Stop Your Headache

Pregnancy Headache – Understanding the Cause and Finding the Solution

Pregnancy headache is one particular type of headache that is completely unpredictable and may also be very difficult to cure. Women, who never experienced headaches before, may start suffering from constant headaches during pregnancy. On the other hand, chronic migraine sufferers may discover that their migraines disappear once they got pregnant. The cause of both cases is found in hormonal changes the body undergoes during pregnancy.

For women who suffer from chronic migraines such natural relief could be very good news as many of them have had to stop taking their regular medication because of possible complications it could have during pregnancy. But if you have never had severe headaches before in your life and you start having them during pregnancy, the first and foremost thing you should do is to check it out with your doctor to make sure that the headaches are not a sign of something else that is wrong. Don’t get too alarmed, though - many women experience headaches during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester because of the onslaught of hormones caused by being pregnant. Typically, this type of hormonal pregnancy headache will disappear as you enter your second trimester and your hormone levels stabilize.

Finding Relief

Most pregnant women find it especially frustrating not to be able to treat their pregnancy headaches fast and easily. Women who have been taking a standard medication for years to combat migraines suddenly find themselves defenseless against their migraines as the medication that usually works for them is deemed unsafe for pregnant women. Likewise, a lot of over-the-counter medications for headaches cannot be used to treat pregnancy headaches. The only over-the-counter medication that is considered to be safe is acetaminophen. Anyway, if you have a slightest doubt, discuss this with your doctor.

Non-Chemical Alternatives

Some pregnant women find relief from headaches through acupuncture, massage and aromatherapy. If these all sound too alternative to you, you can always go by the old headache standbys: cold compress to the head and neck while sleeping in a darkened, silent room. This remedy works for many people, young and old, male and female, for everything from pregnancy headaches to sunlight and other eye-related headaches.

Pregnancy headaches, especially too frequent and severe need to be discussed with your doctor even if you think you can manage them on your own. Pregnancy headache can be, in some cases, a symptom of a more serious condition. While they are most likely caused by jumping hormone levels, fatigue or stress, other issues, such as preeclampsia, do exist and should be checked by your doctor to make sure that you, and your baby, are in good health.

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May 7, 2007 | In Articles |