Headaches and pregnancy
Headaches are one of
the most common discomforts during pregnancy and can occur at any time during
pregnancy, but tend to occur more frequently during the first and third
trimesters.
During the first
trimester, your body experiences a surge in hormones and an increase in blood
volume. Both of these changes can cause more frequent headaches. These
headaches can be exacerbated by stress, poor posture, or changes in your
vision.
Other causes of
headaches during pregnancy may include one or more of the following:
- Lack of sleep
- Low blood sugar
- Dehydration
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Stress (due to many changes)
Women who suffer from
regular migraines may find that they experience fewer migraines during
pregnancy. however, some women may have the same number or even more migraines.
If you're pregnant, it's important to talk to your doctor about any medications
you may be taking for your headache.
Headaches in the
third trimester tend to be more often associated with poor posture and stress
due to being overweight. Third trimester headaches can also be caused by a
condition called preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure during pregnancy.
What can I do to treat headaches during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, you
want to try natural headache relief if possible, but your doctor may recommend
acetaminophen.
You can try to
relieve your headache with one or more of the following natural remedies:
- If you have a sinus headache, apply a warm compress around your eyes and nose
- If you have a tension headache, apply a cold compress or ice pack at the base of your neck
- Maintain your blood sugar by eating smaller, more frequent meals – this may also help prevent future headaches
- Get a massage. Massaging your shoulders and neck is an effective way to relieve pain
- Rest in a dark room and practice deep breathing
- Take a warm shower or bath
- Practice good posture (especially during the third trimester)
- Get plenty of rest and relaxation
- Exercise
- Eat well-balanced meals
You can also reduce
the chance of a migraine by avoiding common migraine triggers:
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Yogurt
- Aged cheese
- Peanuts
- Bread with fresh yeast
- Preserved meats
- Sour cream
When should I see a doctor?
- Before taking any medications
- If you do not experience any relief from the remedies above
- Your headaches get worse or more persistent
- You experience headaches that are different than normal
- Your headaches are accompanied by blurry vision, sudden weight gain, pain in the upper right abdomen, and swelling in the hands and face