Pregnancy is often described as a wonderful time in a woman’s life, but it can also come with its share of unexpected, unusual symptoms.

While some symptoms are fairly well-known – such as morning sickness and fatigue – others can be more surprising. Here are some unusual symptoms you may not recognize if you’re pregnant.

1. Excessive sweating

If you’re pregnant, you might find that you’re sweating more than usual, especially during the night. This is due to hormonal changes, which can cause your body to produce more sweat.

Additionally, your increased blood volume puts extra pressure on your circulatory system, making you feel warm and sweaty. While this is normal, it can be uncomfortable. You can try taking a cool shower before bed, sleeping on a cotton sheet, and keeping your bedroom cool to help alleviate this symptom.

2. Skin changes

During pregnancy, your skin can undergo many changes due to hormonal fluctuations. Some of these changes include acne, dark spots, and skin tags.

Additionally, some women experience a condition known as “pregnancy mask” or chloasma, which causes dark patches to appear on the face. While many of these symptoms will go away after you give birth, there are some remedies you can try, such as wearing sunscreen and using gentle cleansers.

3. Nasal congestion

Pregnancy can cause nasal congestion due to increased blood flow and swelling in the nasal passages. Additionally, pregnancy hormones can cause the mucous membranes to become more sensitive, leading to congestion.

This can be especially uncomfortable for women who already suffer from allergies or sinus problems. To alleviate this symptom, you can try using a humidifier, nasal rinses, and sleeping with your head elevated.

4. Varicose veins

During pregnancy, the uterus puts pressure on the veins in the pelvic area, causing them to enlarge. This can lead to varicose veins, which are swollen and twisted veins that can appear on the legs, vulva, and anus.

Varicose veins can be uncomfortable and unsightly, but there are some measures you can take to alleviate the symptoms, such as wearing compression stockings, doing gentle exercises, and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods.

5. Tooth and gum problems

Pregnancy can cause a range of dental problems, such as swollen and bleeding gums, tooth decay, and gingivitis. This is due to hormonal changes in the body, which can cause the gums to become more sensitive and inflamed.

Additionally, many pregnant women experience cravings for sugary and starchy foods, which can increase the risk of tooth decay. To prevent dental problems during pregnancy, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid sugary foods, and see a dentist regularly.

6. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Some pregnant women experience carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and fingers. This is due to the extra fluids in the body, which can put pressure on the nerves in the wrist.

Additionally, hormonal changes can cause the ligaments to become more relaxed, leading to more pressure on the wrist. To alleviate this symptom, you can try wearing wrist braces, doing hand exercises, and taking breaks from activities that involve repetitive hand movements.

7. Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs, such as crawling, tingling, and itching.

RLS can be especially problematic during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Additionally, some pregnant women experience iron deficiency anemia, which can increase the risk of RLS. To alleviate this symptom, you can try taking warm baths, doing gentle exercises, and avoiding caffeine and nicotine.

8. Vision changes

Pregnancy can cause a range of vision changes, such as blurry vision, dry eyes, and even temporary blindness. This is due to hormonal changes, which can affect the way the eye muscles work.

Additionally, pregnancy can cause swelling in the eyes and changes in the cornea, leading to changes in vision. While most of these symptoms go away after you give birth, it’s important to see an eye doctor if you experience any significant changes in your vision.

9. Hair growth

During pregnancy, many women experience an increase in hair growth due to hormonal changes. This can cause hair to grow thicker and faster, as well as in unusual places, such as the face and abdomen.

Additionally, some women experience hair loss after giving birth, due to the sudden drop in hormone levels. While these changes are normal, they can be distressing for some women. To manage hair growth during pregnancy, you can try waxing, shaving, or using depilatory creams.

10. Itchy skin

Finally, pregnancy can cause itchy skin due to hormonal changes that can affect the skin’s moisture levels.

Additionally, some women experience a condition known as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), which causes itchy bumps and rashes to appear on the skin. While itchy skin is usually not a cause for concern, it can be uncomfortable and frustrating. To alleviate the symptoms, you can try using an unscented moisturizer, taking lukewarm baths, and wearing loose-fitting clothing.