Taking a pregnancy test is the only way to be certain of pregnancy. However, nosebleeds, headaches, mood changes, and other early symptoms might suggest someone is pregnant.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur that can lead to various symptoms. Some of these symptoms may appear even in the very first weeks of pregnancy.
This article lists some possible atypical early pregnancy symptoms, as well as when to see a doctor. However, people should note that only a pregnancy test can confirm pregnancy.
Pregnancy and parenthood resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on pregnancy and parenthood.
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.
Below are some potential unusual signs of pregnancy.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are quite common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes. People may have nosebleeds when they are awake or asleep, and may feel blood in their throat before it comes out of their nose.
Nosebleeds are rarely serious, and they tend to be manageable at home. If bleeding does not stop within around 15 minutes, people should contact a doctor.
Mood changes
Sudden changes in mood are a result of hormonal changes early on in pregnancy.
Pregnant people may feel more emotional than usual. Heightened emotions are perfectly expected at this time, but they can be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Headaches
A pregnant person may experience headaches due to the increased estrogen levels in the body. Stress or fatigue can also cause tension headaches.
People should check with their healthcare team before taking any headache 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, staying hydrated, and standing up slowly can help reduce dizziness and lightheadedness.
Acne
Another early sign of pregnancy that people may experience is acne. Some people already have acne but notice that it gets worse during pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests the following tips for managing acne during pregnancy:
- wash the face twice a day with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water
- keep the hair away from the face
- choose cosmetics that do not contain oil
- check with a healthcare professional before using any products to ensure that they are safe to use during pregnancy
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 as a person becoming more sensitive to smell. In some cases, this sensitivity may contribute to nausea.
Strange taste in the mouth
Experts believe that physiological changes
Although these symptoms may be bothersome and inconvenient, they are not typically a cause for concern.
Discharge
Most people with a vagina experience vaginal discharge at various points throughout their menstrual cycle. Discharge that is clear, white, or sticky is expected during pregnancy and can be an early sign of pregnancy.
It is best to visit a healthcare professional if the discharge:
- is not white or clear
- smells bad
- occurs alongside itching, pain, or soreness
Cravings and aversions
During early pregnancy, people 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 a healthcare professional.
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.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath describes the feeling of being unable to get enough air into the lungs.
People may feel that their breathing improves when they sit up straight. They should also try to avoid secondhand smoke or pollution, if possible.
People should contact a doctor if they have chest pain, a cough, or a significant change in their breathing.
Congestion
Rhinitis is the official name for the runny nose that many people experience during pregnancy. Some people may also experience congestion.
A humidifier, saline drops, or a saline rinse may help treat nasal congestion.
Constipation
Hormonal changes may cause some people to become constipated during pregnancy.
Elevated progesterone levels relax the bowel walls, making it harder to pass stool. This symptom is more common later in pregnancy, but it can affect some people in the first trimester.
The symptoms above are not a confirmation of pregnancy. Anyone who thinks they may be pregnant should take a pregnancy test to confirm.
If pregnant people 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 may 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 sudden mood changes.
Therefore, although the above symptoms can occur in early pregnancy, their appearance does not definitively mean that a person is pregnant. The only way to find out for sure is to take a pregnancy test.
If the above symptoms cause discomfort and distress during pregnancy, people can speak with their healthcare team for help and treatment.