The weirder side effects of pregnancy

Pregnancy is such a special time, but it can also be a time of some pretty strange side-effects. Sure, there's the familiar: morning sickness, fatigue and backache, but there are some unusual side effects of pregnancy you mightn't be aware of. Do you share any of these strange pregnancy symptoms?

Food cravings - for non-edible items

This side-effect, known as pica, is a rare medical condition that affects a very small percentage of pregnant women. The condition causes you to crave substances such as dirt, chalk, clay or even bleach. There is some scientific evidence to suggest that women who have these cravings are deficient in a particular vitamin or mineral, such as iron. Acting on these cravings can be extremely harmful. So if you experience a craving for something that is not meant to be eaten, you should contact your doctor or midwife immediately.

Vision problems

If you have a pre-existing eye condition, such as farsightedness (difficulty seeing things close up), you may feel that your condition worsens during pregnancy. Other eye complaints in pregnancy include: red, swollen or dry eyes. These problems, most common in the last trimester, can be attributed to hormonal changes and increased fluid retention. But don't rush out too quickly to get a new pair of glasses, as your eyes will probably return to normal about one to two months after birth.

Vivid dreams

Many women experience more powerful dreams when they are pregnant. There are several theories to explain why this may happen:

Hormones - The presence of pregnancy hormones in your body can affect the way you sleep. Some experts believe that these hormones increase the amount of time you spend in the REM stage of sleep, and this is the stage where dreaming occurs.
Waking up at night - If you find yourself waking up several times at night to go to the toilet or because you are uncomfortable, you could be waking up in the middle of a dream. Waking up mid-dream means that you are more likely to remember your dreams.
Anxiety - Worrying about your pregnancy or birth can cause you to have more graphic dreams than usual.

Going up a shoe size

When you are pregnant, you may feel as though your shoes are getting too tight. But it's not because you've had a growth spurt! Pregnancy hormones can loosen the ligaments in your feet causing them to swell, giving the impression that your feet have grown. If you experience this problem the best thing to do is to stay off your feet as much as you can and elevate your feet wherever possible.

Be mindful

Pregnancy hormones are definitely responsible for many of the unpleasant or peculiar symptoms we experience while pregnant. But not everything we feel can be attributed to raging hormones. If you are unsure whether a side effect is normal, it's always best to discuss it with your midwife or doctor.