Strange Pregnancy Symptoms & Cravings
There are definitely some common pregnancy symptoms we hear about from friends and family. You know the ones — morning sickness, exhaustion, frequent urination.
And then there are the lesser-known ones that no one really talks about.
We’re here to let you know what causes these more unusual symptoms and how to support your body through each one.
Lightning crotch
What causes it?
A sudden, quick, sharp, stabbing vaginal or pelvic pain. It can occur at any time but generally intensifies as baby grows and puts more pressure on the nerves in this region.
What can you do?
Try to change positions slowly. Supportive belly bands may help relieve pressure. Consider supplementing with magnesium to support nerve function, reduce cramping, and ease pelvic discomfort.
Bleeding gums
What causes it?
Hormonal changes can increase blood volume throughout the body, which affects the gums.
What can you do?
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and continue to floss gently. Swishing your mouth with warm salt water may help reduce inflammation.
Metallic mouth
What causes it?
Hormones strike again. The lingering metallic taste in your mouth is usually most noticeable in the morning, especially during the first trimester.
What can you do?
Often, nothing eliminates the taste completely but you can make it more tolerable:
Counteract it with sour foods like apple cider vinegar, lemon, or lime.
Brush your teeth and tongue, then rinse with a mix of 1/4 tsp baking soda in 1 cup of water.
Replace metal cutlery with bamboo or plastic.
Food Cravings
...and what they might be trying to tell you.
Sweet
Craving sweets may be a way to increase calorie consumption, or it could be from imbalanced blood sugar.
Choosing naturally sweet whole foods paired with fat and/or protein can help balance potential blood sugar disruptions.
Sour
While craving pickles and ice cream during pregnancy is commonly joked about, the craving for vinegary or sour foods is actually pretty common.
Sour foods can help digestion, which may be compromised during pregnancy — especially in the third trimester.
Salty
Sodium helps your body maintain blood volume, and there’s a massive increase in blood volume during pregnancy.
This could explain cravings for sodium-rich foods.
Fruit & Citrus
These foods provide vitamin C, which helps increase the absorption of iron.
They’re also a great source of natural sugar for energy.
Dairy
Dairy is rich in calcium, a mineral that helps support a baby’s growing bones.
With all the bone growth that happens during pregnancy, it’s easy to see why this is a common craving.
Craving Dirt, Chalk, or Ice
Craving these non-food items is a condition known as pica. These unusual cravings can be a sign of a mineral deficiency — most commonly iron.
Talk to your provider and consider having your mineral levels tested to check for any deficiencies.
Let’s Normalize Pregnancy — Together
Pregnancy can sometimes be strange and surprising. When we normalize these unexpected aspects of the journey, we help women feel more informed and empowered.
Become a Certified Nutrition Consultant to help guide and nourish women through every stage of pregnancy with knowledge and compassion.
