5 Unusual Pregnancy Symptoms

Unusual pregnancy symptoms are different from embarrassing but common developments like incontinence. Most of these rare symptoms affect less than 10% of pregnant women, and many can be managed with good prenatal care.

Unusual Pregnancy Symptoms: Bleeding

Any bleeding during pregnancy should be taken seriously, and may be accompanied by abdominal pain and cramping. Call your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room. In the first trimester, it could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy where the fetus implants somewhere other than the uterus. This condition can be fatal without immediate medical care. In later stages of pregnancy, it could indicate a miscarriage or be caused by the placenta separating from the lining of the uterus.

Unusual Pregnancy Symptoms: Blood Clots

Blood clots are another rare but serious condition. If you experience pain or swelling in your calves or thighs, your doctor can diagnose if you have any kind of a blood clot and prescribe appropriate treatment. Risk factors include smoking, oral contraceptives, or a history of clots. Exercise and managing your weight can help in prevention.

Unusual Pregnancy Symptoms: Depression

Mood swings are normal during pregnancy, but major depression is not. Consult your doctor if you experience extreme sadness and anxiety along with changes in sleeping and appetite. There are effective treatments for depression, and your doctor can prescribe therapies that will pose the least risk to your fetus.

Unusual Pregnancy Symptoms: Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that only occurs in pregnant women. Like all diabetes, it develops when the body is not producing enough insulin on its own and may produce symptoms like excessive thirst and urination. Older women and diabetics may be at higher risk. Exercise and managing your weight can help prevent gestational diabetes. Routine screening can catch this condition even if you don't notice any symptoms.

Unusual Pregnancy Symptoms: Vanishing Twin Syndrome

Vanishing twin syndrome is not just the stuff of bad science fiction movies. A pregnant woman can lose one twin and reabsorb the tissue back into her own body. Older women appear to be at higher risk, and the condition is being seen more in recent years possibly due to ultrasound detection and the use of fertility procedures. The mother may not experience any noticeable symptoms, and may still have a healthy baby.

Most pregnant women will not experience these rare symptoms, but keep yourself and your baby healthy with good prenatal care.