7 Unexpected pregnancy symptoms that are, in fact, normal

Pregnancy and the postpartum period is a beautiful time, even with the common symptoms we've come to expect. Apart from the nausea in the early stages of pregnancy, the strange midnight cravings, and the swollen ankles before it’s time to give birth (sometimes even after!), there are a wide variety of unusual side effects and bodily changes that could come along in your journey to becoming a parent.

Strange symptoms during pregnancy

- Pain in the hips

Towards the end of your second trimester and into the third, you may start noticing pain in your hips, especially at night. As you gain weight faster, and because you’ll be sleeping on your side, a lot of pressure is placed on your body. This is completely normal and can be managed with gentle stretches or a prenatal yoga class, applying warm compresses to the area and by sleeping with a pregnancy pillow for extra support. 

If the pain comes and goes or if you can manage it, you have nothing to be worried about says Dr Taheera Hassim, a gynaecologist and obstetrician based in Johannesburg. “Sciatica, the condition that causes this hip pain, can also cause pain in the lower back and the back of your legs,” she says. See a doctor if the pain becomes unbearable and impacts your daily life.

- Itchy skin

While it may sound strange, it’s possible to ‘feel’ your body get bigger as your baby grows, particularly around your belly and on your breasts. “There are a few things that may contribute to these symptoms, including hormonal changes, skin tightness and stretching, and low hydration levels,” explains Dr Hassim. 

Dry skin tends to itch more so you can manage the discomfort by applying a moisturiser in the morning and at night; nipple cream offers relief to itchy nipples. You should also stay hydrated, and wear loose clothing if you find that tight-fitting garments exacerbate the itchiness. “If you notice a sudden itchy rash or if the palms of your hands and/or the soles of your feet becomes severely itchy, visit your doctor to rule out underlying concerns,” says Dr Hassim.

- Strange tastes 

Is there an unfamiliar metallic taste in your mouth even though you haven’t eaten anything? You wouldn’t be the first pregnant person to claim this! We already know that hormones are to blame for us craving strange food combinations at midnight, but they’re also the cause of this bitter, metallic taste most commonly reported during the first trimester. “This change in your sense of taste, or dysgeusia as it’s medically known, is caused by changing hormones,” says Dr Hassim. It can’t be treated but you could try to lessen the taste by following a good oral hygiene routine daily and up your water intake. Eat foods with strong flavour profiles, such as spicy or sour, to even out the bitter taste. 

- Vivid dreams

If you’re not usually a big dreamer, don’t be concerned if this changes during pregnancy as more vivid dreams are a common occurrence for expecting mothers. Why does it happen? It’s believed that the emotional aspects of pregnancy, such as anxiety and uncertainty, play out while you’re asleep. They can’t be ‘treated’ but you can chat to a therapist if you are struggling to cope with the build-up of emotions, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to promote good sleep. Dr Hassim advises that mothers try not to let dreams upset them, and rather focus on the exciting journey that awaits.

- Bleeding gums

The hormones are at it again – this time, the increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone affect your gums. “These are the hormones that also cause the swelling of mucous membranes and clog the sinuses. You may notice inflamed gums around 15 weeks of pregnancy, which makes your gums more prone to bleeding,” says Dr Hassim. If you experience inflammation and bleeding of the gums around the second trimester, know that there’s no need to worry but you should pay close attention to your dental health to prevent pregnancy gingivitis from worsening. Make sure not to skip your daily floss, a thorough brush (teeth and tongue) in the morning and at night, and gargle with a warm saltwater rinse. “This tenderness is normal,” says Dr Hassim. “You should visit your doctor or dentist if you experience pain or if your gums turn bright red and bleed easily and excessively,” she adds. 

Peculiar postpartum changes

- Night sweats

As your body goes back to its pre-pregnancy levels of hormones, you’ll notice a few changes. One of those is increased sweating, especially at night. “In the first few weeks after giving birth, it’s completely normal to experience night sweats, even if it’s excessive,” says Dr Hassim. Along with it comes, possibly, a strong or different-smelling body odour and frequent waking. Try to relax before you go to bed and sleep in lightweight pyjamas with layered bedding that you can easy pull off. 

- Vaginal bleeding after a C-section

Even though a baby doesn’t pass through the vagina when giving birth via C-section, you’ll still experience vaginal bleeding postpartum. “This is a normal part of the childbirth process,” says Dr Hassim. “Your body needs to expel lochia, which is a mix of blood, mucous and uterine tissue,” she adds. Your doctor will clean out your uterus after a C-section but you’ll still bleed for about 4-6 weeks postpartum, with the discharge getting lighter (in flow and in colour) after the first few days. If you notice clots or a bad odour coming from the discharge, contact your doctor, as these are signs of infection. “Stock up on maternity pads and avoid using tampons during this time,” says Dr Hassim.

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