What Causes Headaches During Pregnancy

Experiencing headaches, from mild to intense, is something that most pregnant women go through. Though this is one of the common woes of pregnancy, some women may find it difficult to cope with it. Headaches may vary in intensity, from being moderate to severe, such that it may numb the region. There are different types of headaches depending on the cause that pregnant women may suffer from. Though headaches may come and go, it can be quite disgusting when they surface suddenly and don't die down even after a while. It hampers the daily routine and one may lack motivation even to get out of bed. Let us discuss the reasons for experiencing headaches, during the different terms of pregnancy and its treatment options.

Causes of Headaches During Pregnancy

There are many reasons why a headache may occur during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body undergoes several changes, in terms of physical, hormonal and emotional. These changes may affect the health of a woman, though minor in nature. Headaches are also a common occurrence owing to these changes in the body. Here are some of the explanations for what triggers headaches.

• One of the most common facts for suffering from headaches during pregnancy is the surge of hormones during pregnancy. These hormonal headaches are a result of hormonal fluctuations that take place when a woman has conceived. Blood circulation changes can also trigger headaches in pregnant women.
• Tension headaches are also observed in some expectant mothers. This type of headache may occur when the body is dehydrated, or there is a drop in the level of blood sugar. Tension headaches can be felt like a squeezing pain on the head.
• Migraine headaches are also noticed during pregnancy, but are less common after the first trimester. However, some women complain of experiencing this type of headache even when they are way into pregnancy. Eating peanuts, sour cream, citrus fruits, etc., can trigger migraine headaches.
• Sinus headaches during pregnancy can occur when there is a congestion in the sinus cavities due to cold. This headache can attack at any time and may be caused due to sudden withdrawal from caffeine cold turkey.
• Suffering from a severe headache for quite a number of days, especially when you are in your third trimester can be a warning signal for toxemia in pregnancy. Also known as preeclampsia, this condition may arise due to an increase in the blood pressure.
• Lack of proper sleep and rest, improper food and fluid intake, dehydration, allergies and strain, etc., has some of the pregnant women complaining about constant headaches during pregnancy.

Treating Pregnancy Headaches

Hope you are now familiar with the reasons for headaches during pregnancy. Now let us deal with the remedial measures to get rid of this distressing condition. Even though it is a common complaint, experiencing headaches, that too on a constant basis, can be quite annoying. Here are some ways, using which you can get rid of the throbbing pain in your head.

• Before you take medications and other remedial measures, it is essential to get to the root cause of what may be triggering the pain. Experiencing stress (quite a natural thing) can be one of the factors that may be causing a headache. If you are feeling stressed out, then practice moderate exercises and have ample rest, which can help you get relief from stress. Getting a massage, from an expert, is also one of the best ways to beat stress.
• A pregnant woman's body requires double the amount of nutrients and energy, since she has to take care of her baby's needs as well. Never stay hungry for a longer period of time. Hunger can lower the blood sugar levels, which in turn can trigger headaches during pregnancy. Having small meals at regular intervals, instead of having a large meal at one go, will prove to be helpful.
• You need to make sure your body stays well hydrated all the time. Drinking plenty of water and fruits juices will help you stay fresh and also take care of the water content in the body. Fruit juices also provide nourishment, which can be easily assimilated in the body.
• Applying cold or warm compresses to the affected area or taking a cold shower will work wonders when it comes to relieving the constant throbbing pain. If you cannot gather enough strength to take a shower, then splashing cold water on the face will also do the trick.
• If you don't find respite, even after taking trying these natural headache remedies, then visit your gynecologist, who may diagnose the exact reason and prescribe medications. NEVER try self medication, even a mild analgesic, without consulting your doctor, when you are pregnant.

This was all about what causes headaches in most pregnant women. A healthy diet, ample rest and routine checkup will help keep such disorders at bay. Remember, becoming a mother is a wonderful experience and such things should not dampen your spirit and keep you from enjoying this phase. Wish you a happy motherhood sans problems! Take care!