There are a lot of changes that the body goes through during pregnancy just to make sure that the body is a conducive environment for the baby. Apart from the obvious symptoms of pregnancy, there are some unusual symptoms like nasal bleeding, experiencing a metallic taste in the mouth, nasal congestion, tingling or numbing of the hands and many other symptoms. These symptoms often happen due to the fluctuation of hormones and increased blood volume. The symptoms can generally be treated at home, but it is also necessary to check with the obstetrician if it gets out of hand. This blog has a number of symptoms that one may experience during pregnancy.
Frequent, spontaneous nosebleeds
Nose bleeds occur due to the changes in hormonal levels and the increased blood volume, which causes the blood vessels to swell and dry out; as such, the tiny blood vessels in the nose become fragile. This happens mostly in the second or third trimester, but it can also be spontaneous. Nose bleeds can be managed through keeping the nasal passage moist, keeping the air humidified and staying hydrated, but if it occurs, sit upright and lean forward, pinch the nostril for around 10 minutes, and it is important not to go beyond as it can worsen the problem and apply a cold compress.
A metallic taste in the mouth
Due to estrogen and progesterone hormones fluctuating, it causes a condition where one has a sour or metallic taste in the mouth, which is medically known as dysgeusia, and it often starts during the first trimester. Apart from this metallic taste, it may also disrupt taste buds and cause a heightened sense of smell. There are a number of things one can do to manage persistent metallic taste, such as consuming tart foods such as citrus fruits and drinks, vinegar-based foods, switching from metallic cutlery to wooden, bamboo or plastic spoons, and thoroughly following an oral hygiene routine, ensuring that the tongue is thoroughly cleaned.
Nasal congestion
As the hormones fluctuate and blood volume increases, the nasal passages start to swell up, causing mucus congestion, hence causing a stuffy nose, and this often happens during the first or second trimester. It can be managed through using nasal strips, steam inhalation, staying hydrated, using cool humidifiers or saline nasal sprays.
Tingling or numb hands
The body starts to retain more fluid during pregnancy to accommodate the baby’s growth. As such, progesterone, aldosterone, and cortisol cause water retention, which accumulates at the wrist and consequently causes carpal tunnel syndrome, which often starts during the second or third trimester and causes numbness in the hands. This symptom can be managed by doing some gentle hand exercises, staying hydrated, practicing elevating the forearms with a pillow when sleeping and wrapping the wrists with cold towels,
Conclusion
When one has an idea of these symptoms, it becomes easy to manage them and to prevent stress when suddenly experiencing them. If one experiences strange and uncomfortable signs, it is important to contact the obstetrician to evaluate the symptoms and provide treatment. Aside from the common signs, these signs do not always indicate a pregnancy; as such, have a pregnancy test to confirm it. Dr. Shuchita Batra is an experienced gynecologist at Ameritus Hospital, where one can always go for antenatal care to ensure that both the mother and baby are healthy throughout the pregnancy.
FAQ’s
Is there a way I can manage drooling during pregnancy?
This is a harmless symptom that doesn’t have a cure, but you can stimulate swallowing by sucking on sour candies, vitamin C lozenges, maintaining a strict oral hygiene routine, and having a tissue to dab saliva.
What type of signs should I take as a warning during pregnancy?
Symptoms like heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pain, sudden decrease in baby’s movements, high fever or severe headache.
How often am I supposed to go for antenatal care?
Your gynecologist is in the best position to guide you on how regular, but at least 8 antenatal care schedules.
