Headaches are not uncommon during pregnancy. Some women suffer from the occasional headache or are bothered at one point in pregnancy. A more disruptive problem is recurrent headaches. For some women headaches occur for weeks or even months at a time.
Women who have experienced migraine headaches in the past may find the headaches subside during pregnancy. Others have more frequent migraines later in pregnancy, usually in the third trimester. Still others experience headaches for the first time during pregnancy. These are generally not migraines, although it is possible.
If you experience recurrent headaches, mention it to your doctor at your next visit. In the vast majority of the cases, the headaches are related to the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. However it’s best to discuss your symptoms with your health care provider to be sure they are normal.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you try some natural remedies for headaches, rather than taking prescription medications. There are a few that are considered safe, but it’s best to avoid it if at all possible. For headaches that are hormonal in nature, medication often doesn’t offer total relief anyway.
Some women find that either heat or ice works to relieve the pain temporarily. You can use either a hot water bottle or an ice pack. Alternating between heat and ice is also effective. Switch from the hot water bottle to the ice pack and vice versa to find the combination that works best for you.
Fatigue and hunger can contribute to headaches. If you haven’t eaten in a while, this can cause a drop in your blood sugar. The drop in blood sugar can trigger a headache. You can avoid this by eating regularly throughout the day. Getting enough rest can avoid headaches triggered by fatigue.
If natural remedies aren’t doing it, speak to your health care provider. Certain over the counter medications are considered safe during pregnancy, such as Tylenol. Other over the counter headache remedies are not considered to be safe for the developing baby. For this reason, never take any medicine without your doctor’s approval.
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