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What causes a headache during pregnancy?
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Are headaches a symptom of pre-eclampsia?
What causes headaches after Week 20 in pregnancy?
Are headaches common during pregnancy or postpartum?
Can pregnancy cause a migraine & tension-type headache?
Apr 2, 2024 · Headaches can be common in early pregnancy. They usually improve as your pregnancy goes on. They do not harm your baby, but they can be uncomfortable for you. A headache can sometimes be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious complications if it's not monitored and treated. Pre-eclampsia usually starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Pre-Eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant...
- Pre-Eclampsia
- Overview
- Types of headaches
- Common symptoms of headache during pregnancy
- Causes of headaches during pregnancy
- Treatment for headache during pregnancy
- Outlook for headache during pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and having headaches, you’re not alone. A medical review reports that 39 percent of pregnant and postpartum women have headaches.
Though during pregnancy you may have a different kind of headache than you usually do, most headaches during pregnancy aren’t harmful.
Headache pain during the first trimester of pregnancy may happen for different reasons than headaches in the second or third trimester. In some cases, headache pain may be a sign of other health problems during pregnancy.
Tell your doctor about any headache you have during, before, and after pregnancy. Keep a journal to record how often you have headaches and how serious the pain is. Additionally, record any other symptoms you have.
Most headaches during pregnancy are primary headaches. This means that the headache pain happens by itself. It’s not a sign or symptom of another disorder or a complication in the pregnancy. Primary headaches include:
•tension headaches
•migraine attacks
•cluster headaches
About 26 percent of headaches during pregnancy are tension headaches. Tell your doctor if you have chronic headaches or migraine during pregnancy or if you have a history of migraine.
Some women with a history of migraine get fewer migraine attacks during pregnancy. Migraine has also been linked to complications that happen later in pregnancy or after the birth of your baby.
Headache pain may vary from one person to the next. You may have:
•dull ache
•throbbing or pulsating pain
•severe pain on one or both sides
•sharp pain behind one or both eyes
Migraine pain may also include:
First trimester
Tension headaches are common in the first trimester of your pregnancy. This may happen because your body is undergoing several changes at this time. These changes may trigger headache pain: •hormonal changes •higher blood volume •weight changes Common causes of headache pain during the first trimester of pregnancy also include: •dehydration •nausea and vomiting •stress •lack of sleep •caffeine withdrawal •poor nutrition •low blood sugar levels •too little physical activity •sensitivity to light •changes in vision Some foods may also cause headaches. Your trigger foods may change during pregnancy. Common foods that may cause headaches in some people include: •dairy •chocolate •cheese •yeast •tomatoes
Second and third trimester
Headaches during your second and third trimester may have different causes. These include: •extra weight •posture •too little sleep •diet •muscle strain and tightness •high blood pressure •diabetes
High blood pressure
Headaches during your second or third trimester of pregnancy may be a sign that you have high blood pressure. About 6 to 8 percent of pregnant women ages 20 to 44 in the United States have high blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that this treatable condition can cause serious complications for both mother and baby. This is most common after week 20 of pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, high blood pressure can raise the risk of: •stroke •preeclampsia •eclampsia •low oxygen flow to the baby •preterm delivery, before 37 weeks •placental abruption •low baby birth weight, which is less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces
Talk to your doctor before taking your regular headache pain medication during pregnancy. Don’t take aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin etc.).
The CDC warns that these pain relief drugs can be harmful to your growing baby, especially if taken during the first trimester. Many women may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy. However, some studies suggest there may be effects from taking acetaminophen as well.
Your doctor can recommend alternative medications to treat headache during pregnancy and natural headache remedies, such as:
•drinking plenty of water
•rest
•ice pack
Headache pain during pregnancy is common. You may have tension headaches during your first trimester of pregnancy. This may happen because of the many changes that you’re going through in a short period.
Headache pain may happen in the second and third period of your pregnancy for other reasons. Some causes of headaches in your mid to late pregnancy may be serious.
High blood pressure is a serious cause of headache pain during pregnancy. You can have high blood pressure at any time in your pregnancy. You may not have any symptoms at all. Check your blood pressure at least once a day with a home monitor.
Tell your doctor if you have headaches at any time in your pregnancy. Let your doctor know right away if you have a personal or family history of migraine, high blood pressure, seizures or diabetes.
Take all medications and treatment exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all diet and exercise advice carefully. See your doctor for all follow-up and regular check-ups. Most causes of headaches during pregnancy are treatable or preventable with the right care.
For more pregnancy guidance and weekly tips tailored to your due date, sign up for our I’m Expecting newsletter.
Some common causes: Hormones: Headaches are often an early sign of pregnancy and tend to begin during the first trimester when your hormone levels surge and blood volume increases. Trigger foods: Certain foods like cheese, chocolate, dairy and processed meats like bacon can trigger a headache in any trimester.
Jun 17, 2023 · Other Conditions. Treatment. Headaches during pregnancy can be due to stress, dehydration, or other common causes. They are often easy to remedy with cold compresses, a nap, or even Tylenol (acetaminophen), considered a safer choice during pregnancy while avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Apr 8, 2021 · Migraines in pregnancy. Migraines are a common type of headache. Many people who have migraines may have: severe pain, which feels like a throbbing, pounding or pulsating pain. nausea (feeling sick) increased sensitivity to light and sound. an ‘aura’, such as flashing lights before the migraine starts.
Headaches are a common neurological presentation during pregnancy. Though the majority of headaches pregnant women experience (for example, migraine and tension-type headache) can be managed in primary care, some headaches, especially when associated with other neurological or visual symptoms, require urgent investigation to exclude more sinister causes.
Occasionally, headaches in pregnancy can be a worry, especially if you have other symptoms too (NHS 2018a). See your GP, midwife or maternity unit straight away if you have a severe headache and: blurred vision or flashing before your eyes. a pain high up in your belly, just below your ribs. vomiting.
