Bhanu Garg in Health

What Causes Headaches During Pregnancy 2023 Updated

A minor headache is usual throughout pregnancy, especially in the first trimester when your hormone levels vary. Tension headaches are frequent, and some women may get their first migraine while pregnant. (On the other hand, many women discover that pregnancy relieves their migraines!) If you develop a severe headache during the second or third trimester, contact your doctor immediately since it might indicate pre-eclampsia. Other than that, exercising, adjusting your sleeping patterns, and taking acetaminophen (with your doctor’s approval) are all healthy strategies to relieve pregnant headaches.

What causes pregnancy headaches – A headache’s specific cause isn’t always evident. Changing hormone levels and blood volume may have a role in the first trimester. A dull, general headache might be accompanied by tension, weariness, and eyestrain. Nasal congestion and runny nose, which are normal in early pregnancy, may make sinus headaches more probable. Hunger and low blood sugar levels can also cause headaches. Caffeine withdrawal headaches may occur in women who abruptly discontinue their daily coffee and drinks. Those who have nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy may become dehydrated. This can also cause a headache.

Migraine headaches are a prevalent kind of pregnant headache. These throbbing, excruciating headaches are generally felt on one side of the head and are caused by the brain’s enlargement of blood vessels. The agony is sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. A tiny percentage of women who suffer from migraines also get an aura. They may experience flashes of light or tingling in their arms and legs.

Common types of headaches during pregnancy – Many different types of headaches can occur when pregnant, and it can be difficult to determine which type you have. Below is the different type of headaches a pregnant woman might experience throughout the pregnancy –

Tension headaches – This is one of the most prevalent types of headaches during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. They might feel like a squeezing pain or a constant dull aching on both sides of your head or the back of your neck. If you’ve always been prone to tension headaches, pregnancy can exacerbate them.
Sinus headaches – This usually manifests as pressure or soreness in your cheeks, around your eyes, and on your forehead. They usually appear after a cold or a respiratory illness. People frequently confuse migraine headaches with sinusitis — if you’re experiencing more headaches but otherwise feeling OK; you might be suffering from migraines. However, if you’re feeling stuffy, you may have a sinus infection that has to be treated.
Cluster headaches – The type of headaches is significantly less frequent, and specialists are unsure whether pregnancy impacts the frequency or strength. Cluster headaches are characterized by sudden, acute pain, generally around one eye or temple, and may be accompanied by wet eyes or a stuffy nose. They usually happen at the same time every day, usually a few hours after falling asleep, and can last for weeks or months.
Migraine headaches – This results in moderate to severe throbbing pain on one side of the brain. Other symptoms may accompany them, such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and noise. They can linger from four to 72 hours if left untreated and can be increased by physical activity as well as many of the same variables that cause more common headaches. Migraines are most frequent that women might feel during their first trimester and tend to subside in the second and third trimesters as their body adjusts to hormonal changes.

Some migraine sufferers get migraines with aura, which are headaches preceded by symptoms such as visual alterations (such as bright flashing lights or blind areas), numbness or “pins and needles,” weakness, and speech difficulties. These symptoms may appear up to an hour before the onset of a migraine and may continue up to an hour.

Prevention of headaches occurs in pregnancy – Although headaches are normal during pregnancy, it is occasionally important to visit a gynecologist or obstetrics specialist in the situation of severe headaches. Although, a few lifestyle changes may also help improve the condition in a good way. This may include –

Avoid recognized headaches that cause such allergies and specific foods like monosodium glutamate, cured meats, and strong cheeses.
It is never a good idea to smoke during pregnancy. Secondhand smoking should also be avoided.
If you are prone to morning sickness, try to eat healthily and drink enough water.
Reduce your level of stress. To relieve tension headaches, try a massage or a cold pack.

When should I visit a hospital or gynecologist?

It is important to contact your healthcare practitioner if you have a severe headache that won’t go away or are experiencing dizziness, blurred vision, or changes in your field of vision. Headaches might be associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy in some instances. You need to consult a maternity care specialist if they are persistent or severe and occur beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy. Even though strokes infrequently occur during pregnancy, headaches can raise a woman’s chance of having one. If you suffer from migraines, you should discuss them with your healthcare professional to accurately diagnose the problem.

Will these headaches harm the baby – No matter what form of migraine you get, it will have no direct effect on your kid. The only time a headache can be dangerous to your child is if it results from another sickness. Consult or visit your gynecologist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Your headache lasts longer than a few hours or comes back regularly.
You get a fever.
Or if you have any of the pre-eclampsia or eclampsia symptoms described above.

Of course, even if a migraine does not endanger your kid, it is still unpleasant and bothersome for you to deal with. Fortunately, there are several options for properly treating migraines during pregnancy.

Where to get help – You may find a doctor list for Global Hospital Hyderabad on Credihealth and schedule an appointment with the doctor of your choice. You may use Credihealth to seek a second opinion, estimate the cost of surgery, or schedule an appointment with a doctor directly, or you can pick a health professional based on their ratings, reviews, and general experience. Credihealth can help you find the best effective and cost-efficient treatment option for any ailment.

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