8 Unexpected Pregnancy Symptoms

1. Sneezing

This sounds crazy, but it’s true: many pregnant women experience congestion, itching, and/or sneezing. As you get further along, you might find that your sneezing gets worse. Your entire body seems to be swelling, including your nose. This strange pregnancy side effect usually goes away after you deliver.

2. Hatred of Smells

Some pregnant ladies report feeling sick by smelling certain items they used to enjoy. For example, one mom we know always found herself feeling queasy at the scent of coffee when she was pregnant! This newfound hatred of certain smells is caused by your hormone levels rising during pregnancy. And, it’s tied to the pregnancy nausea you may be experiencing.

3. Drowsiness

Feeling sleepy is a classic first-trimester side effect. It’s because your levels of progesterone are going through the roof. Plus, your thoughts about being a mom may keep you awake at night. To get better sleep at night, make sure to get some exercise, keep with a regular bedtime, and lie on your left side.

4. Burping

In the second and third trimesters, many pregnant ladies experience more heartburn (and burp a lot more!)  Your growing baby is making your uterus get bigger too, which limits the space that your stomach has to enlarge after meals. To cut down on heartburn and burping, make sure to eat smaller, more frequent meals.  Also, cut down on caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, tomato sauce, and citrus fruits.

5. Extreme Cravings

None of the experts out there are really able to explain why pregnancy cravings occur. Many believe that cravings are your body’s way of telling you about what it needs. For example, craving pickles or ice cream might be a sign you need sodium and calcium.

6. Constipation

This unpleasant pregnancy symptom is (once again) caused by higher levels of the hormone progesterone. Also, taking iron supplements can cause constipation. Try drinking more water, eating more foods that have fiber in them, and exercise.

7. Tons of Saliva

Some pregnant women complain of too much saliva. You might find this condition popping up in the first weeks of pregnancy, then going away by the end of your first trimester. Drooling can even be an early sign of pregnancy that your dentist picks up on!

8. Change in Hair Texture

Hormones change so much about a pregnant woman’s body, including her hair’s texture. Once you get pregnant, new hair might grow back oilier, drier, wavier, or straighter. Normally, hair will go back to its pre-pregnancy condition within six months after you have your baby.