Breasts can become hard and sore during lactation as the amount of milk being produced is more than is being used.

Most pregnant women experience breathlessness. It can be alarming but will not affect your baby as oxygen is supplied via the placenta. Breathlessness is common after strenuous activity.

Many women suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. The tingling and numbness in your hand occurs due to pressure on the nerves and tendons often as a result of swelling in your extremities.

Although your immune system is generally strong during pregnancy, the changes in hormones can cause your mucus membranes to swell making it more difficult to get rid of coughs and colds.

It is likely you will notice changes in your skin as fluctuating hormones cause unexpected changes. Skin breakouts may occur in early pregnancy and may be distressing for some women.

High progesterone levels during pregnancy relax the muscles in the intestinal tract, slowing activity. The longer the passage through the intestinal tract, the more water is lost and the faeces become compacted causing constipation.

Leg cramps are quite common during pregnancy. They could occur in response to you carrying extra weight, changes in circulation or due to mineral deficiencies.

Cystitis is common during pregnancy as the pressure and engorgement of blood vessels in the pelvic area exposes a vulnerability to urinary tract infection.

More often than not pregnancy increases the incidence of constipation. However it may seem that hormones have thrown your digestive system into chaos and you may experience diarrhoea.

Fainting often occurs during pregnancy as the blood pools in the lower body leaving the brain temporarily deprived of oxygen. Hormonal changes may also cause feelings of flushing and dizziness.