When should i be worried about headaches during pregnancy

Suffering from any ailment while you’re pregnant can be worrying, particularly if you’re normally pretty healthy.

Here’s some helpful information about headaches in pregnancy, how you can treat them, how best to avoid them and when you should call your doctor or midwife.

Are headaches in pregnancy common?

It’s reassuring to know that headaches in pregnancy are common. They happen most often in the early weeks of pregnancy and your changing hormones and circulation is the likely cause. Tension-type headaches are common—these can be bothersome for you, but they won’t harm your baby.

Cutting out or limiting caffeine now that you’re pregnant, which is recommended, can trigger headaches. Headaches caused by caffeine withdrawal should go away in a few days.

HEADACHES IN EARLY PREGNANCY - THE FIRST TRIMESTER

During the first trimester, the changing hormone levels and blood volume may cause you to get headaches during the early stages of pregnancy. A dull, overall headache can come with stress, fatigue, and eyestrain.

Headaches in pregnancy - The second trimester

Whilst headaches tend to be more common in the first and third trimester, they can also occur in the second trimester too. While there are common causes for headaches during pregnancy, it's important to note that headaches during the second and third trimester can also be due to high blood pressure, called pre-eclampsia

Headaches in pregnancy - The third trimester

Headaches are more common during your third trimester of pregnancy however, the causes can vary, including stress, sinus congestion, eye strain, fatigue/lack of sleep, allergies, dehydration, any many more. It's important to note that if you're concerned about your headaches you should speak to your Midwife or GP.

What can I do to treat a headache in pregnancy?

Paracetamol is considered to be safe to take during pregnancy and breast feeding to treat a headache. However, the advice is to take the lowest dose for the shortest period of time. Get advice from your doctor or midwife if paracetamol doesn’t stop your headache.

As headaches are most common in the first trimester it is always useful to consider simple measures which may prevent them from happening in the first place:

• Drink plenty of fluids each day (at least 8 glasses) to keep hydrated.
• Get a good amount of sleep.
• Rest and relax as much as you can, and manage stress—try relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, pregnancy yoga, mindfulness, pregnancy massage.
• Avoid headache triggers—if a headache in the past has been brought on by certain foods or smells, avoid those if you can.
• Include physical activity and exercise in your daily routine.
• Eat healthily and regularly.

Some painkillers used to treat headaches aren’t safe to take while you’re pregnant. Avoid the following:

• Those containing codeine.
• Those containing caffeine (such as some cold and flu remedies).
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin (Aspirin may be prescribed by your GP for other reasons.

A severe headache or one that won’t go away could be cause for concern so you should call your doctor, midwife or maternity unit so that you can be checked over.

Migraines in pregnancy

Migraines are a common type of headache in pregnancy. If you’ve not had one before, these feel different from a typical headache with severe pain that is often throbbing or pounding, perhaps on one side of the head. Other things that accompany a migraine are feeling sick, being sick, sensitivity to light and seeing flashing lights (known as an “aura”). If you suffer from migraines already, you’ll know exactly what one is.

Tell your doctor or midwife if you’ve previously suffered from migraines or if you’re on any medication or have taken anything in the past to treat them. This is because some medications aren’t safe to take in pregnancy and your doctor will want to advise you.

Interestingly, 50–75% of women who get migraines find that the frequency and intensity of their migraines actually improve when they’re pregnant (especially if linked to your period), and they may stop altogether. A welcome relief if you’re one of these women!

When should I worry about a headache or migraine in pregnancy?

Call your doctor, midwife or maternity unit immediately if you have a severe headache that won’t go away and any of the following:

• Swelling of your face, hands, feet or ankles
• Visual disturbances such as blurring or flashing lights
• Pain just below the ribs or shoulder
• Nausea and vomiting in the second half of pregnancy

These could be signs of a condition called pre-eclampsia that can lead to serious complications for you and your baby. Early diagnosis is essential so that it can be monitored and treated, so do get checked out immediately if you’re worried about any of these.

Women who get migraines are at an increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia. If your headache is different from your usual migraine, call your doctor or midwife so that they can check you over.Also call if you’ve never had a migraine before and get one in pregnancy.

If you are unwell with a headache make sure you see your doctor or midwife so that an infection can be ruled out. Pregnant women are more susceptible to infections and it is very important to receive early treatment.

When should a headache be concerning While pregnant?

Is it bad to have headaches everyday while pregnant?

What kind of headaches are normal during pregnancy?

What do preeclampsia headaches feel like?