Headache in Pregnancy
Is it more common to have headache in pregnancy?
It is not uncommon to have headache in pregnancy especially in the first and third trimester. The most common cause of headache is tension headache. In this type of headache, there is pressure-type pain or steady dull ache on both sides of your head and maybe the back of the neck. If you are prone to tension headache it may become worst in pregnancy.
What about migraine in pregnancy?
Migraine is another common cause of headache. Fortunately, about two-thirds of those women who suffer from migraine, their symptoms tend to improve in pregnancy. In the others, it tend to remain the same or worsen. In about 15% of migraine sufferers had their first migraine during pregnancy especially during the first trimester. Please read the section on migraine for further details.
What are the causes of headache during pregnancy?
There are several causes of headache during pregnancy as listed below:
- Changes of the hormones in the body with retention of fluid.
- Tension headache
- Migraine
- Lack of sleep
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Low blood sugar
- Dehydration
- Pre-eclampsia (raised blood pressure associated with protein in the urine)
- Changes in your vision
- Infection (especially there is associated fever)
- Sinus problem
- Poor posture
What medication can I take during pregnancy?
Paracetamol and acetaminophen would be safe in pregnancy. Try to avoid medications that contain aspirin or ibuprofen. Medications for migraine should be discussed with your doctor.
How can I help relieve the pain associated with headache?
- Figure out what’s triggering the headache. Keep a diary to see whether there are any obvious triggers. Potential triggers include chocolate, alcohol, yoghurt, preserved meats sour cream, peanuts and bread with yeast
- For tension headache, you could try applying warm or cold compresses to the forehead or base of the neck
- For migraine headache, applying cold compress or having a cold shower help relieves the pain
- For sinus headache, apply warm compress to your eyes and nose
- To avoid low blood sugar, have frequent small meals
- Have plenty of rest, drink a lot of fluid and regular exercise
- Practice good posture
- Have a massage to relieve tension especially at the back and neck area.
- Acupuncture may help
Could the headache be something else more serious?
- The headache is not relieved by any medication or simple remedies mentioned above or it becomes worse and persistent
- The headache is associated with fever, neck stiffness and sensitivity to light (may indicates meningitis i.e inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
- It is associated with blurring of vision, upper abdominal pain, increase swelling especially of your face, sudden weight gain around your eyes and hands. This may indicate pre-eclampsia. (high blood pressure associated with protein in the urine)
- The headache occurs after trauma to the head
- You have sudden ‘explosive’ headache and it wakes you up suddenly from sleep.
- You have nasal congestion, pain around the cheeks and nose. It may be that you have sinusitis that may be treatable with decongestant medication and antibiotics.
Do contact your doctor if you have the symptoms above.
