Are nosebleeds a sign of early pregnancy

Weird early pregnancy symptoms: Unusual signs

Taking a pregnancy test is the only way to be certain of pregnancy, but some early symptoms might suggest that a woman is pregnant.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur that can lead to symptoms. Some of these symptoms may appear even in the very first weeks of pregnancy.

In this article, we discuss some possible weird early pregnancy symptoms, as well as when to see a doctor.

Most people are aware of some of the most common early signs of pregnancy, such as vomiting, known as morning sickness, and a missed period. However, there are many other potential signs of pregnancy, and not everyone will experience them all.

Some weird early signs of pregnancy include:

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are quite common in pregnancy due to the hormonal changes that happen in the body. Nosebleeds are rarely serious, and they tend to be manageable at home.

Learn more about managing nosebleeds here.

Mood swings

Mood swings are a result of hormonal changes in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnant women may feel more emotional than they usually do. Heightened emotions are perfectly normal at this time, but they can often be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Headaches

A pregnant woman may experience headaches due to the increased estrogen levels in the body. Stress or fatigue can also cause tension headaches.

Women should check with their healthcare provider before taking any medication while pregnant, including over-the-counter pain relievers.

Dizziness

Blood pressure can drop during early pregnancy because the blood vessels dilate to send more blood to the uterus. Reduced blood pressure can lead to dizziness, which may also occur due to fatigue, low blood sugar levels, and stress.

Eating small, regular meals and trying to keep stress under control can help.

Acne

Another early sign of pregnancy that many women experience is acne. Some women already have acne but notice that it gets worse during pregnancy.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggest the following for managing acne during pregnancy:

washing the face twice a day with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water
refraining from picking or squeezing acne sores to lessen possible scarring
choosing oil-free cosmetics
checking with a healthcare professional before using any products to ensure that they are safe to use during pregnancy

Learn more about managing acne here.

Stronger sense of smell

Another symptom of early pregnancy is a heightened sense of smell. This symptom may present as a reduced tolerance for certain smells, or a woman may simply become more sensitive to smell. In some cases, this sensitivity may contribute to nausea.

Strange taste in the mouth

Experts believe that hormonal changes can cause a condition called dysgeusia in some pregnant women. Some women complain of having a metallic taste in their mouth or too much saliva.

Although these symptoms may be bothersome and inconvenient, they are not a cause for concern.

Discharge

Most women experience vaginal discharge at various points throughout their menstrual cycle. Discharge that is clear, white, or sticky is normal during pregnancy and can be an early sign of pregnancy.

It is best to visit a healthcare provider if the discharge:

is not white or clear
smells bad
occurs alongside itching, pain, or soreness

Cravings and aversions

During early pregnancy, women may have a changing relationship with food. Foods that they once loved may suddenly taste repulsive, and they may now crave foods that they never liked previously.

Anyone who starts to crave nonfood items — a condition known as pica — should contact their healthcare provider.

Fatigue

Another common symptom of pregnancy is feeling very tired, or even exhausted, particularly in early pregnancy.

This fatigue is due to the many hormonal changes that take place in the body at this time.

Learn more about fatigue here.

Shortness of breath

The increase in the hormone progesterone that occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy can cause women to breathe more frequently than usual. As a result, they can feel as though they have shortness of breath.

Shortness of breath describes the feeling of being unable to get enough air into the lungs when breathing normally.

Congestion

Rhinitis is the official name for the runny nose that many women experience during pregnancy.

A humidifier, saline drops, or a saline rinse may help treat congestion.

Constipation

Hormonal changes may cause some women to become constipated during pregnancy. The elevated progesterone levels relax the bowel walls, which can make it harder to pass stool. This symptom is more common later in pregnancy, but it can affect some women in the first trimester.

Learn more about constipation in pregnancy here.

These symptoms are not a confirmation of pregnancy. Anyone who suspects that they may be pregnant should take a pregnancy test to confirm.

If pregnant women experience any of the above symptoms to the extent that it causes them distress, they should visit a doctor as soon as possible.

While some of the symptoms can be a mild inconvenience, others can occasionally be more severe and require medical attention.

There is some overlap between premenstrual symptoms, side effects from hormonal birth control, and early pregnancy symptoms. For instance, they can all include constipation, headaches, feeling tired, and having mood swings.

Therefore, although the above symptoms can occur in early pregnancy, their appearance does not definitively mean that a woman is pregnant. The only way to find out for sure is to take a pregnancy test.

And other early pregnancy symptoms

Nosebleeds during pregnancy are an odd sign but actually a common and normal early sign of pregnancy for some people. If you get nosebleeds during pregnancy, what should you do?

Hi, I’m Hilary — many people know me as The Pregnancy Nurse 👩‍⚕️. I have been a nurse since 1997 and I have 20 years of OB nursing experience, I am also the curly head behind this website Pulling Curls and The Online Prenatal Class for Couples. 🩺 I have seen THOUSANDS of pregnant women, and while most of them are much more pregnant you — I have a pretty good idea of those early symptoms (I’ve had 3 kids of my own) too.

I’d love to follow you through your pregnancy, I hope you’ll let me join you right here:

Please remember these are just some good ideas, but any questions — you should talk to your medical provider. If anything about you or your body seems “off” definitely give them a call!

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

These early pregnancy symptoms are NOT a pregnancy test.

If you’ve had a negative test, but are wondering if you could still be pregnant, my friend Katie has a post on negative pregnancy tests, as well as some other early pregnancy symptoms. I also have a pregnancy calendar that will show you important dates in your pregnacy! AND, I share the best time of day to take a pregnancy test.

Many can come with or without pregnancy, but sometimes, once I have a positive test (as we waited a long time for the last baby at our house) these are reassuring signs (even if they are annoying). I also have a whole post on what to do when you’re first pregnant that will give you a bit of a to-do list.

Keep in mind that these are normal things to see in early pregnancy, but it’s normal not to have all of them, or even to have none of them. A positive pregnancy test is your BEST sign, and then hopefully you can see a health care provider and see/hear a heartbeat as that is also a very important thing.

If you don’t have these symptoms, please don’t worry!

However, if anything seems out of the ordinary please do seek medical advice, and remember the information here is for entertainment purposes only. 😉

OH, and be sure to grab the best pregnancy planner. They’re the most fun when you start early and get into the groove of things. I promise you’ll LOVE having all these details next baby!

Nosebleeds During Pregnancy

This seems like an odd one, though — right? While it can be a sign of many things, it can be a sign of early pregnancy (I get them most early in pregnancy, personally).

What causes a nosebleed while pregnant?

The truth is you have more blood flow through all of your body and your nose is an area where tissue can tear or be bothered really easily and create a nosebleed. Often early in pregnancy you might have some high blood pressure (due to your increased blood volume — your body compensates quickly). Think of it as poking a hole in a kinked hose! All of this is from the hormonal changes of pregnancy.

Also, your changing hormone levels can affect blood clotting at certain points of your pregnancy (to help baby grow). So, that can make them more frequent as well.

If you were prone to nosebleeds before, you may be more likely to get them once you are pregnant.

A bloody nose happens when the small blood vessels in your nose or nasal membranes are ruptured. It can seem like a lot of blood, and the blood can go down the back of your throat into your stomach and make you feel sick.

You may wonder how to stop a nose bleed during pregnancy….

What to do if you get a nosebleed during pregnancy?

Tips for severe nose bleeds: Pinch the sides of the nose at the bridge of your nose and lean forward so the blood comes out your nose (instead of swallowing it). Some people find using an ice pack helps as well.

I would recommend considering medical attention if it doesn’t seem to be stopping or slowing after a few minutes. If you go to the ER or an instacare clinic they have nasal tampons they can shoot up your nose to stop the bleeding. If they see a specific issue they may use silver nitrate to stop a specific blood vessel.

Frequent pregnancy nosebleeds can be a common problem, but most women find it’s more the occasional nosebleed.

Once the bleeding has stopped, you may want to lightly blow your nose to get out any excess blood clotting.

If you find they are happening really frequently, or are really heavy nosebleeds I would talk with your healthcare provider. They may want to try some blood tests, and check your hemoglobin levels.

Ways to prevent nosebleeds in pregnancy:

Dry air (and cold weather can cause dry air) can also make you have nose bleeds, so if you’re getting them frequently you might want to try a humudifier or saline drops in your nose. Same for if you have a runny nose and are frequently blowing it — make sure you’re also using a humidifier.

If you have a stuffy nose, try to stop any nose picking and in dry climates you can even put some Vaseline in your nose in the evening to help hydrate those membranes.

Hopefully it isn’t a big one, an a little compression makes it stop quickly.

And again most people just find this to be an issue during the first trimester of pregnancy since your body is getting used to all that new blood flow. Most people find by the third trimester they don’t get them as much.

For me, it’s actually one of my main symptoms of early pregnancy. Nosebleeds in pregnancy are very common.

I remember charting in a room (back when we paper charted) and I saw a bright red drip come out my nose onto my chart. It was super awkward….

In this same vein some people find that their mucous membranes of the mouth bleed more than they had previously.

I also talk about this a bit more on my sister site’s article pregnancy sneezing during the first trimester where I talk about pregnancy rhinitis. And, if it’s an actual cold I have a whole post on home remedies for colds in pregnancy.

Swollen/Tender Breasts During Pregnancy

Your breasts are affected by all the new/different pregnancy hormones coursing through your body. For most pregnant women, throughout their pregnancy their boobs will hurt and swell at different times and may stay that way for long periods.

All gettin’ ready to become a juice bar. 🙂 Sidenote, I am a big fan of taking a breastfeeding class.

Tired during early pregnancy

While you are creating small (but HUGE) building blocks of a human, the majority of your resources are creating the placenta at this point.

Later, when you look at it — it takes SO much iron and resources to make this magical organ. Not to mention your growing baby (it’s just a lot smaller than the placenta at that point).

So, have a nap. You deserve it!

The fatigue will get better.

Spotting during early pregnancy

When the placenta implants there is often some spotting.

This can range from a fair amount to just a tiny amount.

Not usually like a period, but I have heard stories of women who felt like they bled a normal amount, and it must’ve been implantation bleeding.

Actually, you may have a change in vaginal discharge in general too!

Nausea, sometimes with Vomiting During Pregnancy

Although this doesn’t usually happen in the VERY early pregnancy, it will start to increase as you progress in gestation.

A lot of women also complain about feeling super “gaggy” and gross. All of that is normal (and super fun) #sarcasmfont

Morning sickness doesn’t usually start til’ 7-9 weeks of pregnancy (but can start earlier).

Issues with Food during pregnancy

You might crave certain items, or you might NOT want other items. All of that is normal as your hormones are affecting your digestive cycle.

Also, you might just not be feeling well and be turning to food to make you happy. I turn to food a lot when I’m tired. It’s not served me well. 🙂

Grab my safe eating guide right here:

Fainting or Dizziness during early pregnancy

Because you’re using your resources to create a baby and a placenta, it’s not unusual that you might feel faint or dizzy.

Make SURE that you are drinking enough water. In fact, I would certainly err on the side of too much water vs not enough at this stage. You’ll feel better for it.

Constipation during pregnancy

Like above — your body is trying to conserve resources — and give as much as they can to the baby.

Leaving you with hard poop. Constipation is a really common issue in the pregnant patient.

More water, more fiber. Tally ho!

And yes, I do have a whole post on avoiding pooping at delivery.

Headaches during pregnancy

Headaches can be from dehydration, or hormones, or fatigue. They will probably stay with you on and off during your pregnancy.

I have a whole post about headaches in pregnancy on my Pregnancy Nurse site.

Bloating/swelling during pregnancy

With all the fluid/hormone changes it’s normal to have some swelling and bloating during pregnancy.

It could also be from the popcorn you ate.

Mood Swings During Pregnancy

Whether it’s from hormones, fatigue, or just a crappy spouse — who knows. Just know this is normal. Ask your husband/partner to be more forgiving, and remind them you don’t mean it when you head spins backwards sometimes. 🙂 I have a whole post on my sister site on what to do if your partner is unsupportive.

via GIPHY

Hopefully this information reminds you that what you are experiencing is NORMAL (but also annoying). Knowing that you have a common symptom of pregnancy can sometimes make you feel better (oddly).

FAQ’s about early pregnancy:

Are early pregnancy cramps the same as period cramps?

They sure can feel the same. It’s just your uterus growing. They shouldn’t be too painful, and don’t take ibuprofen at this stage in the game. Sometimes a warm shower can help.

Are early pregnancy symptoms on and off?

Yes, 100%. Just because you feel really nauseous one day, and not the next — don’t get concerned and stress-out. It’s just your body trying to find a new normal.

Can early pregnancy cause pimples?

Yes, darn hormones. They’re all over the place at this point in the game. Sorry about that.

When should I take a Prenatal Vitamin?

Right away! Prenatal Vitamins should be taken by all women who have a chance of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.

What should I not do during early pregnancy?

Freak out — stressing out about all of it is not a great plan.
Take medication — unless your doctor has directed you to, I recommend a neutral body during pregnancy which means trying to make your diet and intake as clean as possible.

Otherwise just act normal. Your body takes care of this, and hopefully, it works out. Honestly, the first few weeks don’t seem “real” and I try to sort of ignore it. As someone who had infertility for quite a while I like to give it a few weeks to get my heart set on stuff, but that’s me. I have a whole post on what you SHOULD do during early pregnancy.

That includes

Drink lots of water
Eat balanced meals — try not to go too salty or too sugary. Balance protein and sugar. It will just help you feel better overall.
Take it easy. Try not to over-schedule yourself, leave a lot of margins in your life.

It’s never too early to think about getting educated for your baby’s birth. I have an online prenatal class that will help you and your partner prepare for what’s to come check out The Online Prenatal Class for Couples.

Or, if you’re not quite ready for the full class, check out my free prenatal class — It’s your first step towards being your own birth boss.

unusual symptoms in pregnant women

Pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue, morning sickness and frequent urination are known to almost everyone. But there are other strange signs of early pregnancy that your body sends to announce the birth of a new life - you definitely don’t know anything about them.

Ksenia Ilchenko

Signs of early pregnancy

Despite the knowledge of physiological processes, each woman's pregnancy is unique. There is a difference in everything - starting from what first signs of pregnancy the expectant mother will notice, and ending with how her state of health will change by the time of childbirth. Even the same woman who has given birth to several children can have different symptoms and signs of pregnancy each time. nine0003

In addition, the first signs of pregnancy in the early stages may feel similar to the sensations before and during menstruation, so the woman does not immediately understand that conception has occurred.

Reliable signs of pregnancy in the early stages can be observed no earlier than 8-10 days from the moment of fertilization of the egg, when the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus and the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), begins to be produced in the mother's body. But it must be borne in mind that this is the approximate time of implantation of the embryo, for each woman this period is individual. nine0003

The most common presumptive signs of early pregnancy:

Delayed menstruation. However, it is worth remembering that there can be many reasons for a violation of the cycle, and in order to accurately determine the first signs of pregnancy, it is necessary to exclude possible causes of delay, such as stress, menopause, excessive physical activity, lack or vice versa, excess weight and others.
Toxicosis. Morning sickness and malaise are the most common first sign of pregnancy before menstruation. nine0022
Changes in appetite and eating habits. An aversion to certain foods may appear, a desire to eat spicy, sour, inedible appears.
Unstable emotional state.
Change in sexual desire. This happens due to a change in the sensitivity of many receptors in the body of a pregnant woman.
Fatigue and drowsiness.
Frequent urination.
High or low blood pressure and dizziness. nine0022
Soreness of the mammary glands.
Cramping and pain in the lower abdomen.
The appearance of spider veins not only on the legs, but also on the face, neck, chest.
Weight gain.

Important! Some symptoms and signs are not exclusive to pregnant women. They can be a manifestation of diseases. We recommend that you consult a doctor if you feel any changes.

The most important and reliable signs of early pregnancy will be:

detection of a high concentration of the hCG hormone in the blood and urine;
changes in the internal genital organs and the presence of an embryo (detected using ultrasound diagnostics).

The strangest signs of pregnancy

Stuffy nose

Do you wake up with a blocked nose? Or do you have to clean it more often than usual? This may be a sign of early pregnancy. The reason for this is the increased production of mucous secretions during pregnancy. And by the way, it's not just in your nose! nine0003

Metallic taste

Taste bud changes, also known as dysgeusia, usually resolve after the first trimester but may persist throughout pregnancy. One of the strangest symptoms of early pregnancy is described by women as “mouth full of change” or “as if I’m licking the railing.”

Flatulence

The increase in progesterone during pregnancy slows down the digestion process - as a result, gases now form longer. Women in the early stages of pregnancy are often in a state of "balloon". nine0003

Bleeding from the gums and nose

This is another common sign of early pregnancy. Due to the increase in the level of female sex hormones, the gums become inflamed and may start to bleed while brushing or flossing. Pregnancy also provokes vasodilation in the nose, which can cause bleeding.

Constipation

Since we are talking about the functions of the body, it is worth mentioning one more sign of early pregnancy. Disturbances in the work of the intestines are caused by the same hormonal changes. You may have to put a book in the toilet! nine0003

Vivid dreams and nightmares

Expectant mothers often have vivid dreams and nightmares. One of the reasons for this strangest sign of pregnancy is all the same notorious hormonal changes. But there is another explanation: the sleep of a pregnant woman is often interrupted due to going to the toilet, the movements of the child or convulsions, and the fresher the dream, the higher the likelihood of remembering its content.

Dizziness

A woman's body often reacts to the birth of a new life with one of the signs of early pregnancy - a decrease in blood pressure. In addition, as the abdomen grows, the center of gravity changes. All this leads to the fact that a pregnant woman begins to unsteadily stand on her own feet. nine0003

Veins

Unfortunately, there are more unpleasant signs of pregnancy. As the fetus grows, the uterus increasingly compresses the inferior vena cava, a large blood vessel that runs in the right side of the body. An increase in pressure in the pelvic area leads to a reduction in blood flow to the legs - and, as a result, such an unpleasant disease as varicose veins develops.

Alas, this is not the end! Stagnant processes can spread throughout the body. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to compare their body to a road map because of the web of blue veins protruding from it. nine0003

Outward signs of pregnancy: unusual behavior of older children

Changes in the body are felt not only by the expectant mother. Pregnant women who already have children say that a very strange sign of pregnancy appears in the early stages - already existing children become more capricious and require more attention. And in any case, do not panic - children need time to adapt to a change in status, becoming older, and they feel the changes long before the birth of a sister or brother, because the mother begins to behave at least not much, but in a different way. And it’s not for nothing that children are called “locators”, capturing the slightest fluctuations in their mother’s state and mood. Hugs, spending time together and a psychologist will help gently prepare children for the birth of a new family member. nine0003

Source: kidspot.com.au

Have you had strange pregnancy symptoms?

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First signs of pregnancy before delay, early symptoms

Significant hormonal changes occur during pregnancy. This causes a number of symptoms. Some women experience pregnancy symptoms right away, while others may only have a few. About the first signs of pregnancy at an early stage and when exactly the initial signs of pregnancy appear are described in the article.

At what time do the first signs of pregnancy appear

The answer to the question of when the first signs of pregnancy appear is rather ambiguous, because some women do not feel any signs at all during the first few weeks. At what week do the first signs of pregnancy appear in others? When do the first signs of pregnancy appear after conception? Symptoms of very early pregnancy (such as breast tenderness) may appear before a missed period, as early as six to seven days after conception, while other early signs of pregnancy (such as spotting) may appear about a week after ovulation. We will tell you more about the first signs of pregnancy before menstruation and when the signs of pregnancy appear. nine0003

What are the earliest signs of pregnancy?

The first signs of pregnancy in the early stages:

delayed menstruation - 29%;
nausea - 25%;
mood swings - from 14 to 23%;
breast changes - 17%;
pain in the lower abdomen - 15%;
depression - 15%;
fatigue, drowsiness - 13%
decrease in immunity - 6%;
the first signs of pregnancy - discharge or implantation bleeding - only 3%. nine0022

Physiological first signs of pregnancy

What are the very first symptoms of pregnancy?

The most common physiological signs of pregnancy include:

Tender and enlarged breasts. Signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception include breast changes (1-2 weeks after conception). The area around the nipples, called the areola, may also darken.

Drowsiness and fatigue. Fatigue is also among the signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone rise dramatically, which can cause drowsiness.

Nausea with vomiting. When do these signs of pregnancy appear? Morning sickness, which can appear at any time of the day or night, often appears between the second and eighth weeks after conception. nine0022

Dizziness and fainting . This may be due to dilation of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Spasms. Some women experience symptoms of pregnancy in the early days, such as mild uterine cramps.

Headaches and back pains. Many pregnant women complain of frequent headaches and others experience back pain.

Insomnia - another first sign of pregnancy before the test. Causes can include stress, physical discomfort, and hormonal changes.

Change in taste preferences. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these eating habits can be attributed to hormonal changes.

Temperature. Early signs of pregnancy include fever (37-37.5).

Delayed menstruation. How long does it take for the first signs of pregnancy to appear? If you are of childbearing age and a week or more has passed without your expected period, you may be pregnant. However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.

Bloody discharge - early signs of pregnancy . This bleeding, known as implantation bleeding, occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, approximately 10 to 14 days after conception. nine0022

Bloating, heartburn. Hormonal changes can cause problems with the stomach and esophagus - these are common signs of pregnancy at 2 weeks.

Constipation . Hormonal changes cause the digestive system to slow down, which can lead to constipation (signs of pregnancy after a delay).

Frequent urination. You may urinate more than usual, a common sign of pregnancy at 5 weeks. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases, causing the kidneys to process excess fluid that enters the bladder. nine0022

Runny nose. The appearance of this symptom is associated with excessive production of the hormone estrogen.

Exacerbation of chronic diseases. This is a sign of pregnancy after ovulation.

Increased salivation. Also associated with hormonal changes.

Sense of smell enhancement . Signs of pregnancy in the first two weeks may cause sensitivity to certain smells and the sense of taste may change. nine0022

Emotional first signs of pregnancy

The first signs of pregnancy before delay (earliest signs of pregnancy) include psycho-emotional symptoms.

Mood swings.
Irritability.
Vulnerability, tearfulness.
Capriciousness.
Depression.

These are all emotional signs of early pregnancy that many women report. They describe feelings of heightened emotion or even bouts of crying, which are associated with rapid changes in hormone levels in the body. Also, signs of pregnancy at week 4 can make you feel PMS-style cranky. In addition, about 15% of women suffer from depression or anxiety during pregnancy. And after childbirth, these conditions suffer even more. In this case, it is better to seek help from a doctor. nine0003

Do everything you can to improve your mood: get plenty of rest, eat well, get enough sleep, do things you love, and pamper yourself.

However, be aware that mood swings can be caused by a number of conditions other than pregnancy.

Influence of early pregnancy on daily routine

Early signs of pregnancy, mainly those that bring discomfort, may cause a change in daily routine. Here are some tips on what you can do with some of them:

In case of toxicosis, avoid too hot or too cold food - this provokes an attack of vomiting. Eat often - at least 5-6 times a day, but in small portions.
For nausea or vomiting, try ginger, chamomile, or vitamin B6.
Drink plenty of water, in small sips between meals, to replenish lost fluids. Teas, juices, fruit drinks are also suitable.
For back pain, wear shoes or shoe insoles designed for pregnant women and avoid high heels. Sleep on a firm mattress. nine0022
For chest discomfort, wear a special bra that supports the enlarged breasts.
For constipation, eat more fiber-rich foods such as wheat bran and fresh vegetables and fruits.
If you suffer from headaches and mood swings, try stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation.
Be outdoors more often, at least half an hour a day. This helps to reduce the symptoms of toxicosis, calm the nervous system. nine0022
Maintain your daily physical activity for as long as it is convenient for you to perform certain activities.
Eat a balanced diet with enough proteins, fats and carbohydrates.