5 PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS YOU HAVEN’T HEARD OF (BUT ARE TOTALLY NORMAL)
By Nicole Fuge
Pregnancy: the wild, weird, wonderful ride where your body turns into a 24/7 baby-making machine. We’ve all heard of the classics—nausea, cravings, swollen ankles—but what about the symptoms no one warns you about?
The truth is, your body is working overtime to support new life, and that can trigger all sorts of changes. Some are expected. Others? Not so much.
Here are five lesser-known pregnancy symptoms that might catch you off guard, but are completely normal (even if they’re a little strange).
1. A weird, metallic taste in your mouth
Ever sucked on a coin by accident as a kid? That strange, coppery taste might make an unexpected comeback in early pregnancy. Known as dysgeusia, this bizarre symptom is surprisingly common and often strikes in the first trimester.
Why it happens: Hormonal changes, especially rising oestrogen levels, can mess with your sense of taste. It’s also linked to shifts in your sense of smell and how your body reacts to certain foods.
Some women describe the taste as metallic, bitter, or sour, and it can linger no matter what you eat or drink. The good news? It usually fades as your pregnancy progresses.
What helps: Try sipping citrus water, chewing sugar-free gum, or snacking on something tart to cut through the taste.
2. Producing more saliva than usual (like, a lot more)
As if morning sickness wasn’t enough, say hello to ptyalism gravidarum: excessive salivation during pregnancy.
It’s most common in the first trimester and often goes hand-in-hand with nausea. For some, it’s mild. For others, it can feel like they’re constantly needing to swallow or spit.
Why it happens: Hormonal shifts and your body’s attempt to protect the mouth and throat from stomach acid during nausea are thought to be behind this one.
What helps: Stay hydrated, suck on ice chips, and avoid overly starchy foods. If it’s really bothering you, chat to your healthcare provider, there may be treatments that can help.
3. A stuffy or bloody nose (even when you’re not sick)
Can’t stop sniffing, sneezing, or reaching for the tissues? You’re not alone. Pregnancy rhinitis is a real thing, and it has nothing to do with a cold or allergies.
Your body produces extra blood and your vessels expand during pregnancy, causing swelling in the nasal passages. Cue congestion, nosebleeds, and even snoring—yes, even if you’ve never snored before.
Why it happens: Increased oestrogen and blood volume lead to more mucus and sensitivity in the nose. It can start as early as the first trimester and sometimes stick around the whole way through.
What helps: A humidifier, saline sprays, and sleeping with your head slightly elevated can all offer relief.
4. Pregnancy brain is real—but it's not what you think
You forget why you walked into the room. Your phone’s in the fridge. You call your dog by your boss’s name. “Baby brain” might be the punchline of many jokes, but it's a genuine symptom for many mums-to-be.
While studies are still mixed on just how much pregnancy affects memory and cognition, plenty of women report feeling foggy, forgetful, or just… off.
Why it happens: Hormones (surprise!) play a role here, particularly progesterone and oestrogen. Sleep disruptions, stress, and the sheer mental load of growing a tiny human don’t help either.
What helps: Be kind to yourself, jot things down, and make rest a priority whenever you can.
5. Changes in vision—yes, even your eyes get involved
Blurry vision? Dry eyes? Itchy contacts? Vision changes during pregnancy are one of those “wait, what?!” symptoms no one really expects.
Your body retains more fluid during pregnancy, and that can change the shape or thickness of your cornea. You might notice your contacts don’t sit quite right, or that your eyesight seems temporarily off.
Why it happens: Hormonal shifts and fluid retention are to blame. It’s usually harmless, but if you notice flashing lights, double vision, or vision loss, check in with your doctor, these can be signs of more serious conditions like preeclampsia.
What helps: Use artificial tears for dry eyes, switch to glasses if contacts are uncomfortable, and hold off on any new prescriptions until after birth.
The bottom line?
Pregnancy is a full-body experience, literally. While some symptoms are expected, others might leave you scratching your head (or Googling at 3am). The good news? Most of these surprising signs are totally normal and tend to ease as your hormones settle.
But always trust your instincts, if something feels off, talk to your doctor. Your body is doing something pretty extraordinary, and no question is ever too small or strange.
Pregnancy might be messy, magical, and mysterious, but one thing’s for sure: it keeps you on your toes.
MUSE PAPER
ISSUE 04
Disclaimer: The content provided on Muse Paper is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatments.