How to Handle Early Pregnancy Headaches

Only women who have been pregnant know the numerous problems they have to face during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the woman’s body goes through several changes that manifest themselves into various symptoms. These symptoms are often physical in nature and may even hinder women’s daily activities and lives. This happens due to changes in hormones and blood volume and poor posture due to excessive weight gain.

Some of the most well-known symptoms are nausea, vomiting, cramps, weakness, insomnia and body aches. However, there is one more symptom that can truly make their pregnancy journey a headache—headaches!

Headaches during early pregnancy are very common and, like other symptoms, are caused by hormonal fluctuations, increased blood circulation, dehydration, or stress. These headaches can be mild to high in intensity and may occur more frequently during the first trimester.

In this blog, we will talk more about headaches during early pregnancy, whether or not you should worry about them and how you can manage them.

Is Headache Safe In Pregnancy?
How To Get Rid of Headaches in Pregnancy? 10 Simple Remedies
4 Types Of Headaches During Pregnancy
Expert’s Advice
The Final Say
FAQs
References

Is Headache Safe In Pregnancy?

A pain in the head, but not always a cause for concern!

Headaches are common for most women, but experiencing them during pregnancy can be especially challenging. Managing them in the first trimester can be tricky (that’s when they are the worst), especially since many medications are avoided during this time. Whether your headache results from tension or it’s a full-blown migraine, it’s important to understand how pregnancy may affect you.

If you're prone to migraines, you may notice your migraines improve after the first trimester, likely due to stabilising estrogen levels. However, others may not experience any change, or their migraines could even worsen.

Mild headaches are also common during pregnancy, particularly in the early months. These headaches can be triggered by the changes a woman's body undergoes in the first trimester, like hormone surge and increased blood volume. Stress, poor posture, and vision changes can also contribute to more frequent headaches.

However, headaches can develop for many reasons, and the exact cause of a headache is not always clear.

Changing hormone levels and blood volume can play a role in the first trimester.
A dull, generalised headache can come with stress, fatigue, and eye strain.
Sinus headaches may be more likely due to the stuffy nose and runny nose that are common in early pregnancy.
Low blood sugar and hunger can also trigger headaches.
Women who suddenly cut out their morning coffee and sodas may experience caffeine withdrawal headaches.
Those who also experience nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy may be dehydrated.

Migraine headaches are common in pregnancy. These are painful, throbbing headaches that are usually felt on one side of the head and result from blood vessel expansion in the brain. Migraines can also come with nausea, vomiting and even sensitivity to light. A small percentage of women with migraines also have migraine aura, and they see flashes of light or feel tingling in their hands and feet.

However, headaches during early pregnancy do not signal any cause for worry for the baby. So, all you need to worry about while experiencing headaches with early pregnancy is your own health and not the baby’s.

Also Read: Saffron During Pregnancy: 7 Health Benefits, Side Effects And Tips To Make Saffron Milk!

How To Get Rid of Headaches in Pregnancy? 10 Simple Remedies

To prevent or relieve mild headaches during pregnancy without medication, try the following:

1. Apply A Hot Compress

If you're experiencing a headache, using a hot compress can help provide relief. Fill a hot water bottle with hot water and place it on your head. You can also use lukewarm water to gently apply to your eyes. This method can offer comfort for women dealing with headaches during pregnancy.

2. Massage

You may get a lot of relief from your pregnancy headache with a gentle head massage. Massaging the scalp improves blood circulation and can provide relief from the pain. Try massaging your head before bedtime—this can help you feel better and gradually reduce the frequency of headaches.

3. Enough Sleep

Not getting proper sleep during pregnancy can lead to stress and headaches. While sleep may be difficult, especially later in pregnancy, it's crucial for both physical and mental health. To improve sleep, use a comfy prenatal pillow, keep the room dark, and ensure you rest well. Getting enough sleep will help reduce headaches and other related issues.

Also Read: Struggling To Sleep? Unravel The Causes Of Insomnia In Women And Its Treatments!

4. Identify Your Headache Triggers

Doctors recommend keeping a headache diary to pinpoint triggers. Track foods, smells, or activities that may lead to headaches. If you notice patterns, avoid known triggers and share your journal with your doctor. This can help identify specific causes and manage headaches more effectively.

5. Drink Plenty Of Fluids

Pregnant women require more water than usual. Staying hydrated with more than plenty of water is essential for both your health and your baby’s, even if it means extra bathroom trips.

6. Eat Regular, Well-Balanced Meals

To maintain stable blood sugar levels, eat small, balanced meals throughout the day and avoid sugary snacks like soda and candy. ToneOp Fit's Balanced Diet Plan emphasises nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It features a personalised diet tailored to your needs, ensuring you receive balanced nutrition without additional supplements.

7. Take A Shower

A cold shower can provide temporary relief for migraines, while a warm shower or bath helps ease tension headaches. If you can't shower, try splashing your face with cold water for a quick refresher.

8. Exercises

Doing exercises during pregnancy may reduce the frequency and severity of headaches, as well as alleviate stress that can potentially trigger tension headaches. Start slowly to avoid triggering a migraine, and gradually increase your activity level.

Also Read: 4 Effective And Safest Pelvic Floor Exercises For Pregnancy

9. Try Relaxation Techniques

Techniques like biofeedback, meditation, and self-hypnosis can help reduce stress and relieve headaches. You can also join live yoga classes. Practising deep breathing and gentle yoga can calm the mind, providing relief from tension and headache discomfort.

Also Read: 5 Stress Relief Workouts And 7 Ways To Unwind For A Balanced Life

10. Consider Acupuncture

Acupuncture is generally considered safe during pregnancy, though its effectiveness for headache relief is still debated. If you're interested in trying it, consult your healthcare provider for a referral and inform them about your treatment.

4 Types Of Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches during pregnancy can vary in type and intensity. Below are the types of headaches that are common during pregnancy:

1. Tension Headaches	Tension headaches are one of the most common types during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. They often feel like a pinching pain or a constant dull ache on one or both sides of the head or at the back of the neck. If you’re prone to tension headaches, pregnancy may worsen them.
2. Sinus Headaches	Sinus headaches typically cause pressure or pain in the cheeks, around the eyes, and on the forehead. They often follow a cold or respiratory tract infection. Many people confuse migraine headaches with sinusitis, but if you experience increased pain without other cold symptoms, it may be a migraine. However, if you feel congested, it could be a sinus infection that requires treatment.
3. Cluster Headaches	Cluster headaches are much less common during pregnancy, and experts are uncertain whether pregnancy affects their frequency or intensity. These headaches are marked by sudden, intense pain, typically around one eye or temple, and may be accompanied by watery eyes or a stuffy nose. They often occur at the same time each day, usually hours after falling asleep, and can last for weeks or months.
4. Migraine Headaches	Migraines cause moderate to severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. They may be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness and sensitivity to light and sound. If untreated, migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours and may worsen with physical activity or the same triggers that affect typical headaches. They are most common in the first trimester and often subside in the second and third trimesters as your body adjusts to hormonal changes.

Expert’s Advice

If you frequently suffer from headaches, it's important to avoid triggers during pregnancy. Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of green vegetables, fruits, juices, salads, and sprouted grains. Practice yoga and exercise regularly, as recommended by your doctor. Avoid stress by resting in a cool, dark room and meditating daily to help reduce headache frequency.

Health Expert

Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

Headaches during pregnancy can be annoying, but they are usually nothing to worry about. Pregnancy causes a number of significant changes in the body that can lead to headaches. However, it is important to find a treatment that is safe for the fetus. Secondary headaches that occur as a result of an underlying problem can be dangerous. Anyone who is unsure of their symptoms or is experiencing worrisome or severe symptoms should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

FAQs

1. What do pregnancy headaches feel like?

Pregnancy headaches can feel like a dull ache, throbbing pain, or severe pain on one or both sides of the head. They may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, especially in cases of migraines.

2. Is headache an early sign of pregnancy?

Yes, headaches can be an early sign of pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume. They are common in the first trimester but can vary in intensity and frequency among individuals.

3. What can I do to prevent headaches during pregnancy?

If you find that you often have mild headaches, it's a good idea to:

Sleep more
Drink at least 8 cups of water a day
Take up exercise (like pregnancy yoga)
Learn relaxation or stress management techniques
Do not stay hungry for more than 4 hours
Avoid processed foods

4. When should I worry about headaches during pregnancy?

In the first trimester, headaches may not be a cause for concern. But in the second or third trimester, a severe headache can be a symptom of preeclampsia, which comes with high blood pressure, swelling (particularly in the face and hands), protein in the urine, and severe headaches. In such a condition with these symptoms, you should immediately contact your gynaecologist.

References

About ToneOp Fit

ToneOp Fit is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.

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