Beating Pregnancy Headaches
Many women experience headaches during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy. During the first trimester, you may experience headaches due to an increase in the amount of hormones and blood your body produces to cope with the demands of pregnancy. However, in the final trimester, it’s believed that the headaches are caused by the changes in your posture that result from pregnancy. The extra weight of the baby can lead to imbalances in your body, causing many parts of your body to be pulled into uncomfortable positions. As a result, many women experience an increase in back and neck pain, which can lead to more headaches.
For many women who have migraines, pregnancy can actually be a blessing. The chemicals that your body produces too much of will be used up, leading to a decrease in number and severity of headaches. However, there are a small number of women who don’t experience this benefit and may, in fact, have worse headaches. If you have a history of migraines, make sure you discuss this fact with your doctor before you get pregnant – he or she may be able to recommend behaviors or natural remedies that decrease your chance of getting pregnancy-related headaches. If you normally take medications to prevent migraines, you should also check with your doctor before becoming pregnant to determine if any of the medications you’re taking have chemicals that aren’t safe for your baby.
The best defense against pregnancy headaches is to avoid your known triggers. Foods that include MSG, caffeine, and chocolate are known to be triggers for headaches. Some spicy foods and cheeses can also contribute to the onset of a headache. Of course, most of these foods aren’t really healthy in the first place, so when you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid them even if you don’t experience headaches. Stress is also a major cause of headaches, so try to remain calm as much as possible, and ignore the little things that can trigger a headache.
In addition, there are many ways to treat a headache naturally. If you’ve developed a headache from stress and tension, try applying a cold compress to the back of your neck. Many women experience relief after lying down in a dark, cool room as well. You can also try using relaxation techniques, including aromatherapy or soft music. Some women prefer to use a heating pack as well, and if your headaches are due to pulled muscles in your neck, you might try an over-the-counter heating cream. If none of these techniques or tips provide any relief, contact your physician as soon as possible to see if your headache is caused by something more severe that fatigue or stress.
Most headaches will go away with time. However, if your headaches aren’t improving or if you have swelling in your feet or hands, you should contact your doctor immediately. In these cases, your headaches may be caused by something else altogether. There are medications you doctor can prescribe if the pain becomes unbearable, but it’s important to speak with your doctor about treatment options before you get pregnant if you already suffer from severe headaches. It may take a long time to get a prescription, and you may have to go in for an appointment if you wait to share this information until you have a headache.