Being a first-time mom can be both exciting and overwhelming. You have so much to look forward to, but at the same time, you’re also experiencing a lot of changes in your body. As a mother, I know all too well the early and weird pregnancy symptoms that many women experiences. So, whether you’re trying to conceive, newly pregnant, or just curious, I’m going to share with you 15 of the most bizarre and unexpected signs that you may be pregnant. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

1. Metallic Taste in Your Mouth

Imagine waking up one day and feeling like you’ve been sucking on a mouthful of coins– not exactly a gourmet experience! Yes, my friend, the infamous metallic taste is a bizarre but common early pregnancy symptom.

So, there you are, brushing your teeth, and suddenly it’s like you licked a tin can. What’s up with that? It’s called dysgeusia, and it’s due to those lovely hormones ramping up to support the new life growing inside you. This taste can make everything—from your morning coffee to your favorite chocolate chip cookies—taste like they’ve been dipped in metal. Yum, right?

I remember during my first trimester; I was convinced our plumbing had turned rogue and started spiking our water supply with iron filings. I couldn’t get rid of that taste no matter how many mints I popped or how often I brushed my teeth. I frantically googled, convinced I had some rare disease, only to find out it was just my pregnancy hormones playing tricks on my taste buds. Pro tip: citrus fruits and sour candies can help alleviate the taste, or at least mask it enough to keep you from losing your mind.

Thankfully, it’s usually short-lived. So, if you’re experiencing this, know that you’re not turning into a robot. Your taste buds are just temporarily out of whack!

2. Excessive Saliva

Drooling isn’t just for babies—it’s also for mamas-to-be! If you find yourself needing to carry a hanky to mop up unexpected drool, welcome to the club. I’m not talking about a little extra drool here and there – I’m talking full-on, can’t-keep-your-pillow-dry, where-is-all-this-saliva-coming-from drooling. It felt like I had a built-in sprinkler system, which, while impressive, was also incredibly inconvenient.

The medical term for this is ptyalism, and it’s another fun side effect of those lovely pregnancy hormones. Your body might produce extra saliva as a response to nausea or just because your hormones are having a party and didn’t invite your comfort. It can be especially annoying if you’re trying to talk and suddenly have to swallow a mouthful of spit mid-sentence.

I vividly recall trying to explain a concept at work and having to pause every few words to swallow. It felt like my mouth had turned into a mini water fountain. Pro tip: Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can help manage the excess saliva. The good news? It usually eases up by the second trimester. Until then, keep tissues handy and maybe invest in a few extra pillowcases.

3. Heightened Sense of Smell

Ah, the superpower of pregnancy: an enhanced sense of smell. It sounds cool in theory, but in reality, it’s more of a curse. I could smell everything from miles away, and not in a good way. During my first pregnancy, I could smell everything from a mile away. Freshly baked cookies at the neighbor’s house? Check. The faintest hint of garlic from a restaurant down the street? You bet. This heightened sense of smell, called hyperosmia, is due to the increase in estrogen levels and is pretty common in early pregnancy.

One memorable instance was during a trip to the grocery store. I walked past the seafood section and nearly throw up. The smell hit me like a tidal wave, and I had to make a beeline for the exit, leaving my cart (and my dignity) behind. If you find yourself in this situation, try carrying a little bottle of essential oil to sniff when things get overwhelming. Peppermint was my savior.

4. Vivid Dreams

Pregnancy dreams are next level. We’re talking full-on, IMAX 3D, multi-sensory experiences. And they’re not always pleasant. I had dreams so vivid and bizarre that I’d wake up convinced they were real. During my first pregnancy, I dreamt I was a superhero who had to save the world from evil pickles. Seriously, pickles!

These dreams are thought to be the result of heightened emotions and those ever-present pregnancy hormones. Experts believe this is due to the surge in hormones affecting your sleep patterns and brain activity. Plus, your subconscious is working overtime processing all those new emotions and changes.

Keeping a dream journal can be a fun way to document your nightly adventures and maybe even get a laugh or two when you read them back later. Plus, it’s a great way to process any underlying anxieties or fears you might have.

If you’re having dreams that could rival Hollywood scripts, embrace the madness. And remember, no matter how weird they get, these dreams are just another part of the incredible journey your body is on.

5. Nosebleeds

If you’ve never had a nosebleed in your life, congratulations! But pregnancy has a funny way of introducing you to new experiences. They might not be as glamorous as the glow everyone talks about, but hey, they’re a sign that things are happening!

Pregnancy increases the volume of blood in your body by about 50%. That’s a lot of extra blood pumping through your veins, which can put pressure on your delicate nasal vessels, causing them to burst more easily. So, if you find yourself suddenly channeling your inner Eleven from Stranger Things, don’t worry—it’s just another quirky symptom.

Carrying tissues became a new norm for me, and I quickly learned to lean forward (not back) to avoid swallowing blood. Staying hydrated and using a humidifier at night can help keep your nasal passages moist and reduce the frequency of these unwelcome surprises.

6. Itchy Skin

Imagine having an army of tiny ants crawling all over your body. That’s what itchy skin during pregnancy feels like. My belly, in particular, felt like it had a permanent case of the heebie-jeebies. It’s all thanks to your skin stretching and those delightful pregnancy hormones.

I found relief by slathering on moisturizing lotions and oils – coconut oil became my best friend. Wearing loose, breathable clothing also helped reduce irritation. And as tempting as it is, try not to scratch. It only makes things worse. Instead, pat or rub the itch gently. And remember, this too shall pass!

7. Bleeding Gums

If brushing your teeth suddenly feels like a scene from a vampire movie, you’re not alone. Pregnancy can make your gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding. The first time it happened to me, I was convinced I was brushing too hard or that I needed to see a dentist immediately.

Turns out, it’s another charming side effect of pregnancy hormones increasing blood flow to your gums. Switching to a softer toothbrush and flossing gently helped a lot. And don’t skip those dental check-ups! Keeping up with good oral hygiene is essential, even if it feels like you’re starring in a horror flick every morning.

8. Increased Thirst

Suddenly feeling like you can’t get enough water? Increased thirst can be an early sign of pregnancy, and it’s your body’s way of telling you it needs more fluids to support your growing baby.

I remember waking up in the middle of the night, parched and desperate for a drink. It’s like your body turns into a sponge, soaking up all the water it can get. This increased thirst is a signal to stay hydrated and keep those fluids coming.

Keep a water bottle with you at all times and sip throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps with many other pregnancy symptoms too, so drink up!

9. Frequent Urination

If you find yourself running to the bathroom every five minutes, congratulations—you’re experiencing one of the most classic early pregnancy symptoms.

Your kidneys are working harder to process the increased blood volume, and your growing uterus is starting to put pressure on your bladder. This combination means more trips to the bathroom than you ever thought possible. I used to joke that I should just move my office into the bathroom to save time.

While it can be annoying, staying hydrated is crucial. Dehydration can lead to other complications, so keep drinking water and try to see the humor in your newfound relationship with the toilet.

10. Constipation

On the flip side of frequent urination is another fun symptom—constipation. Pregnancy hormones slow down your digestive system, making it harder to go.

I never thought I’d miss regular bowel movements so much, but there I was, wishing for a little more action in the bathroom. Constipation can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but there are ways to manage it. For me, it was a constant battle to stay regular, and let’s just say prune juice became a staple in my fridge. Eating fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, and getting some light exercise can help keep things moving.

If you’re struggling with constipation, know that you’re not alone. It’s a common issue, and with a few lifestyle adjustments, you can find some relief. And when all else fails, there are pregnancy-safe laxatives that your doctor can recommend. Just remember, it’s a normal part of the journey, and you’re definitely not alone in this struggle.

11. Spotting

Spotting can be a bit scary, especially if you’re not expecting it. But light spotting in early pregnancy can be completely normal.

It’s often caused by implantation bleeding, which happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of your uterus. I remember seeing a bit of spotting and panicking, thinking something was wrong. But after a quick call to my doctor, I learned it was nothing to worry about.

If you experience spotting, keep an eye on it and talk to your healthcare provider to be sure. It’s always better to get reassurance and make sure everything is on track.

12. Increased Heart Rate

Feeling like you just ran a marathon while sitting on the couch? An increased heart rate is another common early pregnancy symptom. Your body is working overtime to pump extra blood to support your growing baby, which can make your heart feel like it’s racing.

I had moments where I’d be relaxing and suddenly feel my heart pounding like I’d just sprinted up a flight of stairs. It can be a bit unnerving, but it’s usually harmless. If it becomes a concern, don’t hesitate to check in with your healthcare provider. Staying hydrated and practicing deep breathing exercises helped me manage the occasional heart palpitations.

13. Shortness of Breath

Climbing a flight of stairs and feeling like you just conquered Everest? Shortness of breath is a common early pregnancy symptom due to your body needing more oxygen to support both you and your baby. It can be a bit disconcerting, especially if you’re usually active.

During my pregnancy, I found myself getting winded just from talking too much (and I love to talk!). Taking breaks, pacing myself, and practicing prenatal yoga helped improve my lung capacity and manage the breathlessness. Remember, it’s okay to slow down and listen to your body’s cues.

14. Mood Swings

Oh, the rollercoaster of emotions! One minute I’d be laughing hysterically, and the next, I’d be crying over a commercial. Pregnancy hormones can turn your emotions into a whirlwind, and it’s perfectly normal to feel like you’re on an emotional seesaw. It’s like puberty all over again, but with a lot more at stake. You might find yourself feeling elated one moment and frustrated the next.

I found that talking about my feelings with my partner or friends helped a lot. Keeping a journal was also a great outlet for all those emotions. And sometimes, you just need to embrace the mood swings, knowing it’s all part of the incredible journey of growing a little human. Blame it on the hormones and the fact that your brain is working overtime to prepare for your new role as a mom.

15. Fatigue

Last but definitely not least, is the overwhelming fatigue that can hit you like a ton of bricks.

Growing a tiny human is hard work, and your body needs all the rest it can get. I remember feeling like I could fall asleep standing up. The exhaustion in early pregnancy can be intense, and it’s your body’s way of telling you to slow down and take care of yourself.

Listen to your body and rest when you need to. Naps are your best friend, and don’t feel guilty for taking it easy. You’re doing something incredible, and you deserve all the rest you can get.

And there you have it, dear friend! Fifteen weird and early pregnancy symptoms, each with its own set of quirks and challenges. Remember, every pregnancy is unique so you may not experience all of these, and these symptoms are just part of the amazing journey your body is on. And if you’re ever concerned about any symptoms you’re experiencing, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Embrace the weirdness, laugh at the absurdity, and know that you’re not alone. Here’s to the incredible adventure of growing a tiny human—may it be filled with joy, laughter, and a little bit of craziness. Cheers!

Let us know in the comments what pregnancy symptom took you by surprise and what you did to help ease that symptom.