Headaches During Pregnancy: Causes, Remedies, and When To Seek Help

Introduction

Headaches are common during pregnancy. By knowing the types of headaches, their causes, the best ways to manage them, and when to ask for professional help, you can ensure your well-being and your baby’s health.

In this blog, we take a deep dive into the kinds of headaches that can happen during pregnancy. We will understand what causes these headaches and what triggers them. Also, we will learn about the most effective management options. We’ll also talk about the vital role played by your healthcare provider and how to reach out to them in need. So, let’s be prepared and make your pregnancy experience better.

Causes of Headaches During Pregnancy

Pregnant women may get headaches for many reasons. By understanding the cause of your headache, you can find a better way to deal with it. Some important causes of headaches are discussed below. 

1. Hormonal Changes

A change in hormone levels, during pregnancy, is a known cause of headaches¹. 

2. Increased Blood Volume

Changes in blood circulation due to the increased blood volume during pregnancy can also cause headaches¹.

3. Dehydration

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, not only during pregnancy but also in general. Be sure to drink lots of fluids to hydrate yourself well^1,2. You should aim to drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water every day (modification based on the climate and your activity levels)³.

4. Insufficient Sleep

Bad sleep quality or sleeping on and off can lead to headaches. Make sure you have a set bedtime routine and get 7 to 9 hours of good sleep every night².

5. Low Blood Sugar

Skipping meals or eating unhealthy food can result in low blood sugar. This low sugar level can cause headaches. Following a balanced diet plan and eating regular meals with healthy snacks in between may be helpful^1,4.

6. Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can trigger headaches. Using relaxation methods like deep breathing, meditation, and prenatal yoga can help control stress levels during pregnancy².

7. Caffeine Withdrawal

Cutting back on your caffeine intake because you are pregnant may lead to headaches due to withdrawal symptoms¹. Less than 200 mg of caffeine (1-2 small cups) per day is usually considered safe but be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about having a safe level of caffeine during pregnancy¹.

8. Sinus Congestion

Pregnancy can worsen sinus congestion, which can further cause headaches. So, if you think your headaches are due to sinus issues, you should check with your healthcare provider to evaluate for sinus infection and prescribe suitable treatment options, e.g., nasal steroids like budesonide^1,6.

Headaches by Trimester

The number and severity of headaches may change during different phases of pregnancy. Let’s see what commonly causes headaches during each trimester of pregnancy.

First Trimester

In the first trimester, your body goes through rapid changes. These changes make you more susceptible to headaches. 

Common Causes

• Changes in hormones
• Increased blood volume
• Stress and worry
• Dehydration
• Low blood sugar
• Cutting back on caffeine
• Lack of sleep

Remedies and Precautions May Include: 

• Staying hydrated and drinking lots of water¹
• Taking regular meals and healthy snacks¹
• Practicing good sleep habits and setting up a bedtime routine¹
• Having a safe level of caffeine intake after talking to your healthcare provider¹
• Using relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation¹

Second and Third Trimesters:

For some women, headaches may become rarer or less severe during the second and third trimesters. Despite this, certain factors may still lead to headaches during this period^8,9.

Common Causes

• Bad posture due to added body weight
• Not having enough sleep
• Tension and rigidity in muscles
• High blood pressure or gestational diabetes

Remedies and Precautions May Include

• Practicing good posture while sitting and standing
• Doing mild exercises and stretching to relieve muscle tension 
• Keeping an eye on your blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly, as advised by your healthcare provider 
• Maintaining healthy eating habits and a balanced diet with the right amount of carbohydrates 

It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or seeking medical help for headaches during pregnancy. 

Common Types of Headaches During Pregnancy

It helps to know what type of headache you have. This knowledge will guide you to find the right way to deal with it. Let’s discuss the three main types of headaches that can occur during pregnancy:

1. Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are quite common among expecting moms. They feel like dull, never-ending pain on your head or neck. It’s often like a tight band wrapped around your head^1,10,19.

Causes

• Hormonal shifts during pregnancy^1,10,19
• Low blood sugar levels^1,10,19
• Feeling stressed and not getting enough sleep^1,10,19
• Dehydration^1,10,19
• Bad posture due to the added weight of your body^1,10,19

Symptoms

• Mild to severe pain on the forehead or the sides and back of the head^1,10,19
• Tight feeling around the head and neck^1,10,19
• A nonstop, dull ache that may get worse as the day goes on^1,10,19

Possible Remedies 

• Small doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol), as advised by your healthcare provider^1,10,19
• Hot or cold compresses on the sore spot^1,10,19
• Light stretches and ways to relax, such as deep breathing or meditation^1,10,19
• Enough sleep and staying well-hydrated^1,10,19

2. Migraine Headaches

Compared to tension headaches, migraines are usually more severe and are often accompanied by additional symptoms. Individuals usually feel an intense throbbing pain on one side of their head^12,13.

Causes 

• Changes in hormones during pregnancy^12,13
• Some foods like chocolate, cheese or citrus fruits^12,13
• Skipping meals and bad nutrition habits^12,13

Symptoms 

• Medium to severe throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head^12,13
• An upset stomach and throwing up^12,13
• Oversensitivity to light and sound^12,13
• Changes in vision, like seeing spots or light flashes ^12,13

Possible Remedies 

• Acetaminophen, as suggested by your healthcare provider^12,13
• Putting ice packs or warm compresses on the head and neck area^12,13
• Resting in a dark, calm room^12,13
• Having a small amount of caffeine, as too much can kickstart migraines^12,13

3. Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are quite rare, particularly during pregnancy. The term “cluster” refers to them occurring in groups, or patterns. They are mainly marked by sharp, stabbing pain around the eye or one side of the head¹⁴.

Causes 

• The exact reasons for cluster headaches during pregnancy are not fully known. However, they are thought to be linked to changes in hormones and blood circulation¹⁴. 

Symptoms 

• Severe, piercing pain around or behind one eye¹⁴ 
• Swelling and tears in the affected eye¹⁴
• Blocked nose and sweating on the face¹⁴

Possible Remedies 

• Checking in with your healthcare provider for suitable medication and guidance, as over-the-counter painkillers might not give enough relief¹⁴.
• Placing cold or warm compresses on the sore spot¹⁴.
• Keeping the head and neck comfortable and well-supported¹⁴.

It is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider if you are suffering from frequent headaches, particularly when you are pregnant. Your headache may also signal a more severe condition such as preeclampsia or high blood pressure, which can have severe consequences for both mother and the baby if not dealt with immediately.

Want to deal with frequent headaches during pregnancy? Well, there are a few things that might trigger the headache, such as chocolate, yoghurt, vintage cheese, peanuts, fresh yeast-baked bread, cured meats, and soured milk. By avoiding these typical triggers, one may also reduce the risk of getting a headache²³.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Hypertension During Pregnancy

High blood pressure or hypertension can also show up during pregnancy and can be risky. If left unchecked, hypertension can cause serious problems¹⁵. 

1. Symptoms of Hypertension

• Severe and non-stop headache
• Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
• Quick weight gain
• Pain in the belly area
• Discomfort in the stomach and throwing up
• Blurred vision and seeing spots
• Issues with breathing

2. Management of Hypertension during Pregnancy 

Your healthcare provider may suggest working with a diet expert to make a meal plan that is low in salt (sodium) and high in fib. Regular, moderate workout can also help lower your blood pressure. 

In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to control your blood pressure. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new medicines during pregnancy¹⁵. 

3. Complications Associated With Hypertensive Headaches

Hypertensive headaches can indicate complications like preeclampsia (serious condition associated with high blood pressure) or eclampsia (seizures due to high blood pressure). If not managed properly, hypertension can cause serious problems such as stroke, low oxygen to the baby, preterm delivery, low birth weight or placental detachment. You must get swift medical care to avoid risks to lives of the mother and baby¹⁵.

If you’re pregnant, paracetamol is the first pain reliever you should choose for headaches. If you must take paracetamol during pregnancy, do it only when it is absolutely essential. Your chemist, midwife or general practitioner will give you guidance on the dosage and the time period of the medicine²².

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Management of Headaches During Pregnancy

When having headaches during pregnancy, it’s key to find alternatives that are safe. These should also work well and not put the mother and her baby at risk¹⁵.

Safe Medications

While it’s best to avoid medicines during pregnancy, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually thought to be least damaging for occasional use. Always talk with your healthcare provider before taking any medicine during pregnancy to make sure it is safe for you and your baby.

Guidelines for Using Medication

• Talk about the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider 
• Take the amount advised by doctor, which is usually the smallest amount that works for the shortest possible time 
• Never fail to follow the medicine instructions given by your healthcare provider 

Home Remedies

You can lessen the need for medicines during pregnancy by using home remedies to ease headache pain. Doing this may lower the risk of harming your unborn baby. Here are some helpful home remedies^16,17,18: 

1. Hydration

Keep hydrated to prevent headaches caused by dehydration. Plan to drink at least 2-3 litres of water every day^1,2,16.

2. Balanced Diet

A balanced diet gives all the vital nutrients to support your body and your baby’s growth. Don’t skip meals and stick to a regular eating routine. If certain foods trigger your headaches, don’t eat them during pregnancy^17,19.

3. Massage and Relaxation Techniques

Massage your head, neck and shoulders to relieve muscle tension and ease headache pain. Deep breathing workouts, meditation and prenatal yoga can also help you manage stress and promote relaxation^16,18.

4. Sleep and Rest

Make sure you get enough sleep by inculcating good sleep habits and aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Take short naps during the day to ease headaches even more^16,19.

5. Cold or Warm Compresses

Putting a cold or warm press on your head or neck may give relief from headache. You can try out both cold and warm presses and decide which one is better for you¹⁶.

6. Stretching and Exercise

Light workouts like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can relieve tension and lead to better circulation and level hormone amounts. Doing a workout on a regular basis also helps you keep a healthy weight during pregnancy¹⁸.

Every pregnant woman has a unique journey. If you are having a difficult pregnancy, it’s advisable that you consult your doctor before initiating any home remedy for your headaches as some of these may not be suitable for you based on your particular condition. 

When to Seek Medical Help?

A majority of headaches during pregnancy are not serious. You may be able to manage them with the right home remedies and medicine when needed. However, there are exceptions: 

Severe Headache with Additional Symptoms 

If you have a severe headache that occurs along with blurry vision, swelling, pain in the belly, or quick weight gain, get in touch with your healthcare provider right away. These symptoms can indicate preeclampsia or another risky condition.

1. Sudden and Intense Headaches 

A sudden, severe headache, sometimes called a “thunderclap” headache, could mark a more serious health issue. For example, it could be a burst aneurysm or reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Get medical care right away if you have this type of headache²⁰. 

2. A Headache Accompanied by Vision Changes 

Vision changes mixed with a headache may be a sign of a migraine. Symptoms like blood pressure higher than 140/90, sudden oedema, epigastric pain, visual disturbances and reduced urine output can be a sign of a more serious condition like preeclampsia²¹. Call your healthcare provider if you have a headache along with blurred vision, seeing spots, or any other vision problems²⁰.

3. Persisting Headache without Relief 

If you have a headache that keeps going despite trying home remedies and taking the right medicine, reach out to your healthcare provider. Constant headaches may show an underlying issue. You may need more checks and the right treatment²⁰. 

Tips to Reduce Headaches in Pregnancy

You can lessen the chance of getting headaches during pregnancy by doing these things: 

1. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Develop a habit of doing regular workouts, eating balanced meals and hydrating yourself well. Set up a routine sleep time-table for enough rest. Manage stress by using relaxation techniques. These could include deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga^18,19.

2. Recognizing Triggers

Find and avoid specific foods, activities or situations that may bring on headaches during pregnancy. Keeping a record of your headaches to find likely triggers and patterns can help¹⁹. 

3. Regular Prenatal Care

Attend all prenatal visits regularly. Share all your worries with your healthcare provider, even about headaches. They can give you personalized tips depending on your situation and needs.

Conclusion 

Understanding the types of headaches caused during pregnancy and their potential triggers, measures to tackle them and the necessity of professional help is vital. With the correct precautions and by following your healthcare provider’s advice, you can lessen discomfort and make sure you are okay during pregnancy.

Remember, it matters to know the triggers, relievers and when to ask for help. Be upfront and be in control of your welfare and the well-being of your unborn child.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

References

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18. Bauer I, Hartkopf J, Kullmann S, Schleger F, Hallschmid M, Pauluschke-Fröhlich J, Fritsche A, Preissl H. Spotlight on the fetus: how physical activity during pregnancy influences fetal health: a narrative review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2020 Mar 16;6(1):e000658. Available from: https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/6/1/e000658
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