Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to a woman’s body both physically and emotionally. While some symptoms are well known, such as morning sickness and fatigue, there are other lesser-known symptoms that may come as a surprise.

Here are ten surprising symptoms of pregnancy that you may not be aware of.

1. Nasal Congestion

Many women experience nasal congestion during pregnancy. This is due to increased blood flow to the mucous membranes that can cause them to swell. This swelling can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and even nosebleeds.

2. Allergies

Pregnancy can increase your sensitivity to allergens, such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. This can cause seasonal allergies to become worse or trigger new allergies that you may have never experienced before.

3. Skin Changes

Pregnancy can cause a range of skin changes, such as acne, stretch marks, and dark patches on the skin (known as melasma). Hormonal changes during pregnancy are the main cause of these skin changes.

4. Excessive Saliva

Excess saliva production, also known as hypersalivation, is a lesser-known symptom of pregnancy. This condition usually occurs in the first trimester and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

5. Headaches

Headaches are another common but lesser-known symptom of pregnancy. Hormonal changes and increased blood volume can cause headaches during pregnancy.

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Women who suffer from migraines may also experience an increase in the frequency and severity of their headaches during pregnancy.

6. Back Pain

Back pain is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. As the baby grows, the weight distribution in the body changes, which can put more strain on the back muscles and cause pain.

7. Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins that usually occur in the legs. Pregnancy can increase the risk of developing varicose veins due to the increased blood volume and pressure on the veins.

Varicose veins can cause discomfort, pain, and swelling in the legs.

8. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. Pregnancy can increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to increased fluid retention and swelling in the hands and wrists.

9. Lightheadedness

Lightheadedness is a common symptom of pregnancy and is usually caused by the hormonal changes and increased blood volume in the body. Women may feel lightheaded when standing up too quickly, after exercising, or due to low blood sugar levels.

10. Mood Swings

Mood swings are a well-known symptom of pregnancy, but they may come as a surprise to women who have never experienced them before. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause mood swings, leading to feelings of sadness, irritability, and anxiety.