Pregnancy Headaches Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

There is still much debate about what actually causes headaches. Tension headaches and migraines, which are the most common types, are experienced by more women than men. This being the case, it's fair to assume that hormones are at least partially responsible for the onset of headache pain. If this is true, it's not surprising that pregnant women experience an increased number of headaches due to the hormonal changes that are taking place.

Headaches decrease as the pregnancy progresses into the second and third trimesters. This is due to the hormone levels evening out and the body's ability to adjust to them. There are things a woman can do to lessen the effects of headaches during pregnancy. There are enough things to be concerned about without having to suffer through headaches as well.

The stress of pregnancy can lead to headaches since stress has been identified as a common trigger of headache pain. The stress of the actual pregnancy combined with the uncertainty of the future can make the stress even worse. Stress can be managed by light exercise and various meditation techniques.

One of the best ways to prevent headaches is by getting plenty of rest. Lack of sleep can trigger both migraines and tension headaches. Fatigue can not only trigger a headache, it can make an existing headache worse. They key is to not let your body become fatigued at any time. If you feel like an afternoon nap is necessary, then you should take one. Keep your naps short, or you may end up affecting how you sleep at night.

Obviously, pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming alcohol for the safety of the fetus. It's unclear, though, if moderate amounts are harmful. Just like anything else that you put in your body, alcohol consumption should not be in excess. The amount that is safe will differ from person to person, but keeping it to a minimum is always a good idea.

A woman's sensitivity to certain headache triggers may change during pregnancy. One common trigger is red wine consumption. Alcohol headaches are not limited to hangovers. If you do drink red wine, do so with caution, and limit your intake as much as possible.

Another common trigger that should be reduced during pregnancy is caffeine. Again, you should limit your intake as is necessary to help you avoid unnecessary headaches during this time.

Actually, in small amounts, caffeine can be a good thing. Certain headache medications, such as Excedrin, actually contain caffeine. Make sure you check the labels to see what amount of caffeine you are taking. Again, too much caffeine can defeat the purpose of taking the medication by triggering an episode. When you do reduce your caffeine intake, do it gradually to give your body time to adjust.

Consult your physician when deciding what type of medication to take. Acetaminophen is usually safe for pregnancy, but ibuprofen should be avoided.

There are various non-drug related treatments you can try. Meditation, massage, and hot and cold compresses are examples of these.

         

Introduction to Headaches

Common Headache Symptoms
Who is At Risk of Suffering from Headaches?
Causes of Headaches
Diagnosing Headaches

Headaches Guide and Info

Cluster Headaches Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Sinus Headaches Causes and Treatments
Seeking Medical Advice for Headaches
Tension Headaches Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Migraine Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Headaches Treatment and Medication

Brand Name vs Generic Medication – Headache Treatments
Acetaminophen – Headache Medication and Treatment
Aspirin - Headache Medication and Treatment
Triptans Migraines Treatment and Medication
Headaches Preventive Medications and Treatments
Headaches Treatment - Surgery vs Drugs
Ergots and Midrin for Migraines Treatment
How to Control Headaches Symptoms
Ibuprofen Headache Medication and Treatment