Unusual food cravings are one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, but having a hankering for pickles dipped in peanut butter or ice cream topped with hot sauce is just the tip of the iceberg. There are actually a lot of weird things that happen to the body during pregnancy, and while they might seem alarming, most of the time, they’re totally normal.
- Superhuman sense of smell- It’s not an exaggeration, some women experience an extremely sensitive sense of smell when they’re expecting. As many astwo-thirdsof pregnant women experience hyperosmia, which is caused by pregnancy hormones like estrogen. And unfortunately, some of the odors they detect only add to their nausea.
- Nosebleeds and bleeding gums- Growing a baby isn’t easy on your body and it changes dramatically during the process. One fun fact? Your body’s blood volumeincreases dramaticallyduring pregnancy, up to double. And with all that extra blood flow, sensitive tissues, like gums and nasal membranes, may experience bleeding. The good news? It doesn’t last.
- Flexibility- Pregnancy can also lead to women being extra stretchy. It’s also only temporary while the body is preparing for childbirth and a hormone appropriately namedrelaxingets the body ready to expand.
- Stripes and spots- Some pregnant women notice a darker line from the belly button down that’s called the linea nigra. It’s actually always been there, but it can get darker and more obvious during pregnancy. And some people experience other forms of hyperpigmentation, like face spots called melasma, but it’s nothing to worry about.
- Brain fog- Another pregnancy symptom is forgetfulness, sometimes called “pregnancy brain.” More thana dozen studiesagree that it’s real and it may leave moms-to-be feeling more forgetful or distracted and having trouble focusing. And hormonal changes are to blame for this one, too.
Source:CNET