Louise 
Weird Pregnancy Symptoms You Might Not Expect
Pregnancy comes with a whole list of standard symptoms—hello morning sickness, backache and swollen ankles—but what about the lesser-known stuff? The weird pregnancy symptoms. The “is this normal or am I turning into a lizard?” ones.
Spoiler: You’re probably fine.
Let’s dive into some of the strange, unexpected, and frankly bizarre symptoms that can crop up during pregnancy—and why they happen. These can sometimes feel like truly weird pregnancy symptoms.
1. A Superhuman Sense of Smell
You might feel like you’ve developed a bloodhound-level nose. That colleague’s tuna sandwich? Intolerable. The scent of your usual shampoo? Suddenly disgusting.
This is thanks to hormonal changes, particularly a surge in oestrogen early in pregnancy. Around 70% of pregnant people in the UK report changes in their sense of smell, and it’s completely normal—even if it’s a bit annoying.
Midwife tip: Try switching to more neutral scents and steer clear of strong-smelling cleaning products. (Also: keep some mints handy.)
2. Bleeding Gums and Nosebleeds
Notice your gums bleeding when you brush? Or waking up with a nosebleed? These are some of the weird pregnancy symptoms that often leave people questioning their normalcy.
Increased blood flow during pregnancy—by up to 50%!—combined with hormonal shifts can make blood vessels more sensitive. About 50% of pregnant people in the UK experience some form of gum or nasal bleeding during pregnancy.
What to do: Use a soft toothbrush and don’t skip the dentist. NHS dental care is free during pregnancy and for a year after birth, so book in!
3. Metallic Taste (aka ‘Like Chewing Coins’)
Some people describe it as licking metal, others as chewing foil. Either way, it’s not pleasant—and it’s called dysgeusia.
Usually worse in the first trimester, this weird taste is another one you can thank hormones for (spot a theme?). It’s harmless, though bizarre.
Try this: Citrus or vinegar-based foods (like pickles or oranges) can cut through it. And chewing sugar-free gum might help.
4. Itchy Skin (Especially Palms and Soles)
Mild itchiness is common as your skin stretches, but if your palms or soles become very itchy, especially at night, speak to your midwife. It could be a sign of obstetric cholestasis, a rare but serious liver condition that affects around 1 in 140 pregnancies in the UK.
Rule of thumb: Mild itchiness = usually fine. Intense, persistent itchiness = check it out.
5. Vivid (and Sometimes Bizarre) Dreams
Pregnancy dreams are a thing—and they can be next-level strange. Think giving birth to a cat or arguing with a giant avocado.
Increased hormones + disrupted sleep = your brain getting creative. Add anxiety and anticipation to the mix, and these symptoms can seem even stranger.
Rest easy: They’re totally normal, no matter how odd.
6. Changes to Your Voice
Some people notice their voice gets deeper, huskier, or even a bit squeaky. This is due to fluid retention and hormonal shifts affecting your vocal cords. Singers and teachers sometimes notice it more—but anyone can experience it.
Don’t worry: It usually goes back to normal after birth.
7. Excessive Saliva (aka ‘Ptyalism’)
Some pregnant people find themselves drooling more—especially in the early months. It’s not just in cartoons. You might even feel like you need to spit more often.
It’s more common in people with morning sickness or those expecting multiples, and while it’s not harmful, these are definitely some of those weird pregnancy symptoms no one tells you about.
Hot tip: Sucking ice or sipping water frequently can help manage it.
When to Call the Midwife
While most of these symptoms are weird-but-harmless, always trust your instincts. If something feels off or is affecting your quality of life, give your midwife or GP a call. You’re never “bothering” anyone—it’s what they’re there for.
Honest Midwife Thoughts
Pregnancy isn’t just about cute bumps and baby kicks. It’s also a time your body goes completely off-script—and that can be disorienting. But weird doesn’t mean wrong.
Understanding the unexpected can help you feel more in control and less like you’re losing your mind. So whether it’s itchy feet or coin-flavoured breakfast, know that you’re not alone—and that it will pass.
Want to Learn More? Join a Class
These sessions cover the real-life stuff you don’t always see in the baby books:
- Pregnancy Symptoms: What’s Normal & What’s Not – get clarity on the common, the weird and the worrying
- Preparing for Birth (Your Way) – learn practical tools for labour and recovery
