Headaches during pregnancy - causes, symptoms and treatments

Headaches during pregnancy - causes, symptoms and treatments -

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A Headache is one of the most common problems that affect pregnant women. Headaches typically occur due to hormonal changes taking place in your body while you are waiting. And for some women, the symptoms can be quite severe. But, the good news is that during the last six months of pregnancy, the headaches are reduced, and you will experience an improvement. You'll also be happy to know that there are many ways to treat headaches during pregnancy, so do not get too stressed about them! Read on and learn more about headaches during pregnancy

The causes of headaches during pregnancy :.

Pregnancy can be a chaotic time for your hormones, which is the main reason for the headache (1). A tension headache, a sore head most common pregnancy-related (2), feels like a dull, constant pain in the back of the neck or both sides of the head. Sometimes, you can even try a squeezing pain. If you experience pain pre-pregnancy tension headaches, it can worsen during pregnancy. other causes include:

1. Changes in hormones:

Experts do not know exactly why headaches are common during pregnancy. The changes in hormone levels in the body during pregnancy causes debilitating headaches (3). Progesterone is a hormone that helps relax the uterus or womb, as well as dilates the blood vessels, including those of the neck and head. Therefore, blood flows through these vessels increases and causes the headaches. There is also an increase in blood volume and circulation in the body during the first quarter, which can be another cause of headaches.

[ Read: Home Remedies for Headache During Pregnancy ]

2. The blood pressure changes:

Another cause of tension headache during pregnancy are changes in blood pressure. As mentioned earlier, if you have always been sensitive to this type of headache or migraine, may be more common during the early stages of pregnancy. However, there are some women who find their headaches occur less frequently and are less severe when they are pregnant (4).

[ Read: Migrane During Pregnancy ]

3. Other causes:

In addition to hormonal changes in pressure and blood, there are many other causes that contribute to headaches in pregnant women. Some of them are:

Dehydration
Fatigue
Stress
Low sugar levels in the blood
Eye strain
Hunger
The lack of fresh air
Lack of sleep
The lack of exercise
Depression

you may be surprised to know that if you quit smoking or are trying to reduce your intake of caffeine, one of the withdrawal symptoms can be headaches (5).

Headache affecting the area behind the cheekbones may be due to sinus congestion. During pregnancy, the view can also be affected because there are variations in pressure around the eyes (6). The eye strain can cause pain or around the eyes or around the head.

It is common for women to experience headaches during the last stages of pregnancy. However, if you do, it could be an indication of problems that are more serious, such as preeclampsia or high blood pressure. It 'important to talk to your doctor if you suffer from headaches during the third quarter, especially if they hit the front of the head or have nausea or flashing lights.

[ Read: Pregnancy Hormones ]

Treatment For headaches during pregnancy:

Here's a look at some of the most effective treatments for tension headaches and migraines during pregnancy:

1. Use a Compress:

If you suffer from tension headaches during pregnancy, you can get relief by applying a cold or warm compress at the base of the skull (7), the sides of the head, forehead and eyes. For migraine, it is best to use a cold compress as they are more effective in providing relief.

2. Eat regularly and stay hydrated:

As mentioned above, one of the most common triggers of headaches during pregnancy is low blood sugar (8). To avoid that, you should eat smaller meals more often. 'Important not to keep your stomach empty. However, make sure to avoid sweets and other sugar products straight as this lead to a peak and then accelerated sugar levels in the blood. In addition, you should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. In case of vomiting because of a migraine attack, be sure to sip water slowly.

[ Read: Massage Chairs During Pregnancy ]

3. Remain Active:

To prevent tension headaches and migraines during pregnancy, it is important to be sure to get a lot of exercises. There is some evidence that shows the severity and frequency of headaches can be reduced by regular exercise (9). You can also reduce stress, which is one of the most common causes of tension headaches, with physical activity. The exercises that help good posture can also help with the headaches that occur during the third quarter.

4. Avoid fatigue and relaxation:

One of the best ways to get relief from headaches during pregnancy is to take a nap. It helps prevent them how your body gets the rest it needs at this time. If you have a migraine headache, take a nap in a dark, quiet room. Reducing stress is also important when you have headaches. One of the best ways to relieve stress is to master relaxation techniques. So, look at yoga, meditation and deep breathing to reduce stress.

[ Read: Acupuncture During Pregnancy ]

5. Reflexology:

reflexology can cure sore pregnant minor head (10). It offers relief, but the key is getting the treatment from a registered therapist. Reflexology can play a huge role in reducing the pain that comes with headaches and migraines. It can also affect the frequency of headache is a positive way.

6. Try Biofeedback:

Many experts recommend biofeedback, which is a mind-body technique that helps control certain bodily functions, such as blood pressure, heart rate and tension muscle (11), which reduces the headache. If you want to enjoy the benefits of biofeedback during pregnancy, ask your OB / GYN for a referral to a registered therapist.

7. The inhalation of vapor:

If you suffer from a bad sinus headache, you can alleviate traffic congestion through steam inhalation (12). You can also add moisture to the air by using a humidifier. It is important to remember mucus needs to keep flowing. So, drink plenty of fluids during the day. Visit your doctor to see if your headaches are caused by a sinus infection. If so, get your doctor to prescribe a nasal decongestant that is safe to use during pregnancy.

8. Get a massage:

You can release tension in the muscles of the back, shoulders and neck with a full body massage. Get a massage from a trained prenatal massage therapist can afford it (13). If you can not, you can ask your partner or friend to rub the head and back. You can also visit a salon for a professional shampoo that is known to relieve headaches. There are many women who claim to get a massage has helped them significantly relieve tension headaches during pregnancy.

[ Read: Herbal Teas During Pregnancy ]

9. Acupuncture:

Although it is not known whether it is effective in the treatment of headaches, acupuncture is a treatment that is considered safe during pregnancy (14). There are cases in which pregnant women have benefited from acupuncture when suffering from tension headaches. If you think it is worth a try, you can ask your health care provider to give you the names registered acupuncturists and experts.

10. Take a shower or bath:

A cold shower can provide quick, although temporary, relief from headaches. If you can not take a shower, cold water spray on the face can also help. For tension headaches, you could try a warm bath or shower. A warm bath with Epsom salts for 15 minutes will help you relax and relieve the pain that comes with the headache.

11. Choose the right bra size:

Did you know that wearing a wrong bra size can cause headaches? Strange as it may seem, it is true. During pregnancy, the ligaments that support the breasts tend to support the weight of your breasts growing (15). This puts considerable pressure on the neck and back; causing headaches.

12. Aromatherapy:

Needless to say, an annoying headache can dampen your spirit. Many women resort to using an ice pack on his forehead that works wonders! It also suggests the use of essential oils if you are suffering from acute pain. You can pour a few drops of oil on a napkin and take a breath of it or rub some 'oil gently around the temple and forehead.

13. Refreshing herbal tea:

brew a cup of tea with one teaspoon each of lavender, lemon balm, and chamomile. Add ½ teaspoon fennel seeds in this mixture. Add milk and honey if you find the unpleasant concoction. This tea works like a charm on sinus pain and anxiety head.

14. Cumin seeds:

roasted cumin seeds and tie it in a clean muslin cloth. Sniff this bundle for immediate relief from headaches (16).

15. Cinnamon and honey:

This is a powerful formula that can reduce the intensity of your headaches. Add three teaspoons of cinnamon powder to a cup of milk and boil. Once the milk cools, add a tablespoon of honey and drink up. Drink the mixture twice a day, if you have a severe headache.

16. Apples:

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. This was not said without rhyme or reason. Apples are rich in vitamins and minerals that keep you healthy and ticking. If other remedies do not help the headache, it's time to give it a shot of Apple. You can cure chronic headaches eating apple slices sprinkled with salt for a week or two.

[ Read: Apples During Pregnancy ]

17. Ginger Concoction:

Ginger, like Apple, has been used since time immemorial to treat a myriad of health. Throw in an inch of fresh ginger cut while brewing a cup of tea. Ginger is rich in antioxidants help relieve headaches (17).

For a warm compress, make a rice sock and heat in the oven before putting it around his neck. The addition of a few drops of essential oil will give you twice the relief.

Peppermint oil is a natural vasodilator and therefore helps to improve blood circulation (18). If you suffer from a bad sinus headache during pregnancy, you will get immense relief using this oil.

Lavender oil is another essential oil that fights the evil of vicious head and promotes better sleep (19).

Both wild orange and lemon essential oils are a boon if you suffer from headaches in the first quarter. These oils of citrus fruit promote the blood flow and reduce water retention. Just rub a few drops on the temples when you come down with a headache.

A mix of apricot, peppermint, lemon and essential oils will banish a headache in a jiffy. Massage this rejuvenating tonic in your face and your fine lines. You can also massage this protective mixture around the base of the neck and skull

How to prevent headaches during pregnancy :.

Although headaches are common during pregnancy, you can stop them when you're pregnant. Here are two ways to do this:

Eating a healthy and balanced diet: Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Although it may be hard to think of eating when you suffer from the morning sickness, it is important to make sure you eat a healthy diet (20). As mentioned earlier, it is of vital importance to prevent hunger when you are pregnant as it can cause headaches. Eating small meals throughout the day to prevent your stomach get empty. Keep snacks such as almonds, dried apricots, yogurt, fruit and crackers, if you are traveling or at work

exercise :. As mentioned, exercise helps treat and prevent the tension and migraine during pregnancy. Physical activity helps to relieve tension, stress and depression, all of which can cause headaches during pregnancy. That aside, breathing fresh air can also prevent headaches. So try to spend time outdoors and enjoy some 'healthy physical activity.

[ Read: Kegel Exercises During Pregnancy ]

Get plenty of rest: Make sure you have time to relax and get plenty of rest to prevent the onset of headaches during pregnancy. You should take time for a nap every day. Also, give yourself time to relax every day - whether it's soaking in a hot bath, listening to soothing music, reading a book or meditate. Find out what helps you relax more and do it as part of your daily routine.

you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy and is suffering from a headache for the first time or getting a really bad. A headache may or may not come with changes in vision, nausea or acute pain in the upper abdomen, swelling in face or hands, or sudden weight gain. You may have to get a urine test and also get your blood pressure checked immediately to rule out preeclampsia (21). If you had problems with the ascent or high blood pressure, you should call your doctor, even if the headache is mild.

Do you have a sore explosive head all of a sudden or violent pain that awakens from sleep. You should also call your doctor if you have a headache that does not go away or is one that does not feel like any headaches that occurred in the past (22).

Your headache comes with a fever. It could be another problem which is why it is important to get diagnosed the cause as quickly as possible. You should also make sure to call your doctor as soon as possible if the headache is accompanied by a stiff neck.

The headache gets worse by the minute, and there are other problems such as visual disturbances such as blurred vision, drowsiness, slurred speech, numbness or a change in the normal alertness.

You have nasal congestion with pressure and pain under your eyes or facial pain. You should also call your doctor if the headache is accompanied by dental pain. You may have an infection in your breast that require treatment with antibiotics (23).

You have a headache after hitting his head or fall. In fact, you should call your doctor immediately if you have a headache after each concussion. It 'important to make sure that there are no internal damage due to trauma

When you are pregnant, it is important to make sure that you eat a variety of food groups -. Sources of protein, fruits and vegetables, dairy products and bread and cereals. Make sure these foods are included in your daily diet in order to get a good balance of all the vital nutrients that the body requires, especially in this period. During pregnancy, your body requires an additional 300 calories per day (24).

Recording of pregnancy exercise classes or go for a walk or swim to get the exercise your body needs during this phase of your life (25). According to experts, even a 30-minute walk can do wonders for a headache, while helping you get the exercise you need. Exercise also promotes restful sleep which is important to prevent a headache when you are pregnant.

sleep helps prevent headaches and migraines pregnancy. You should do so to obtain a first night regularly to get the right amount of sleep (26). Six to eight hours of rest is prudent when you want to avoid painful sore head. Get a good night's sleep to keep fatigue, eye strain, stress and other factors that contribute to headaches at bay

[ Read: Sinus During Pregnancy ]

Migraine during pregnancy :.

another common type of a headache pregnant women experience migraine. According to experts, it is estimated that 1 in 5 women suffer from migraines at some point in his life. Experts also estimate 16% of these women suffer from this type of headache for the first time during pregnancy, most commonly in the first quarter (27). Migraines are often accompanied by other symptoms such as:

sensitivity to noise and light
Vomiting
Nausea
Weakness
“Pins and needles sensation "
numbness

The best way to treat migraines during pregnancy is to avoid them. You can reduce the number of migraine attacks you suffer, avoiding the triggers that cause them and also making sure you get the amount of sleep you need.

There are many migraine triggers that must be identified to prevent this headache (28). the most common are the foods that contain:

artificial sweeteners

MSG or monosodium glutamate

nitrates and nitrites, which are commonly found in processed meats such as bacon, salami and hot dogs

alcohol

carob and chocolate

smoked fish

milk products, such as sour cream and buttermilk, and aged cheeses

Some nuts and beans

Some fresh fruits such as avocados, bananas, citrus and papaya

fermented or pickled foods, such as sauerkraut and soy sauce

Other triggers include flickering or glaring lights, tobacco smoke, strong odors, excessive heat or cold and loud noise

When you consult your healthcare provider :.

And 'prudent that you know when to call your doctor if you suffer from headaches during pregnancy. As mentioned earlier, although it is a common problem in pregnant women, headaches may indicate a more serious health condition. You should call your doctor immediately if:

Even if you have had headaches and migraines before, it's important to talk with your health care provider, to ensure that the right treatment is rendered to you. If you suffer from migraines, you will be able to take many medications that you have used before pregnancy. Never take any medication, including herbal, without consulting your doctor first

If you experience abnormal strain on the eyes or staring at a computer screen or reading brings pain head.; you may have vision problems. Get your vision checked by an eye doctor

preeclampsia during pregnancy :.

In the case of severe headaches during pregnancy, especially in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, chances are you are afflicted with preeclampsia. Also known as toxemia, preeclampsia occurs when a woman is suffering from high blood pressure during pregnancy (29). This condition affects approximately 5 to 10% of pregnancies (30). Headaches caused by this condition tend to be throbbing and persistent.

Pregnant women with preeclampsia may also have other symptoms, such as seeing spots or blurred vision, pain in the upper abdomen, sudden weight gain and swelling of the face and hands, also known as edema ( 31). If you experience any of these symptoms or have a headache that is not similar to others that you have had, it is important to immediately visit your health care provider.

Preeclampsia can occur during pregnancy and after childbirth (32). This condition has an impact on both the mother and the child. Preeclampsia occurs when blood vessels in the placenta have abnormal interaction. In addition to those mentioned above, some of the symptoms and signs of pregnancy headaches include:

nausea and vomiting

severe headaches

proteinuria, or excess protein in the urine, or other signs of kidney problems

decreased urine production

Shortness of breath that occurs due to fluid in the lungs

thrombocytopenia, and decreased levels of platelets in the blood

Impaired liver function

sensitivity to light and other changes in vision

[ Read: Eclampsia During Pregnancy ]

other types of headaches during pregnancy:

different women go through different types of headaches during pregnancy. As stated earlier, those who are susceptible to motion sickness suffer serious head from those during pregnancy (33). In addition to tension headaches and migraines, pregnant women may also have other types of headaches, including sinus headaches, cluster headaches or those due to no common health problems. If you are pregnant and unsure of a headache you have, it is important to visit your prenatal care provider in order to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.

As you can see, there is much more for headaches during pregnancy than you think. What do you think it is a headache caused by fatigue, stress or hunger may be something more serious. This is why it is important to take seriously the headache. Keep a close watch on the symptoms that occur is also crucial, as they may be an indication of a serious condition that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.

The treatments mentioned herein may help to provide relief from headaches during pregnancy. It 'important to remember not to start any medication without consulting your doctor first. Also, you should never resort to herbal remedies or home without the consent of a health professional. You need to consult a professional for alternative therapy like aromatherapy, as there are some essential oils that should be used with caution or avoided altogether during pregnancy.

The most important thing to remember is that you should see your doctor immediately if you are concerned about a headache during pregnancy. This can help to prevent many more serious problems that can lead to complications for you and your child

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