A headache can be very irritating and difficult to work around. It can affect not just your day but also your productivity. While changes like weight gain, loss of appetite, or skin changes are quite manageable during pregnancy, what about regular or constant headaches? Suffering from headaches during pregnancy? Then this one is for you.
Yes, headaches during pregnancy, especially in the early days, are very common. Your body is undergoing many changes and needs time to adjust to them. Headaches are usually warnings from your body that something's not right. The problem can be anywhere in the body, but the signal is sent to the brain, triggering a headache.
Some women suffer from headaches in early pregnancy, and they will subside as the body gets used to the changes. Some women experience headaches throughout their pregnancy or only in the last trimester. There is no consistency or clear understanding of why it happens. It is also very difficult to determine if the pregnancy or other health issues cause the headaches the expectant mother might be experiencing.
The exact cause of headaches in pregnancy is not clear. As every pregnancy is unique and not all women experience headaches, it is challenging to determine the exact causes of headaches during pregnancy. Here are some possible causes-
● If you are suffering from constant headaches in your first trimester, it can be due to the hormonal changes. Your body is making more hormones and some new hormones to support the pregnancy, which can trigger headaches.
● Many women develop an aversion to certain foods or smells. When they are exposed to them, it can trigger a headache.
● Changes in your sleep cycle can cause headaches due to insufficient sleep or increased tiredness.
● Pregnancy can affect blood sugars. A drop in your sugar level can trigger a headache. It can also cause hunger pangs, which in turn can trigger a headache.
● Nasal congestion and a runny nose are common in early pregnancy. These can trigger headaches.
● Expansion of the blood vessels in the brain can trigger headaches or cause migraine headaches that last for a few hours or even days.
● Seeing bright lights or sudden flashes of light.
● Constant vomiting or even retching can cause headaches.
One of the first remedies most people prefer for headaches is a paracetamol or a slightly stronger tablet to curb or bring that headache under control right away. Only then will they think about what to do next. However, in pregnancy, paracetamol is not advisable unless it is really needed. Here are some ways to manage headaches during pregnancy without the use of medications.
1. Manage Triggers – First, understand your triggers. Make note of what you did just before that headache started. Within a few days, you will know what is triggering your pregnancy headaches. If the cause is certain foods or activities, it is best to avoid them to prevent such headaches. If total avoidance is not possible, try reducing exposure or balancing it with other foods or activities.
2. Physical Activity – As unappealing as it may seem, staying active during pregnancy is essential. Regular pregnancy-safe exercises and walking can help improve blood flow. One of the primary causes of headaches during pregnancy is decreased blood flow to the head. Physical activity can improve the blood flow, thus reducing headaches.
3. Stress Management – The hormonal fluctuations, along with the many changes that occur during pregnancy, can lead to increased stress. Make a conscious effort to reduce your stress. It will not only help curb those headaches but is also good for you and the developing baby. Try yoga, meditation, reading, listening to music, or taking a walk in nature.
4. Eat on Time – Pregnancy cravings and food aversions can disrupt your eating habits. Ensure you eat regularly and have your meals on time to avoid hunger pangs. Staying hungry for too long can cause severe headaches that can take time to subside. Remember, during pregnancy, you are likely to feel hungry frequently, and the quantity of food consumed per meal may decrease. Carry healthy snacks with you and munch on them whenever you feel hungry. Opt for fresh fruits or vegetable sticks to avoid unnecessary weight gain.
5. Drink Plenty – Pregnancy can cause dehydration, which in turn can trigger headaches. Your body requires more fluids now to meet the demands of the developing baby and to make more blood. Drink more water than usual. If plain water is boring, you can add a slice of fruit or a cucumber to the water for some flavour. Fresh juices without added sugar are also a good option. Enjoy it with the pulp for an extra dose of fibre.
6. Sleep Schedule – Pregnancy can disrupt sleep cycles. Some women may sleep more, while others may struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Follow a strict sleep schedule. It will train your body to fall asleep at the same time every day. Getting enough sleep can help prevent headaches and strengthen your body's ability to fight them effectively.
7. Deep Breathing – Deep breathing or pranayama can help improve oxygen circulation in the body, which in turn can help reduce headaches. Deep breathing can also help you relax and calm down, thus controlling triggers.
8. Natural Remedies – You can try natural remedies, such as applying a warm compress, massaging your temples, or alternating between cold and hot water soaks for your feet, for some temporary relief.
Not all headaches in pregnancy are common. Sometimes, severe headaches when left unattended can increase the risk of other complications like strokes or changes in blood pressure during pregnancy. If you experience the following, you should consult your doctor and seek a remedy rather than suffering through it –
● The headaches are severe and prevent you from performing your regular activities.
● The headaches are persistent and do not subside, no matter what you do.
● The headaches progress to nausea, dizziness, or changes in vision.
Headaches in pregnancy are common. The restriction on medications during pregnancy can make it hard to manage them. Being proactive and preventing headaches is a safer option than trying to resolve a headache. Pregnancy is not the time to experiment, so always seek professional help rather than experimenting with remedies.
No, they do not harm the baby directly. However, if the headaches are a symptom of other underlying issues like low blood sugar or preeclampsia, they can affect the pregnancy if ignored.
Consult your doctor and take only the medication prescribed to you. Stick to the prescription and ensure you don't take more than the recommended dosage. Avoid self-medicating at all costs, even if it's a medicine you have taken before pregnancy.
You need to worry during pregnancy if you experience vaginal bleeding, swelling of hands and face, persistent headaches with vision changes, fever, or a decrease in fetal movements. These can indicate a more serious problem during pregnancy that requires immediate medical attention.
Headaches in pregnancy are very common. However, if they persist and are affecting your quality of life, causing blurry vision or other vision changes, you should consult your doctor right away. Headaches in pregnancy can be harmless or sometimes serious, such as a symptom of preeclampsia or low blood sugar.
