10 weird things that could happen when you’re pregnant
What in the world is a mucus plug?
Jan, 2026
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Pregnancy can bring many expected changes, such as morning sickness, frequent trips to the bathroom, and a growing belly. But it can also lead to changes you might not expect, like breathing issues, constipation, and puzzling skin conditions.
While everyone experiences pregnancy differently, OBGYNs Heather Maune, MD, and Elizabeth Bleecker, MD, of TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, have the lowdown on some of the weirder changes you might notice.
Written byOlivia DeLong.
Medically reviewed byJoanne Perron, MD.
Sources: American Pregnancy Association. “Pregnancy Gas.” June 10 + 13
- American Pregnancy Association. “Pregnancy Gas.” June 10, 2012.
- Kidshealth.org. “10 Things That Might Surprise You About Being Pregnant.” June 2018.
- Mayo Clinic. “Bed rest during pregnancy: Get the facts.” February 8, 2020.
- Elizabeth B. Krieger. “The Truth About Pregnancy Stretch Marks.” WebMD. September 15, 2015.
- American Pregnancy Association. “Pregnancy Stretch Marks.” January 19, 2013.
- Harvard Health. “Melasma (Chloasma).” April 1, 2019.
- American Pregnancy Association. “Treat Varicose Veins Naturally During Pregnancy.” April 30, 2015.
- Nationwide Children’s. “Pregnancy Rhinitis: Relief for Ongoing Nasal Congestion Is Possible.” April 12, 2016.
- Mayo Clinic. “Nosebleeds.” September 26, 2020.
- March of Dimes. “Shortness of Breath.” August 2009.
- Pampers. “What Happens When You Lose Your Mucus Plug?” June 9, 2019.
- WebMD. “Signs of Labor.” August 17, 2020.
- Mayo Clinic. “Labor and delivery, postpartum care.” October 23, 2019.
- Cleveland Clinic. Varicose Veins While Pregnant. Last reviewed May 25, 2022.
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