Headaches are a common side effect, especially in early pregnancy (1st trimester). It is assumed that the cause is massive hormonal changes and changes in lifestyle, such as avoiding caffeinated drinks. Other sleeping habits can also contribute to this. If a woman suffered from migraine before pregnancy, it can improve or disappear during pregnancy, especially if it occurred in connection with menstrual bleeding.
Introduction
Physiotherapy is mainly used to treat headaches caused by tension in the head, shoulder and neck muscles. Heat and massage applications can be helpful. Most headaches during pregnancy are harmless, but in the case of constant severe or unusual new headaches a medical examination is induced. In addition, medication should only be taken in consultation with a doctor, so that the child is not endangered by the medication.
Therapy
In order to treat headaches in the best possible way, one should find out what causes the pain. A pain diary is a good way to do this. In stressful situations, some people tend to adopt a tense posture and raise their shoulders.
This can lead to tension in the shoulder-neck area, which in turn can lead to headaches. In such cases, light gymnastic exercises can loosen the muscles and relieve the pain. Heat applications and massages can also help and relieve headaches.
Changes in the hormone balance and circulation can also cause headaches. A walk in the fresh air can be especially helpful in case of circulation-dependent pain. Breathing should also be controlled, as deep, relaxed breaths can have a calming effect.
Headaches can also be caused by low blood sugar levels, and several small meals can be helpful. Headaches can also be caused by changes in sleeping and living habits. For example, nicotine or caffeine withdrawal can sometimes cause severe headaches. After a certain period of getting used to and adapting to the new metabolic situation, the headaches usually disappear again.
Complaints in the further course of pregnancy
In the 2nd trimester, i.e. in the 4th-7th month of pregnancy, the initial symptoms usually subside. So do the headaches. The body has become accustomed to the changed hormone situation and a new balance is achieved.
Headaches can of course still be caused by tension, especially the changed body statics due to the growing child can influence the posture and thus also lead to tension-dependent headaches. Here, as at the beginning of the pregnancy, mobilizing exercises, warmth or massages can help. In the last two weeks of the 3rd trimester (7th-9th month of pregnancy) the body prepares for the birth, which can lead to water retention in the tissue.
The baby’s weight can sometimes cause back pain. These two accompanying symptoms can also cause increased headaches. Pregnancy becomes increasingly strenuous and the changes in posture encourage this problem. This might also be of interest to you: Exercises for back pain during pregnancy
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