Headache in Pregnancy

As if the nausea in pregnancy was not enough, many pregnant women also suffer from headaches. Especially in the first three months, headaches in pregnancy are not uncommon. Under normal circumstances, one would resort to tablets, but those who are pregnant should rather keep their hands off medication.

Causes of headaches in pregnancy

In many cases, the hormonal change is responsible for the headache. But also stress, too little oxygen, weather changes, a wrong posture, fatigue or overexertion and exhaustion can trigger headaches. The interaction of the different factors can of course favor the headache or make it particularly intense. It is advisable to fight the causes. The headache is only a symptom. But if you want to stay pain-free for longer or act preventively and recognize and fight the causes, you will be spared even during pregnancy. While a normal headache does not necessarily have to be fought with tablets and in many cases a visit to the doctor is not necessary, in the case of severe headaches, attention should be paid to other complaints. In a few cases, headache is the first symptom of preeclampsia.

When it gets more severe: Migraine

It becomes problematic when it is not an ordinary headache, but migraine occurs. Migraines occur in attacks and start from one second to the next. However, it has been observed that women who suffered from migraines had hardly any problems during pregnancy. Thus, 70 to 80 percent of migraine patients – during pregnancy – are free of the annoying headache. However, migraines can return after the baby is born. The problem with migraine is that it is difficult to treat. It is important that the fetus – in the course of treatment – is not endangered. If acute migraine attacks occur, the pregnant woman should therefore go to a darkened room. Sleeping or compresses for cooling can help. Sometimes, however, gentle massages of the scalp and face are also helpful. In severe cases, acupuncture, lymphatic drainage or even various relaxation exercises also help.

What to do for headaches and migraines during pregnancy?

If headaches or migraines occur during pregnancy, medication is not a recommended alternative. There are numerous tablets that must not be taken under any circumstances – not even in small doses. However, in severe cases, smaller doses of painkillers may very well be used – after consultation with the doctor. Paracetamol is the best choice for treating migraines or severe headaches during pregnancy. Triptans, on the other hand, are not an alternative during pregnancy. If the woman is breastfeeding, ibuprofen is often prescribed. If severe migraine attacks are present, metoprolol may also be prescribed. It is important that all tablets are taken only after consultation with the attending physician. On the one hand, the doctor decides which painkiller should be taken and, on the other hand, how high the dosage should be so that the pregnant woman is helped but the fetus is not harmed. If headaches are accompanied by nausea, many doctors prescribe dimenhydrinate. Dimenhydrinate can be taken during pregnancy and also during breastfeeding. It is important that during breastfeeding the tablets are taken only after consultation with the doctor. The doctor also determines the dosage. Magnesium can also be helpful. Many physicians are of the opinion that the additional administration of magnesium can very well prevent migraine attacks. However, scientific studies have not yet been able to confirm the effect. Here, too, it is important to consult doctors when taking magnesium. Since many pregnant women want to avoid medication of any kind, trigger factors must of course be taken into account. The so-called trigger factors that cause migraine should therefore be identified. Classic trigger factors are irregular food intake, stress, insufficient fluid intake or changes in the sleep-wake rhythm. Endurance sports and regular exercise can also prevent migraines. Various relaxation techniques – such as progressive muscle relaxation – can also help to combat migraines and headaches without the need for tablets.

Beware of unusual severe headache

Headaches have only in the rarest cases serious causes and backgrounds. Especially if already before pregnancy repeatedly complained of headaches or migraine was diagnosed known. However, if the pregnant woman suffers from high blood pressure or if protein has been detected in the urine, the cause of the headache can sometimes be preeclampsia. Since this is a serious form of high blood pressure, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Other typical symptoms are visual disturbances, sudden swelling of the feet and pain in the upper abdomen. The bottom line is: if severe headaches occur – in conjunction with other complaints – a doctor should be contacted immediately.

Prevention against headaches

Relaxation, sufficient fluids, adequate sleep and rest are classic preventive measures so that the headache can not arise at all. Therefore, as a preventive measure, the pregnant woman should drink two to three liters of water a day, have enough sleep (six to eight hours) and also spend enough time in the fresh air. A balanced and healthy diet is also important. Of course, even if it is difficult, the pregnant woman should pay attention to her posture and sometimes change her sleeping position if any tension is responsible for the headache.