You’re pregnant and having headaches? You’re not alone in this journey.
Causes of headaches
🤕Hormonal changes
Increase and fluctuation of hormones when you’re pregnant cause you headaches.🤕 If you are more sensitive to a high level of estrogen, you tend to have headaches more easily compared to others.🙁
🤕Increase of blood volume
During the first trimester, you need more blood🩸 not only for yourself but also for the baby’s development. You may also notice headaches as a side effect of increased blood volume.🤕
🤕A lack of sleep and nutrients
Lack of rest due to stress, depression or stuffy nose👃 can lead to headaches in the morning. Low blood sugar levels from a poor nutrient diet🥣 also cause headaches, making you feel fatigued and tired.
Common type of pregnancy headaches
🤕Tension headache
Tension headaches are the most common kind of headaches during the first trimester. You feel a steady pain behind your eyes👁️ and in your head🧠 and at the back of your neck. If you’ve always been prone to tension headaches, pregnancy will make it worse.
🤕Sinus headache
Sinus headaches happen the most often when you have a cold or respiratory infection.😷 It feels like pressure or pain in your cheeks, around your eyes, and in your forehead.🤯
🤕Cluster headache
Cluster headaches are not common during pregnancy but there is a possibility that it might happen. You will notice sudden and severe pain around one eye or temple, sometimes accompanied with teary eyes😥 or a stuffy nose.👃
🤕Migraine headache
Migraines are most common during the first trimester. You’ll experience moderate to severe pain, typically one side of your head. The pain soon will be reduced when your body gets used to the altered amount of hormones in the second and third trimester.😃
Ways to prevent or treat migraines
🤕Relaxation techniques
Try biofeedback, meditation, or yoga🧘 to reduce stress and headaches. You can also consider self-hypnosis and consult with your medical provider to make yourself less in pain.👩⚕️
🤕Drink water
To prevent low blood sugar, eat small meals🍲 frequently throughout the day. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.🥛 Sip water slowly if you’ve vomited from a migraine.
🤕Take a shower
Cold shower or a big splash of water into your face🚿 can relieve migraine headaches temporarily. A warm shower can soothe tension headaches.🛁
🤕Sleep
Just sleep. Having a good sleep in your quiet and dark room will help ease the pain.😴
🤕Exercise
Gentle exercise during pregnancy can reduce the severity and recurrence of migraine. It also reduces stress that can cause tension headaches.🏃♀️