10 Weird Pregnancy Symptoms You May Not Have Heard About

Pregnancy is weird on its own, right? I mean, you are growing a human being inside of your body.

So, even for the most normal of pregnancies, your body is going to be doing some strange stuff. From weird cravings to aches and pains in weird places, your body will let you know that something different is going on.

It can be strange to navigate this journey - after all, your body doesn't feel like your own anymore and you're not quite sure what to expect.

But don't worry, we've got you covered. First, let's talk about how to deal with weird pregnancy symptoms that you might experience. Then, we'll go through 10 weird pregnancy symptoms that you may experience during your pregnancy journey.

This too shall pass

Remember one thing:  every pregnancy is different. So even if you had a totally uneventful first pregnancy, your second (or third, or fourth) might be completely different.

Also, each woman experiences pregnancy symptoms differently. Some women breeze through pregnancy with barely any discomfort, while others feel like they're completely falling apart.

For every pregnancy and every pregnancy symptom, remember that this is all just a phase. Maybe it feels like it will never end (😅 we've been there too!) but guess what? It will.  And before you know it, you'll be holding your sweet little baby in your arms. And you'll (thankfully) forget all of the weird things that happened to your body during pregnancy.

So hang in there, mama! You've got this. (And we've got you!)

Hey Google, is it normal...

We get it - it's so tempting to google every little thing and go down a spiral of doomscrolling.

However, Google, Alexa and Siri are not a doctors.  So please, for the love of all that is good, do not ask them if something is normal. Instead, ask your OB-GYN or midwife.

Again, pregnancy stuff is WEIRD, so it is more likely than not that, yes...that weird symptom is actually normal.  But if you're ever not sure, definitely talk to your birthing team. They've seen and heard it all, so they will be both best and able to help you out.

10 Weird Pregnancy Symptoms (and why they happen)

Here are some of the weirdest pregnancy symptoms other moms have experienced:

1. Crazy dreams

Dreams during pregnancy can be bizarre and often very vivid. They can also be really weird, like the time one #rumblymom dreamt that she named her baby "Twerk." Not sure how that came to be, but hey, it makes for a great story the next day!

We can have really strange pregnancy dreams because our bodies are going through so many changes and our minds are processing a lot of information about, well, growing a human. So it's no surprise that we might have some weird dreams during pregnancy.

What can help? Keep a dream journal!  It can be fun (and weirdly therapeutic) to look back on your dreams and see how they change as your pregnancy progresses. And our Month 6 subscription box has a fun surprise that can help you see if that dream has a deeper meaning 😉.

2. Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds during pregnancy are actually pretty common, especially in the first trimester.

The reason for this is that the extra blood flow in your body during pregnancy can cause the blood vessels in your nose to expand and rupture more easily.

If you find yourself with a nosebleed during pregnancy, don't panic. Just sit up and lean forward so that the blood doesn't go down your throat. Pinch your nostrils closed for about five minutes, and then release. Repeat if necessary.

3. It might get a little hairy... 

Some women find that they grow more hair on their bodies during pregnancy, especially on their face and belly. While feeling like Chewbacca and Cousin It's lovechild might not be the most fun to deal with, it's totally normal and will usually go away after you have the baby.

How can you deal?  If the hair growth is really bothersome, talk to your doctor about possible treatments. In the meantime, you can try using a hair removal cream or shave - just be sure to check the ingredients and consult with your medical team if at all concerned.

4. Where's the poop?

That's literally the question you may be asking because pregnancy constipation is no joke. Up to 50% of pregnant women experience constipation at some point during their pregnancy.

The good news is that there are things you can do to ease the discomfort and get things moving again. Try drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods that are high in fiber, and getting regular exercise. If those don't work, ask your doctor for a recommendation on a stool softener.

5. Pregnancy brain

This is a thing, and it's totally weird. "Pregnancy brain" is when you find yourself forgetting things, or having trouble focusing on tasks. It's like your brain has turned to mush and everything feels harder than it should be. Thankfully, this too shall pass after you give birth.

In the meantime, give yourself some grace and try to cut yourself some slack. Write things down, set reminders on your phone, and ask for help when you need it. You got this, mama! (And we've got you - our month 7 subscription box has a cute little funny gift that will help with this.)

6. Change in taste

Lots of women find that their sense of taste changes during pregnancy. Some foods that you used to love might suddenly taste weird, or you might be more sensitive to certain tastes and smells. This is all thanks to the hormones raging through your body during pregnancy.

Specifically, many women find that they have a metallic taste in their mouth, particularly during the first trimester. Later on, you might find that your sense of smell is more sensitive, which can make certain foods and smells unpalatable. If you're dealing with a weird taste in your mouth, try drinking lots of fluids and sucking on hard candy or mints.

If certain foods are giving you trouble, try cooking them differently or pairing them with something that you do enjoy. And if you're really not into the idea of eating at all, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what's going on and how to make sure you (and the baby) are getting the nutrients you need. (Also, don't forget to take your prenatal vitamins. They'll help you get all the nutrients you need, which is especially important if you’re finding it difficult to maintain a balanced diet during your pregnancy (which we can relate to all too well). )

7. Lightning Crotch

Yes, it is as awful as it sounds.  "Lightning crotch" is the weird and painful sensation you get when the baby puts pressure on your pelvic floor. It can feel like a stabbing pain (literally like you got struck by lightning) or just a really weird ache.

What can you do about it? Try to take it easy and give yourself some time to rest. Place a heating pad over the area to help ease the pain. Prenatal massages can also be helpful. If the pain is really bad or interferes with your daily life, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what's going on and what treatments might be available to you.

8. You'll feel like a teenager again...

By that, we mean that your acne will be out of control! Just like during puberty, hormone changes during pregnancy can cause your skin to go haywire. You might find that you have more breakouts than usual or that your skin is extra oily.

Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot you can do to prevent pregnancy acne. But there are some things that might help alleviate it a bit, and we've included some totally bomb and pregnancy-safe skincare products in our subscription boxes to help you out.

9.  Leaky boobs

Yep, your boobs might leak during pregnancy. This is due to the increased production of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. While it's totally normal (and nothing to be embarrassed about), it can be a little annoying.

To help combat this, try wearing nursing pads in your bra. They'll absorb any leakage and help keep your clothes clean and dry.

Your body is going to do some really weird stuff, but it's not all bad news...

10. Your hair and nails might become runway-ready.

This is one symptom you're going to be sorry to see go in post pregnancy. Thanks to those extra pregnancy hormones, you might find that your hair is thicker and shinier than usual, and your nails are stronger too.

So, enjoy it while you can! And if you're looking for a way to rock those nails with a pregnancy-friendly mani or pedi, our month 7 subscription box has everything that you need to get it done.

Through all the weird symptoms, we've got you.

Throughout your whole pregnancy experience, from constipation to leg cramps and beyond, you're going to be focused on taking the best care you can of the little one growing inside of you. Let us take care of you!

Our rumbly subscription boxes come with everything you need to help you through your pregnancy journey, from a little bit of weird to a whole lot of wonderful.

Sign up now and enjoy a range of monthly gifts and surprises, each thoughtfully curated just for you...both the woman you are and the mom you’re becoming.