Headaches in pregnancy – how to deal with them

Headaches during pregnancy usually do not indicate a serious illness. They can be caused by stress, hormonal changes, migraines, or sleep disturbances. There is no need to worry if the pain is mild or moderate. However, a sudden and severe headache during pregnancy, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, should always be consulted with a doctor.

Although headaches during pregnancy are mild in most cases, they can significantly affect well-being and make daily activities more difficult. It is not recommended for pregnant women to take any medication without consulting a doctor. Fortunately, there are many effective and safe home remedies for headaches during pregnancy that should be tried first.

Causes of headaches during pregnancy

There can be various causes of headaches during pregnancy. In most cases, the discomfort is caused by stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, or excessive tension in the shoulder and neck muscles. It can also happen that headaches occur due to insufficient water intake throughout the day. Such headaches are usually mild or moderate and do not have other symptoms.

Headaches during pregnancy can also be caused by a cold or a respiratory infection. Additional symptoms such as coughing, hoarseness, elevated body temperature, muscle pain, weakness, or a runny nose may indicate this cause. Due to reduced immunity, a pregnant woman should follow hygiene rules and avoid crowded places, especially during flu and cold seasons.

Frequent headaches early in pregnancy are related to the intense hormonal changes that occur in the body after fertilization. The increase in pregnancy hormones causes the blood vessels to expand and the blood volume to increase. This leads to fluctuations in blood pressure, especially during position changes or physical activity. Headaches often occur due to the withdrawal of substances like caffeine or tobacco. Women who smoked or drank strong coffee before pregnancy may notice this.

It is also important to note that headaches in pregnancy can be caused by other medical conditions. These include:

• Preeclampsia
• High blood pressure
• Venous thrombosis in the brain
• Vascular malformations
• Anemia
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage

These conditions are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as a general feeling of unwellness, neurological disturbances, numbness in the limbs, and vision problems. In such cases, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately.

Migraines in pregnancy

One cause of headaches in pregnancy is migraines. They can be identified by the fact that the pain occurs only on one side of the head and is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity. Migraine headaches in pregnancy are intense, pulsating, and can significantly impair daily activities.

It has been observed that migraines during pregnancy occur less frequently than before. However, if a migraine attack occurs, appropriate treatment should be initiated. Pregnant women should only take medications prescribed by their doctor, and also make sure to rest, stay hydrated, and eat healthily.

How to cope with headaches during pregnancy

Many women wonder what is safe and effective for headaches during pregnancy. It is recommended not to take any medications without consulting a doctor – not all pain relievers (even those available without a prescription) are approved for use during pregnancy. Therefore, it is better to try home remedies for headaches during pregnancy.

Home remedies for headaches during pregnancy include:

• Cold compresses on the temples
• A warm bath
• Relaxation techniques
• Massaging the temples
• Resting in a well-ventilated and shaded room
• Yoga
• Massaging the neck or shoulders

To prevent frequent headaches during pregnancy, it is important to eat healthily (e.g., reduce sugar intake), spend time outdoors, and ensure adequate rest.