The common side effects that women talk about when it comes to pregnancy are morning sickness, cravings for different kinds of food at sometimes very odd hours, the constant need to use the bathroom and heartburn. However, there are some not so common side effects to pregnancy which includes: pica, stuffy nose, excessive salivation, shortness of breath and dizziness.
Craving During Pregnancy
Pica is the term used to describe someone’s craving for non-food items. If you find yourself craving for things that are not edible, then you must be suffering from pica. The origins of these cravings are not known, however it may be attributed to the hormonal, psychological and other factors.
This rare pregnancy side effect has been linked by some studies to iron-deficiency. Suffering from pica though does not mean that you have any deficiency. If you have any strong desires for non-food items, it is best to consult your doctor immediately.
Stuffy Nose During Pregnancy
Rhinitis of pregnancy or stuffy nose due to pregnancy is experienced by about twenty to thirty percent of pregnant women. This condition may start as early as the second month of your pregnancy and may last until a little after you give birth. Elevated hormones, an increase in the amount of blood in your body and the expanding of your blood vessels play a major role in the swelling of your nasal passages, which can lead to stuffy nose.
If you are not experiencing any other symptoms like fever and coughs, then your stuffy nose may be caused by your pregnancy. However, if you have other symptoms or if you are bothered by your stuffy nose, you can visit your doctor and ask for medical help.
Excessive Salivation During Pregnancy
Some pregnant women complain about excessive salivation. This can be brought about by severe morning sickness and the change in hormone levels. Nausea can also be a factor in the increase of saliva, because women who are pregnant may swallow less because of the feeling of being nauseated and thus saliva is built up inside the mouth. Heartburn may also be a cause for this excess of saliva in the mouth. Gastric acid may trigger your salivary glands to produce more saliva, because the saliva helps in neutralizing gastric acid.
Breathing Problem During Pregnancy
An increase in the hormone called progesterone can affect a mother-to-be’s breathing. This hormone has a direct effect on your lungs and the brain’s respiratory center. The feeling of being short or out of breath can be felt more during the later stages of the pregnancy, especially if you are carrying twins or more.
Dizziness During Pregnancy
Dizziness or the feeling of being lightheaded is not that uncommon in pregnant women. The reason for this is that there are times that your body is unable to cope with the changes in your cardiovascular system. The best relief from this is to lie down once you start feeling dizzy or sit down when there is no place for you to lie down.
