“Is It Normal To Get Headaches During Pregnancy?”

Is It Normal To Get Headaches During Pregnancy?

One of my biggest complaints during pregnancy is the number of headaches I suffer from. As a migraine sufferer, I can always expect my headaches to be more severe and frequent during pregnancy.

It is very normal for pregnant women to experience headaches during pregnancy. Even if you never had any trouble with headaches before pregnancy, many women experience some headaches throughout their pregnancy. Typically headaches during pregnancy are more common during the first and third trimesters, due to surges in hormones and increasing changes in your blood volume throughout pregnancy.

If you are prone to migraine headaches you may find your headaches worse or better during pregnancy.

Causes of Headaches During Pregnancy
Unfortunately during pregnancy I discovered I had more migraine headaches than normal. It is important you keep in mind that many factors besides hormones however, can increase your risk of headaches during pregnancy. These may include:

•  Headaches from tension or stress.
•  Headaches from poor posture and vision changes during pregnancy (these are usually temporary).
•  Headaches triggered by lack of sleep.
•  Headaches triggered from increased hunger or blood sugar problems.
•  Headaches from caffeine withdrawal or nicotine withdrawal if you quit smoking during pregnancy.

Many women suffering headaches during pregnancy are simply more sensitive to the complex hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy than others. It is important you consult with your doctor about treatment alternatives during pregnancy if you suffer from severe headaches.

When To Call Your Doctor
Sometimes a severe headache during pregnancy is a sign that something more serious may be brewing. If you have a headache that is more severe than normal and accompanied by certain symptoms you should call your doctor immediately. These symptoms include:  sudden and severe weight gain, swelling in your face and hands, blurred or spotty vision and pain in the abdomen.

Many of these symptoms are a warning sign of a condition called preeclampsia, often characterized by dangerously rising blood pressure levels. Typically women will develop this condition in their late second or early third trimester. Generally preeclampsia only complicates between five to ten percent of pregnancies. If however, you do develop this condition your doctor can work closely with you to help care for you and your baby during pregnancy.

While most headaches are unpleasant at best and aggravating at worst, they are fortunately, a temporary condition. There are some simple steps you can take to help eliminate or reduce the pain and throbbing of your headaches safely during pregnancy. These include:

•  Rest in a cool, dark and quiet room, especially if suffering from migraine headaches.
•  Try some Tylenol. Most doctors recommend Tylenol for moderate to severe headaches during pregnancy. Check with your doctor about dosing.
•  Try a cool compress to your head.
•  Consider some acupuncture or chiropractic care, which may help improve postural related problems and help reduce acute pain during migraines and other severe headaches.

   

• Consider a massage, which may help relieve some of the stress and anxiety you experience during pregnancy and may help relieve muscle tension, a common source of headaches.
•  Try an ice pack on your head to help constrict the blood vessels in your head and help ease the pounding and throbbing of a severe headache. If you don’t have an ice pack handy, a bag of frozen peas or corn works just as well.

You might also consider regular exercise including prenatal yoga to help reduce your stress and help improve your posture and alignment. If all else fails, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider about your treatment options.

The good news is most headaches generally resolve within days of delivery. You’ll find after your body’s hormone levels return to normal, the frequency of your headaches declines significantly.