Headache during pregnancy – how to deal with it?

Although in most cases the headache in pregnancy is mild, it can significantly worsen your mood and make daily life difficult. It is not recommended that a pregnant woman take any medication without consulting her doctor. Fortunately, there are many effective and safe home remedies for pregnancy headaches, and these are the ones you should try first.

Causes of headaches in pregnancy

The causes of headaches in pregnancy can vary. In most cases, unpleasant discomfort is caused by stress, fatigue, sleep deprivation or excessive tension in the shoulder and neck muscles. They also sometimes occur as a result of insufficient water intake during the day. This type of headache in pregnancy is usually mild or moderate and is not accompanied by other symptoms.

A headache in pregnancy can be caused by a cold or respiratory infection. This cause of the ailment may be indicated by additional symptoms: cough, hoarseness, elevated body temperature, muscle pain, weakness, runny nose. Due to reduced immunity, pregnant women should observe hygiene rules and avoid clusters of people, especially during the period of increased incidence of flu and cold.

Frequent headaches at the beginning of pregnancy are related to the intense hormonal changes that occur in a woman’s body after conception. The increase in pregnancy hormones causes blood vessels to dilate and increases the volume of circulating blood. Such a condition results in pressure spikes, especially during changes in position or physical activity. Often a headache occurs as a result of withdrawal from stimulants. This may be observed by women who smoked cigarettes or drank strong coffee before pregnancy.

It is also important to remember that a headache during pregnancy can be caused by other conditions. Among them are listed:

• pre-eclampsia,
• hypertension,
• Venous thrombosis of the brain,
• vascular malformations,
• anemia,
• subarachnoid hemorrhage.

They are usually accompanied by other symptoms: deterioration of mood, neurological disorders, numbness in the limbs, deterioration of vision. If this is the case, you need to see a doctor immediately.

Migraine in pregnancy

One of the causes of headaches in pregnancy is migraine. It can be recognized by the fact that the discomfort occurs only on one side and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia and hypersensitivity to sounds. A migraine headache in pregnancy is severe, throbbing and can significantly impede daily activities.

It is observed that migraine during pregnancy is less common than before it. However, if a seizure does occur, appropriate treatment should be implemented. A pregnant woman should take only medications prescribed by her doctor, as well as rest, hydrate her body and eat a healthy diet.

How to deal with headache during pregnancy?

Many women wonder what for a pregnancy headache will be safe and effective. It is advisable not to take any medication without consulting a doctor – not all painkillers (even over-the-counter ones) are approved for use by pregnant women. That’s why it’s better to bet on home remedies for pregnancy headaches.

Home remedies for pregnancy headache are:

• A cold compress on the temples,
• warm bath,
• Use of relaxation techniques,
• temple massage,
• Rest in a ventilated and shaded room,
• yoga,
• Neck or shoulder massage.

To prevent frequent headaches during pregnancy, eat healthy (including limiting sugar intake) and spend time outdoors, as well as ensure adequate rest.