In this Article

 

1. Introduction
2. Types of Headache in Pregnancy
3. Symptoms of Headache During Pregnancy
4. Causes of Headaches During Pregnancy
5. Treatment of Headache During Pregnancy
6. When Should You Contact The Doctor?
7. In Conclusion

Headaches are one of the most common complaints of pregnant women. Having a headache while your pregnant is not dangerous for you or your baby but it can be quite frustrating. Headaches can occur at any point of time during pregnancy but the reason of headache in pregnancy differs from trimester to trimester. In most cases, headaches can be relieved without medication. But, before we get to learn how to treat these headaches, it is important to understand the type of headache and factors that may trigger them.

Types of Headache in Pregnancy

Headaches during a pregnancy are usually not a symptom of underlying complication related to the pregnancy. These are referred to as primary headaches. Secondary headaches are less common and may be triggered by underlying health issues such as high blood pressure. 

Primary headaches may be further categorized as:

  • Cluster headaches
  • Migraines
  • Tension headaches

Interestingly, women prone to having migraines may have fewer attacks while they are pregnant. Migraines that occur in the latter half of pregnancy may be a sign of pregnancy-related complications.

Symptoms of Headache During Pregnancy

The common symptoms of headaches during pregnancy are:

  • A dull ache
  • A pulsating pain
  • Throbbing in the head
  • Severe pain on one or both sides of the head
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • In the case of a migraine, these symptoms may be experienced along with additional symptoms such as:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Seeing blind spots or flashes of light

 

Causes of Headaches During Pregnancy

The causes of headache in pregnancy can be categorized according to trimesters. 

Headaches in the First Trimester

Tension headaches are very common during the first trimester of a pregnancy. This may be triggered by hormonal changes, weight gain and higher blood volume. 

Other causes for headache during pregnancy first trimester are:

  • Stress
  • Nausea
  • Dehydration
  • Poor diet
  • Lack of sleep
  • Low blood sugar
  • Caffeine withdrawal
  • Changes in vision
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Heightened light sensitivity

A sensitivity to certain foods such as chocolate, dairy, yeast and tomatoes may also cause headaches during pregnancy

Headaches in the Second and Third Trimester

The causes for dizziness and headache during pregnancy third trimester or earlier during the second trimester include:

  • Poor posture
  • Extra weight
  • Poor diet
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle strain
  • Improper sleep
  • Diabetes

 

Treatment of Headache During Pregnancy

The best way to treat a headache depend on the reason for headache during pregnancy. For example, the best pregnancy headache remedies for headaches caused by dehydration is to drink plenty of water. This can also help prevent headaches from occurring in the first place. Headaches and pregnancy may also be related to a poor diet. Thus, eating meals at regular intervals and getting proper nutrition can help prevent and treat headaches. In addition to eating a well-balanced meal, you could also add the ByGrandma Woman’s Health Mix to your diet. Getting adequate rest and exercising regularly can also ease stress and help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. If a headache is particularly bad, using an icepack or a heating pad could help. Getting a massage can also ease the symptoms. In addition, you could use essential oils such as peppermint, rosemary, and chamomile.

When Should You Contact The Doctor?

If a headache is not relieved by any of the above remedies or if it lasts for longer than a few hours, you may need medication. Do not take over-the-counter medication and instead, consult a doctor. Other reasons why you should consult a doctor about a headache are if it is accompanied by:

  • Nausea
  • Fever
  • Blurred vision
  • Fainting
  • Seizures

 

In Conclusion

Having a headache while expecting is quite common. So, do not worry if you experience the occasional headache while you’re pregnant. Eat healthy meals, resting adequately and avoiding stress can help you reduce the frequency of these headaches. In addition, you may choose to include ByGrandma Woman’s Health Mix to your diet. Made with sprouted urad dal, fenugreek seeds, wheat, rice and dry roasted garlic, it offers a number of benefits for pregnant women. It helps with weight management, relieves constipation and improves eyesight. This should not be a substitute for a meal but can be introduced as a healthy snack between meals.