You’re tired, lethargic and perhaps feeling a little queasy. The mere thought of breakfast is making your stomach do somersaults and your lady lumps are feeling more than a tad tender.
Hear those alarm bells? Yep, us too – you’re expecting a bouncing bundle of joy in around nine months! But wait, what else is going on?
From drooling to dramatic dreams, there’s a whole heap of other things which can point to impending mummy-hood before you even pee on a stick. We’ve rounded up some lesser-known symptoms suggesting it’s time to dig out your stretchy pants. Because the stork could well be on its way…
[mc_block_title custom_title=”Graphic Dreams”]
Dream big, they say. Well, if you’re a soon-to-be mama, there’s a chance you are! We’re talking dreams where you remember every single detail the next day; dreams which involve babies; dreams which involve bumps; dreams which involve baby-making (yep, those kind of dreams!) and dreams which are just so evocative, so vivid and real, it’s scary. Hormones can play havoc with not only our body, but our minds too.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”Colour Sensitivity”]
It seems in those super early days of pregnancy, certain colours and even patterns can make some women feel odd, uncomfortable, nauseous, even dizzy. Science doesn’t do much to back up this one, but plenty of pregnant ladies around the world certainly do.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”The Sibling ‘Sixth Sense'”]
If your youngest child is acting up, being clingy or even actually patting your belly, they may know something you don’t – yet. We know generally small kids are intuitive little beings, but many cultures are firm believers children have the ‘sense’, knowing when a sibling is on the way. Some mothers who are still breastfeeding even report the baby going ‘off’ their milk when Mum gets preggers.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”Metal Mouth”]
Feeling like you’ve a mouthful of loose change obviously isn’t pleasant, but can be a strong sign you’re with child. It’s not hugely common, but it does come with a name – Dysgeusia. Again, this is to be chalked up to those pesky hormones, but rest assured, it usually passes after the first trimester.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”Snoring”]
Always left the snoring in your bed to your other half? It may be your turn if a baby is on the cards. Unfortunately those rampant pregnancy hormones can increase nasal congestion. Keeping your head elevated can help, as can sleeping on your side.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”Pets”]
Here’s another one with no hard and fast proof, but take a look at countless parent forums and blogs, and you will see this subject discussed again and again. Many pet lovers are adamant their feline friend or puppy love knew they were carrying bubs before them. Everything from smell to mood is said to alert some animals to their owner’s pregnancy, and women across the world have reported a difference in their beloved pets. Dogs are most likely to go all over-protective, while cats are known to get a bit moody – possibly put out they could well be going down the household pecking order!
[mc_block_title custom_title=”Thicker Hair”]
If you’re used to heaps of hair on your pillow each morning, and you often pull a hairy handful from the shower drain, you may be pleasantly surprised by this one. As those hormones take hold, you could be holding on to your lovely locks – as your hair stays put!
[mc_block_title custom_title=”Feeling Lightheaded”]
Hormones again. If you’re feeling a bit lightheaded for no reason, you might be about to learn your oven has a bun! But, if this ongoing or overwhelming, see your doctor immediately.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”The Common Cold”]
Oh hello, old friend – uh, not! Sadly, during pregnancy your immunity levels are lower than usual, so you’re more like to catch some seasonal sniffles.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”Tasting Salt in Everything!”]
Feeling like your food is overloaded with salt? Just as some women report a metallic taste in the first trimester, others are adamant their taste buds make everything seem salty. Those hormones sure do make us suffer, eh. Rest assured it will pass, but avoid sour tasting foods as they seem to be a trigger on the taste buds.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”Nosebleeds”]
Tissues please! At the start of any pregnancy, the body has to cope with a lot more blood pumping round your system. Your nose can often take the brunt when the vessels inside expand and rupture more easily. Hence you get a nosebleed. As long as it’s not happening regularly and it’s not heavy, it’s nothing to panic over. But, of course, always see your doctor if you have worries.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”Drooling”]
Otherwise known as excess saliva. So if you’re drooling, it might not be down to that chocolate cheesecake. Or the pictures of a topless Ryan Gosling. It could be signalling the start of new life. All those hormones which flood our system during pregnancy are known to stimulate the glands that make saliva. So we get more. A lot more, in some instances. Oh yay.
Pass the cheesecake, please…
