Headaches During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Experiencing headaches during pregnancy is quite common—nearly one-third of pregnant folks will deal with them frequently! While these headaches are usually harmless, they can be uncomfortable and sometimes require extra attention to ensure nothing more serious is going on.
So how can you tell the difference? I’m covering that in today’s newsletter, so let’s dive in…
Understanding Migraines in Pregnancy
Migraines are a specific type of headache that can be intense, often accompanied by light sensitivity, nausea, or visual disturbances. Here's some good news: many women who suffer from migraines notice that their symptoms improve during pregnancy. In fact, studies show that 60-80% of people experience fewer or even no migraines while expecting.
Managing migraines during pregnancy involves avoiding known triggers, using Tylenol, and in some cases, considering other medications like muscle relaxants (though it's best to avoid these if possible – but sometimes they are needed).
Why Headaches Happen
In the early stages of pregnancy, headaches may be linked to fluctuating hormone levels or changes in blood and fluid volumes. As your pregnancy progresses, other factors such as posture changes and tension from carrying extra weight and fluid can contribute to headaches.
How to Manage Headaches
If you're noticing more frequent headaches, try to keep track of patterns that might help your healthcare provider identify potential triggers. Do you tend to get headaches when you skip your morning coffee? Does stress, lack of sleep, or a salty meal make them worse? Gathering this information can be valuable for your doctor or midwife.
Small lifestyle adjustments can often help prevent and manage headaches. Staying hydrated, practicing muscle stretches, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining good posture are all helpful strategies. Some pregnant women also find relief through massage, warm baths, hot compresses, or Tylenol.
When to Be Concerned
As you approach the later stages of pregnancy, it's important to be aware that headaches could signal a condition called preeclampsia. If you have a headache that doesn't improve with Tylenol, it's essential to inform your healthcare provider so they can rule out this serious condition. Other symptoms of preeclampsia include visual disturbances (like floaters), pain on the right side of your abdomen near the liver, nausea or vomiting, or simply feeling that something is off.
There are certain headaches that require immediate medical attention. If you experience what feels like the worst headache of your life, lose vision in one eye, have difficulty speaking, or notice weakness or drooping on one side of your face or body, seek medical care right away.
Wishing you a headache-free day and pregnancy journey!
Until next time,
Dr. Jen