By: Ilia Peregudov, MD, Virtua OB/GYN

Pregnancy comes with plenty of symptoms and side effects. You expect nausea. You’re prepared for cravings. You’ve heard about the exhaustion.

But then there are the other changes—the ones you’re Googling, “Is this normal?” at 2 a.m.

From surprising body sensations to unexpected emotional shifts, pregnancy can feel like a crash course in a brand-new version of yourself. Here are some of the weird, but totally normal things, no one really prepares you for.

Weird (yet common) pregnancy symptoms to look out for

Your nose might change

Many pregnant people experience nasal congestion or frequent nosebleeds, even without a cold. Hormonal changes increase blood flow to mucous membranes, which can make your nose feel stuffy, sensitive, or suddenly dramatic.

You might also notice smells feel stronger—both the good and the bad. That heightened sense of smell is real, and yes, it can make your favorite foods suddenly unbearable.

You may sweat… everywhere

Pregnancy hormones raise your body temperature and metabolism, which means more sweating—sometimes in places you’ve never noticed before.

Night sweats are especially common, and they can show up early in pregnancy or later on. It’s annoying, uncomfortable, and very normal.

Your feet can grow (and sometimes stay that way)

Thanks to hormones that relax ligaments and joints, your feet may flatten or widen during pregnancy. Some people go up half a size—or a full one—and don’t always go back.

Consider it a medical reason to buy new shoes.

Your skin has a mind of its own

Pregnancy skin is unpredictable. You might glow. You might break out like a teenager. You might notice dark patches on your face (melasma), a dark line on your belly (linea nigra), or skin tags appearing out of nowhere.

All of this is driven by hormone shifts and usually fades after pregnancy—but during the moment, it can feel surprising.

Your gums might bleed more than usual

Hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding, even if your oral hygiene hasn’t changed. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis, and it’s one reason dental care remains important during pregnancy.

You might feel “not quite like yourself”

One of the least talked-about changes is identity. Your body is changing quickly, your routines shift, and your sense of control may feel different.

It’s normal to feel disconnected from your body at times—or to grieve parts of your pre-pregnancy self—while still being excited about what’s ahead.

When to check in with your OB-GYN

Most pregnancy changes are normal, but some symptoms—like severe headaches, sudden swelling, heavy bleeding, or persistent sadness—are worth checking in about. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct. A Virtua OB/GYN is here to listen, answer questions, and support you every step of the way.

Schedule an appointment with a Virtua OB/GYN today.