You always hear about the big pregnancy symptoms, like common food cravings, mood swings, aching muscles, and nausea, but there are other, weirder symptoms that certain women can also suffer from. Talk to you doctor if you experience any of these peculiar, and sometimes alarming symptoms of pregnancy.
Bleeding Gums
If there's ever a time to bump up your brushing routine, it's when you're pregnant. So says the University of Utah, who explains that an increase in estrogen levels during pregnancy can cause swollen and bleeding gums in up to 75 percent of pregnant women. You may see some bleeding when brushing and flossing, but that doesn't mean you should stop. Keep up a regular routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Bloody Nose
According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, pregnant women sometimes experience nosebleeds. Since the lining of your respiratory tract takes in more blood during pregnancy, it becomes easier for your nose to become inflamed and stuffy. Couple that with an increase in overall blood volume, and you might need to stock up on tissues.
Bizarre Craving for Non-Food Items
Sure, you might crave the usual pickles and ice cream, but some women crave a few non-food items during pregnancy, which is referred to as pica. The Mayo Clinic describes a bizarre craving for chewing certain substances, like clay, paper, soil and ice, which is sometimes associated with vitamin or mineral deficiencies. If you experience these types of non-food cravings, talk to your doctor.
Swollen Hands and Feet
Many pregnant women experience a little swelling now and then, but the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia suggests that more severe swelling can occur in some women and can indicate a condition called preeclampsia. Talk to your doctor right away if you notice sudden weight gain or swelling of the hands, feet or face that comes on rapidly.
You Taste Metal
If your mouth suddenly tastes like an old penny, you could have a pregnancy-related condition called dysegusia. According to the University of Utah, dysegusia takes place as a reaction to an increase in estrogen levels, and can cause a metallic taste in your mouth. They suggest sucking on a piece of citrus fruit, eating saltine crackers or chewing sugar-free gum, which can help reduce the bothersome taste.
Dark Patches on Your Face
Your fluctuating hormones can not only cause a dark line down your abdomen and a darkening of the skin around your areola, but the University of Rochester Medical Center suggests that they can sometimes cause increased pigmentation in your face. This temporary pigmentation, called chloasma, is often referred to as the "mask of pregnancy," and can leave brown patches around your forehead, cheeks and chin that go away after delivery.
Many of these odd symptoms aren't all that worrisome, but talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. If you are suffering from pica, severe swelling or excessive bleeding, talk to your doctor right away.
Carrying multiples can come with special symptoms of pregnancy. If you're pregnant with more than one baby, find out the signs and symptoms of multiple pregnancy.
