensitive skin in these areas stretch, which can trigger a persistent itch and even result in stretch marks. Lathering yourself up in a moisturizing stretch marks cream or oil can help relieve your itchiness and even prevent/reduce your stretch marks.

3. Frequent urination

Can’t seem to get a break from those washroom trips, eh? Well, blame it on the hormonal changes taking place inside your body that increase your blood production and circulation, which causes your kidneys to process extra fluid and produce extra urine. And as if that wasn’t enough, your growing baby bump puts extra pressure on your bladder, reducing its capacity to hold urine.

4. Bloating and gas

Nearly every pregnant woman feels gassy and bloated during pregnancy. That's because pregnancy causes a hormonal surge that can slow down your gastrointestinal tract. Though you can't solve the problem, you can reduce your tendency toward gassiness with exercise and changes to your diet. Eating frequent, smaller meals, drinking more fluids and including ginger, peppermint and saffron in your diet can improve your digestion.

5. Smelly farts

With all that gas wandering inside your body, it’s only natural for some of that to expel in form of smelly farts. Excessive and unexpected flatulence will be your companions throughout pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimester as your growing uterus puts pressure on your digestive system.

6. Weight gain

Weight gain and other physical changes like unwanted facial hair and stretch marks can make you feel unattractive. But don't let that lower your confidence or affect your sexual intimacy with your partner. Some women may get embarrassed about being physically intimate during pregnancy which is completely normal. But remember, you’re bringing a baby into this world and all the weird pregnancy symptoms that you bring to the table are nothing to be ashamed of.

7. Snoring

Once you were a dainty sleeper, now you (well, your partner) may find yourself snoring. Extra weight, nasal congestion and hormonal changes can all contribute to snoring. As you gain weight during pregnancy, some of this fat is stored around the throat and neck. This soft tissue collects around the upper airways, causing them to narrow. This obstructs your airway, contributing to snoring.

8. Leaky breasts

Leaky breasts are a sign that your body is getting baby-ready. Your breasts start producing milk during pregnancy and some of that breast milk may start leaking towards the third trimester. You can't turn off the leakage, but you can prevent noticeable damp spots from appearing on your clothes which can embarrass you. Stick nursing pads inside your bra to absorb the wetness and feel comfortable.

9. Bleeding gums

Your gums swell during pregnancy. This is due to the changing levels of progesterone and estrogen and the increased blood flow. Pregnant women's gums can become engorged with blood, create deep pockets with tender tissue and bleed during brushing. So, brush up on oral care and keep those bleeding gums away.

10. Swelling

As if your belly hasn’t grown enough, now your hands, feet and ankles are also twice the size. Due to increased fluid retention in your body, you may notice swelling in your hands, feet and ankles. Your rings may feel too tight to wear, your heels may not fit your feet anymore and even your ankles may seem cushiony but remember, pregnant women across the world are experiencing the same.

Final Thoughts

It wouldn’t be wrong to conclude that pregnancy is not that easy for a woman. Only a woman can understand how difficult those nine months are and what difficulties she has to go through. But don’t let these weird pregnancy symptoms embarrass you, embrace them and laugh them away. You get a free pass for these nine months, so be the goofy mom-to-be.