Causes

Hormonal changes, changes in circulation, metabolism and sleeping habits change the woman’s organism. Due to the changed blood circulation of the brain and the changed supply with nutrients it can come to headaches. Avoiding stimulants such as nicotine or caffeine, which the pregnant woman may have previously consumed, can cause headaches. Psychological stress can also cause headaches during pregnancy. In late pregnancy, the altered static, which affects the spine and thus also the cervical spine and the shoulder-neck area, is often the cause of tension headaches.

Are headaches during pregnancy dangerous?

In most cases, headaches during pregnancy are a harmless side effect. However, a doctor should be consulted urgently if there are accompanying symptoms such as increased blood pressure, altered urinary behaviour (protein in the urine, frequent urination). This may be a complication of pregnancy.

This is known as a pregnancy stenosis (pre-eclampsia or pregnancy poisoning). This is an absolute emergency and requires urgent medical attention. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, edema, visual disturbances, dizziness, nausea or upper abdominal pain (right side) often occur. However, gestational stenosis is rare and the many cases of headache during pregnancy are uncomplicated.

Physiotherapy/what helps?

The physiotherapeutic treatment of headaches during pregnancy depends on the cause of the pain. Soft-tissue treatments such as massages, fascia therapy or trigger point treatment can be helpful for tension in the shoulder-neck area. An exercise program consisting of circulation-enhancing and mobilizing as well as stretching exercises is individually adapted to the needs of the pregnant woman.

Heat applications such as fango or red light can be used to relieve tension and also contribute to muscle relaxation but also to psychological relaxation.Manual therapeutic techniques can also be helpful in the case of a blockage of the spinal column, for example due to altered statics. Strengthening training and posture training can counteract overloading and thus prevent the occurrence of headaches in the long term or relieve their intensity. Breathing therapy or relaxation techniques can also be learned in physiotherapy. The following articles may be of interest to you in this regard:

Stress during pregnancy
Yoga for pregnant women
Acupuncture during pregnancy