Headaches During Pregnancy: Causes, Remedies, and When To Seek Help
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
During pregnancy, headaches are not rare. They can be annoying too. 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. On top of all that, we’ll talk about the vital role of your healthcare provider and how to reach out to them in need. So, why not get to know these matters and be prepared? This way, you can make your pregnancy experience better.
Did you know?
There are many reasons why pregnant women get headaches. By understanding the cause of your headache, you can find a better way to deal with it. A few important causes are discussed here.
Change in the levels of hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, during pregnancy is a known cause of headaches. Changes in blood circulation due to the increased blood volume during pregnancy can also cause headahes.
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. You should aim for at least eight glasses of water every day.
Bad sleep quality or sleeping on and off can lead to headaches. Make sure you have a set bedtime routine and get seven to nine hours of good sleep every night.
Skipping meals or eating food that is not healthy 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 them may be helpful.
Personal stress and anxiety can trigger headaches. Using relaxation methods like deep breathing, thinking calmly and prenatal yoga can help control stress levels during pregnancy.
Cutting back on your caffeine intake because you are pregnant may lead to headaches due to withdrawal symptoms. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about having a safe level of caffeine during pregnancy.
Pregnancy can worsen sinus congestion, which in turn can cause headaches. So, if you think your headaches are due to sinus issues, you should check with your healthcare provider for suitable treatment options.
Please see the table below for a snapshot of the possible causes of headaches during pregnancy:
| Causes | Description |
| Hormonal Changes | Fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone, along with changes in blood flow, can trigger headaches. |
| Dehydration | Drinking insufficient fluids can lead to dehydration, a common cause of headaches. |
| Insufficient Sleep | Poor sleep quality or irregular sleep patterns may contribute to headaches. |
| Low Blood Sugar | Skipping meals or eating unhealthy snacks can result in low blood sugar, triggering headaches. |
| Stress and Anxiety | Emotional stress and anxiety can provoke headaches during pregnancy. Use relaxation techniques to manage stress. |
| Caffeine Withdrawal | Cutting back on caffeine intake may cause headaches due to withdrawal. Speak with your healthcare provider about maintaining a safe level of caffeine consumption. |
| Sinus Congestion | Pregnancy can exacerbate sinus congestion, resulting in headaches. Consult with your healthcare provider for appropriate treatment options if sinus issues are suspected. |
The number and harshness of headaches may change during different phases of pregnancy. Let’s see what commonly causes headaches during the first trimester and the middle and later trimesters of pregnancy.
In the first trimester, your body goes through rapid changes. These changes make you more susceptible to headaches.
For some women, headaches may become rarer or less harsh during the second and third trimesters. Despite this, certain factors may still lead to headaches during these periods.
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or seeking medical help for headache during pregnancy.
The following table offers a brief overview of Headaches by Trimester:
| Trimester | Common Causes | Possible Remedies and Precautions |
| First Trimester | Hormonal fluctuations, increased blood volume, stress, dehydration, etc. | Hydration, regular meals, good sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques, safe caffeine intake |
| Second and Third Trimesters | Poor posture, insufficient sleep, muscle strain, high blood pressure | Good posture, gentle exercises, stretching, monitoring blood pressure, healthy eating habits |
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 medicine.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Also Read: Essential Oils for Headaches: A Research-Based Guide to Natural Relief
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 have a chat about the three main types of headaches that can happen during pregnancy:
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.
Compared to tension headaches, migraines are nasty. Additional symptoms often accompany migraines. Individuals usually feel an intense throbbing pain on one side of their head.
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 head.
The following table gives an overview of the types of headaches during pregnancy:
| Type | Causes | Symptoms | Remedies |
| Tension Headaches | Hormonal changes, stress, dehydration, etc. | Mild to moderate pain, tightening sensation around the head and neck | Acetaminophen, compression, gentle stretches, relaxation techniques |
| Migraine Headaches | Hormonal fluctuations, certain foods | Moderate to severe throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light | Acetaminophen, ice/warm compresses, resting in a dark room, minimal caffeine |
| Cluster Headaches | Unknown, possibly hormonal changes | Intense, stabbing pain, swelling and tearing in eye, nasal congestion | Medical consultation, cold or warm compresses, comfortable head positioning |
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, alcohol, yoghurt, vintage cheese, peanuts, fresh yeast-baked bread, cured meats, and soured milk. By avoiding these typical triggers, one may also lessen the risk of getting a headache.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
High blood pressure or hypertension can also show up during pregnancy and can be risky. If left unchecked, hypertension can cause serious problems.
Your healthcare provider may suggest working with a diet expert to make a meal plan that is low in salt (sodium) and high in fiber. 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 pregnancy.
Hypertensive headaches can show complications like preeclampsia (serious condition due to 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 making risks for the mother and baby’s lives.
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 risk.
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. This will make sure it is safe for you and your baby.
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:
Keep hydrated to prevent headaches caused by dehydration. Plan to drink at least eight glasses of water every day.
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.
Massage your head, neck and shoulders to relieve muscle tension and ease headache pain. Deep breathing workouts, thinking calmly and prenatal yoga can also handle stress and promote relaxation.
Make sure you get enough sleep by getting into 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.
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 you.
Light workouts like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can relieve tension, better circulation and level hormone amounts. Doing a workout on a regular basis also helps you keep a healthy weight during pregnancy.
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.
The following table gives a quick look at Treatment for Headaches During Pregnancy:
| Safe Medications | Home Remedies |
| Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | Hydration, balanced diet, massage and relaxation techniques, sleep and rest, cold or warm compresses, stretching and exercise |
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:
If you have a severe headache that is bundled with blurry vision, swelling, pain in the belly, or quick weight gain, get in touch with your healthcare provider right away. These symptoms can show preeclampsia or another risky condition.
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 headache.
Vision changes mixed with a headache may be a sign of a migraine. Or it can be a sign of a more serious condition like preeclampsia. Call your healthcare provider if you have a headache grouped with blurred vision, seeing spots, or any other vision problems.
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 treatment.
You can lessen the chance of getting headaches during pregnancy by doing these things:
Develop a habit of doing regular workouts, eating balanced meals and hydrating yourself well. Set up a routine sleep time table for enough rest. Tame stress by using techniques that help relax. These could include deep breathing, thinking calmly, or prenatal yoga.
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 help.
Regularly attend prenatal visits. Share all your worries with your healthcare provider, even about headaches. They can give you personalized tips depending on your situation and needs.
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 of your welfare 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.
If the headache is intense, sudden and severe, bundled with other symptoms, or continues without getting better despite home remedies, then you should get in touch with your healthcare provider right away.
To ease headache pain during pregnancy, you could use a cold or warm compress, light massage, relaxation methods, drink enough fluids, or have a regular sleep schedule. After talking with your healthcare provider, you may also take low doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for relief.
While headaches happen often during pregnancy, having them daily is not the norm. If you have headaches every day, get in touch with your healthcare provider to find the causes and make the right treatment plan.
Headaches can come up at any part of pregnancy. But, some women may have fewer or less serious headaches in their second trimester. This happens because the body gets used to certain hormonal changes by then.
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