Strange EARLY Pregnancy Symptoms You’d Never Expect

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Think you might be pregnant? Learn the strange early pregnancy symptoms some moms experience before testing positive!

Pregnancy symptoms can be flat out weird and strange for some expecting moms. Not to mention, some moms experience early pregnancy symptoms for the first time as early as 3 weeks!

You’ve probably been told that the FIRST sign of pregnancy is a missed period.

Although it tends to fair true, it isn’t the ONLY sign. In fact, some moms I talked to expressed they simply just knew something felt off way before their expected period was supposed to arrive.

Here’s a glimpse at some of their symptoms which we’ll talk more about in the rest of this article:

• Hot Flashes

• Charlie Horse (also properly termed “pregnancy muscle spasm”)

• Extreme Motion Sickness

• Fatigue & Sleepiness

• Vivid Dreams & Nightmares

If you suspect you may be pregnant, please be sure to notify your doctor, and don’t forget to take a reliable and accurate pregnancy test.

Labcorp OnDemand Pregnancy Tests are my absolute favorite because they’re accurate and easily accessible! That’s because it’s the only direct-to-consumer — aka YOU — that provides a quantitative hCG level! All you do is purchase your test, go to one of 2,000 Labcorp locations to submit your sample, and get results online that you can share with your healthcare provider. 

How Early Can You Tell if You Are Pregnant?

According to experts, a woman can tell if she is pregnant as early as “7-12 days from possible conception” when using a blood test.

However, sometimes early testing can have unreliable results.

This is why most recommend waiting to test at least until the first day of your missed period OR no more than 5 days prior.

Classic EARLY Signs Of Pregnancy

Before jumping into some of the weird symptoms indicating you could be pregnant, let’s make sure we’re familiar with the most common ones below:

• Mild Cramping (usually occurs before week 4)

• Spotting (usually occurs before week 4)

• Nausea (usually occurs between weeks 4 to 6)

• Fatigue (usually occurs between weeks 4 to 6)

• Missed Period (occurs at week 4)

• Increased Urination (usually occurs between weeks 4 to 6, but can occur before week 4)

• Sore Breasts (usually occurs between weeks 3 to 6)

If you’re having any of these common pregnancy symptoms, you should take a pregnancy test to be safe and/or notify your doctor as well.

Strange EARLY Pregnancy Symptoms You’d Never Expect

Now that we refreshed on some of the more common pregnancy symptoms, let’s talk about the not-so-common aka STRANGE early pregnancy symptoms some moms experience!

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Feeling Really Tired and Extra Fatigue

Although general fatigue and sleepiness is a common pregnancy symptom, there are some moms who literally feel like the have no energy at all.

I was one of them!

With my 2nd pregnancy, I remember feeling so out of it and worrying I was sick.

I told my husband I felt like I had been hit by a bus. My entire body felt so heavy and lifeless it was crazy.

I remembered feeling sleepy here and there with my first pregnancy, but not THIS out of it.

Not to mention, the 2nd time around I had a toddler to care for and was working full-time from home, so I had no time to be exhausted.

If you’re feeling EXTRA run down and you know for sure you aren’t sick or have a justified reason for it, it’s probably best to take a quick pregnancy test to be safe.

Dysgeusia aka That Weird Metallic Taste in Your Mouth

Some moms experience a strange metallic taste (as if they were sucking on penny lozenges) in their mouth, medically known as Dysgeusia.

You can thank your changing hormones for this one (and pretty much all of them).

Sometimes, this weird symptom can indicate other health concerns related to your liver, kidneys, or others.

However, if you suspect you could be pregnant, there’s a really good chance this is your early warning sign.

You know what that means, time to go take a pregnancy test.

Experiencing More UTIs

Early on during my second pregnancy, I noticed I was experiencing more UTIs for unknown reasons.

I had taken my ol’ reliable AZO^® Urinary Pain Relief (be sure to ALWAYS ask a health professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding). In my case, I didn’t know I was pregnant, but the AZO^® Urinary Pain Relief tablets that normally work for me weren’t working at all. Not long after, I learned I was expecting!

So, here’s the deal on urinary tract infections and pregnancy. Some women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to hormonal changes and anatomical factors.

The increased levels of progesterone, a hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy, can relax the muscles of the ureters and bladder, which then slows down the flow of urine, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.

Additionally, the expanding uterus exerts pressure on the bladder, making it difficult to completely empty when eliminating, which can also contribute to UTIs.

It is crucial for pregnant women experiencing these symptoms to seek prompt medical attention, as untreated UTIs can lead to more severe complications, such as kidney infections, which pose risks to both the mother and the developing fetus.

It’s also important to know that, research, such as a study published in the “Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology” in 2014, suggests that pregnant women with a history of recurrent UTIs may be at a higher risk.

This emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, such as staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and promptly treating any identified infections by seeing your doctor asap.

Strange Cravings During Pregnancy

You’ve probably heard of some moms having weird pregnancy cravings, but some moms get these cravings SUPER early on in their pregnancy.

Some of the weirdest early cravings reported when I surveyed my social media included:

• Pickles with Peanut Butter

• Ice Cream Mixed with Cheetos

• Spicy & Sweet Foods Mixed Together

• Peanut Butter with Carrots

• Hamburgers with Ice Cream

I’ve been pregnant twice. The only pregnancy craving I ever had was for meat. I craved meat a TON during my pregnancies, but never in the early days.

Again, thank those pregnancy hormones.

Early Pregnancy Muscle Spasms

Charley horse muscle spasms are the worst.

If you’re one of the unlucky mamas experiencing this as a symptom of early pregnancy I’m so sorry.

If you’re unsure what this is, it’s a very painful leg cramp that occurs usually while sleeping, laying down, or after a strenuous workouts.

Sometimes, simple stretching or the use of a heating pad to help relax the muscles can help, but if they continue to occur, it’s best to notify your doctor.

Sensitive Teeth in the First Few Weeks of Pregnancy

Thanks to, you guessed it, those pregnancy hormones, many moms experience dental sensitivities during their pregnancy.

These sensitivities can include things like swollen/sensitive gums or even sensitivity to hot or cold items.

If they become too bothersome, it may not be a bad idea to head into the dentist to ensure everything looks ok.

Maintaining healthy dental hygiene throughout pregnancy is important to prevent plaque and cavities from forming.

Cramping and Spotting During Early Pregnancy

Cramping and spotting during early pregnancy are actually more common than not in early pregnancy.

This is because when the egg implants into the uterus lining, it can cause minor cramping and light bleeding (similar to what’d you’d feel around your period).

If you’re experiencing these symptoms and are unsure whether or not you could be pregnant, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to grab a test to check!

Intense Hunger Before Knowing You’re Pregnant

Yet again, you can thank your hormones for this one.

Some moms have mentioned feeling intense hunger just before finding out their pregnant.

Although I can’t relate to this one, I never underestimate anything related to pregnancy.

Hot Flashes and Temperature Changes

With all those hormonal changes kicking in, experiencing things like hot flashes or chills is not out of the norm.

They may be a little strange if you’ve never experienced them before, but during pregnancy, they will probably become more normal for you.

Be sure to dress comfortably in light, breathable clothing in the event you constantly feel hot.

You can also keep a light sweater nearby whenever you feel those chills coming on.

Hormonal Mood Swings During Early Pregnancy

One minute you’re watching your favorite comedy and then a sad commercial comes on about shelter pets.

Before you know it, you’re sobbing and weeping uncontrollably.

That, my friends, would be your pregnancy hormones in full effect. Great, right?

No need to worry just yet, emotions running high isn’t unusual. However, if you begin to feel depressed or stop being able to find joy in your day to day activities, it might warrant a trip to the doctor’s office.

Pregnancy Constipation

One weird (and totally uncomfortable) early pregnancy symptom is constipation.

Besides blaming all your hormones, we can pinpoint the blame on progesterone for slowing down your bowels this time.

A few ways to keep things moving include:

• Drinking to thirst and staying hydrated throughout the day.

• Consume 25-35 grams of fiber each day.

• Eat SMALL meals throughout the day.

• Stay active and exercise if and when possible.

22 Moms Dish Their Strange Early Pregnancy Symptoms Stories

Below are real stories from real moms sharing their bizarre pregnancy symptoms before even knowing they were pregnant!

My sense of smell during pregnancy was off…

“My first pregnancy sign both times was an odd lining (with a unique smell) inside my nostrils. I remember waking up one morning and realizing it was there, days before testing. I’ve talked to several moms who also experienced that, even though none of us have ever read anything official about it!” ~ Clarissa Sidhom of Modern Hipster Mama

“My sense of smell became more intense when I get pregnant. Both times, just walking past the candle or detergent aisle was terrible. I couldn’t handle the smell and I would either hold my breath or ask someone to get me what I needed down those specific isles. Couldn’t even wear a scented lotion around me, it was that bad.” ~ Katie Strunk of Ivy Lillies

I was really, really hungry…

“I was unbelievably hungry. I was suspect I was pregnant, but while many experience morning sickness, I could eat 3 breakfasts and still want a normal lunch. My co-workers even figured it out right away because I had very different eating habits.” ~ Cassie Bains of Cass Clay Cooking

I absolutely hated coffee…

“The thing that tipped me off to being pregnant with all 3 of my kids was that I suddenly couldn’t stand coffee. I am normally a coffee junky, but the smell of coffee just grossed me out early in pregnancy. I also had an urge to say really mean things to people I love– and they weren’t even things that I actually thought!” ~ Jamie Harmon of Coffee With Us 3

“My husband was a manager at a coffee shop, and suddenly I could not handle the smell of coffee. I remember he had a bunch of coffee in the back of his car to deliver and I was riding with him. We stopped at a gas station to grab Pepto-Bismol to try to help me feel better. Also, a week or so before I found out I was pregnant, I was voraciously hungry. Maybe my body was saving up for the next few months when I could barely eat because I was so sick!” ~ Samantha Radford of Evidence-Based Mommy

Chicken straight up grossed me out…

“For my second pregnancy, it was hard to determine with a missed period because my cycles were always irregular. But when I missed my period, it just felt different that time. I was also repulsed by chicken and so tired. Had to take naps when my toddler napped just so I could function.” ~ Samantha Flores of Her Journal

That early pregnancy fatigue is REAL…

“Exhaustion! I was falling asleep on the couch at night which is something I’d never do. Then, I found it so hard to make up in the morning like I hadn’t slept. I just thought I was extra tired haha!” ~ Catherine Ramos of A Seasoned Greeting

“I was so sleepy all the time almost sleeping while standing at work and my boobs were so tender in a weird way. Found out about 2 weeks later that I was pregnant” ~ Debbie Mogere of Mother and Baby Love

I couldn’t eat enough to ever feel full…

“With both of my pregnancies, I knew I was pregnant when I was hungry ALL THE TIME! I could never get full, no matter how much I ate. I would just devour food.” ~ Anh Evardo of A Daily Dose of Mom

My heartbeat was RAPID…

“My first sign I was pregnant was rapid heartbeat when I laid down to sleep at night. My heart would pound when I was trying to sleep and I know every time I was pregnant.” ~ Amanda Patrick of Bliss Health Coaching

“Before I knew I was pregnant, I wore a Fitbit with a heart rate monitor. My resting heart rate climbed from 66 bpm to 82 bpm in the course of a few weeks! I thought there was something seriously wrong until I took a test!” ~ Natalie Kollee of The Kollee Kitchen

I felt warm & my breasts were extra tender…

“The first thing I noticed before I even took a pregnancy test was how sensitive and even a little sore my breasts were. I noticed it that day, took a pregnancy test and I was right! The other thing was I felt a little warmer than usual (this is odd for me because my body tends to be on the colder side most days).” ~ Cendu Param of Cendu Param, Daily Dose of Motherhood

I was drenched in sweat, dizzy, and nausea…

“With all three of my pregnancies, I first noticed hot flashes, especially at night or when in the car. Suddenly I’m drenched in sweat and feel dizzy and nauseous! In fact, with my second pregnancy, my husband suggested taking the test when we were driving and I kept turning the AC on full blast directed at my face! I also notice things don’t taste right, particularly coffee and chicken. It’s not that they taste bad, it’s just that they taste wrong.” ~ Lindsey Aman of These Hungry Kids

“For my first pregnancy one of my signs which my husband thought I was going crazy, was that I was hot. I had really bad hot flashes to the point that I had to take a cold water bath to feel better. Oh, Lord! it was terrible” ~ Awilla Rodriguez of One Perfectly Imperfect Mom

Ouch! Sciatic Pain…

“Before I even knew I was pregnant with all four of my babies, left side sciatic pain was my first symptom. I was also completely exhausted and repulsed by coffee.” ~ Dara Dimitri of The Roots of Home

I had Heartburn and it sucked…

“I had really bad heartburn as an early sign for all of my pregnancies. Now, as soon as I get terrible heartburn I just take a pregnancy test.” ~ Teralyn Simmons of New Mom Vibes

Bring on the pregnancy vivid dreams and nightmares…

“Before I knew I was pregnant, I started having nightly vivid dreams and nightmares. Before then, I would rarely ever remember what I dreamt about by morning. This, combined with extreme gagging whenever I brushed my teeth led me to take a pregnancy test.” ~ Stephanie Mantilla of Plant Prosperous

I just couldn’t help crying early on in my pregnancy…

“For both of my pregnancies, I was VERY hormonal. I mean, I normally cry a lot as is, but even my husband noticed how extra moody I was and encouraged me to take a pregnancy test. What a relief it was to find out the extra tears were because I was pregnant!” ~ Jenny Grove of Wholesome Family Living

I only wanted to eat plain foods, nothing else…

“With all of my 4 kids – the first sign was being turned off normal food and just wanting very, very plain food Like craving chicken and lettuce or plain bread and not being able to tolerate any sauces or spices.” ~ Louise Jemma of Thimble and Twig

The motion sickness was rough…

“My first symptom was motion sickness. I used to commute to work and I’ve never got motion sickness. So when I got it I kind of sensed that I was pregnant. Went home, took a pregnancy test and it had a faint line” ~ Kinga Boros of Kinga’s Corner

Ouch, I had charlie horse muscle spasms…

“One of the symptoms that I got was Charlie horses and I hated them. I got them a lot at night, luckily my husband taught me how to get rid of them quickly. He told me to relax and flex my foot upwards. It’s weird, but it totally works!” ~ Kallie Myer of From Mama With Love

My PMS symptoms disappeared before my anticipated period…

“I didn’t have any PMS. Lol. That’s how I knew with the youngest 2 of my 6.” ~ Taryn Scarfone of Joy Filled Eats

Experienced any of these bizarre pregnancy symptoms? Drop a comment below!

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