Headache During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Remedies, When to Worry?

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey that comes along with several physical, emotional, and hormonal changes. While many women look forward to this phase with excitement, it may come with unprecedented challenges for some. One of the most common discomforts during pregnancy is headaches. You may be surprised to learn that a majority of pregnant women experience headaches, especially in the first trimester. These headaches can be caused by hormonal changes, increased fatigue, or just stress and anxiety. Even global health insights from organisations like the WHO cite headaches as a frequent complaint among pregnant women. ^{1 2}

Read along to know the reasons behind headaches during pregnancy, ways you can treat and prevent them, and when you must seek medical attention. 

What Causes Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches during pregnancy are a common concern faced by women. These headaches can range from mild, dull pressure to tight band-like pains around the forehead. Some women even complain of throbbing migraines that come with nausea and blurred eyesight. Several physical and emotional factors can increase the occurrence of headaches during pregnancy. Some of the most common causes include: ³

1) Hormonal Changes

One of the biggest shifts for women in pregnancy is the fluctuations of hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone. The sudden hormonal shifts can cause endocrine alterations, subjecting women to headaches during pregnancy. ⁴

2) Increased Blood Volume

It is a known fact that a woman's body produces 50% more blood during pregnancy to support the growing baby. The sudden increase in blood volume can sometimes lead to pressure changes that trigger headaches. ^{5 6}

3) Dehydration

There is a reason women are advised to consume more fluid during pregnancy. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, leading to headaches and dizziness. ⁷

4) Low Blood Sugar

Because of nausea or a loss of appetite during the first trimester, women may skip a meal, causing a dip in their blood sugar levels. This can result in headaches during early pregnancy. ⁶⁸

5) Poor Sleep and Fatigue

A lot of women complain about interrupted sleep during pregnancy. Especially in the first trimester, women are subjected to extreme tiredness, poor sleep, and frequent urination at night, which may cause headaches. ⁹

6) Emotional Changes and Stress

A lot of women face anxieties during pregnancy related to their personal lives or professional responsibilities. This can lead to tension and headaches. ¹⁰

7) Poor Posture

Pregnancy comes with big changes in your body. Change in posture often puts more strain on the neck, shoulder, and back, which can cause headaches. These are more common among people who spend a long time sitting. ¹¹

8) Sinus

Hormonal changes can sometimes cause nasal congestion and sinus swelling, which may lead to headaches. This is especially rampant during cold or flu season. ¹²²²

9) Caffeine Withdrawal

Women reduce caffeine intake during their pregnancy. This can also trigger headaches as a withdrawal symptom. ¹³

How Can I Treat a Headache in Pregnancy?

Not all headaches during pregnancy are harmful. They can be treated promptly at home. Treatment must be prioritised as it can be stressful for both mom and baby. Some of the best pregnancy headache remedies that have been helping a lot of women include: 

• Rest to Relax: Ensure you get proper rest, as it can relieve mild to moderate headaches. You can lie down in a quiet room and use an eye mask or blackout curtains. Some women have noticed a lot of relief by practising deep breathing, as well. 
• Drink the Fluids: You must drink plenty of water throughout the day. Put on reminders or add some juices, herbal infusions to your water so that you can hydrate yourself effectively. 
• Cold or Warm Compress: You can use a cold compress for migraines and a warm compress for headaches. You can even apply the compress on your neck or shoulders for headache relief. ¹⁴
• Gentle Massages: Massages work really well for mild to moderate headaches. You can massage the temples, neck, and shoulders to release muscle tension and improve circulation. 
• Prenatal Yoga: Gentle stretches are not just beneficial for your headaches during pregnancy but also for your overall health. Prenatal yoga can ease muscle tightness and reduce stress. ¹⁵
• Aromatherapy : Some women even find aromatherapy helpful. They used mild scented oils like peppermint and lavender that helped them relax. However, always use essential oils with caution. You can even consult your doctor first. ¹⁶
• Safe Medication: Always consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. You should avoid ibuprofen and aspirin unless prescribed by a doctor. ¹⁷

What Can I Do to Prevent Headaches in Pregnancy?

We have heard time and again that prevention is always better than a cure. They are often easier and safer than treatments. Simple habits every day can significantly reduce the risk of headaches. 

• Maintain a Healthy Diet and Schedule 
  Pregnancy comes with nausea for most women, but that shouldn't stop you from eating healthy and covering up for all the nutrition. Eat small but frequent meals that are full of protein and fibre. Also, ensure you do not skip breakfast. 
• Drink Enough Fluids
  Whether you indulge in smoothies, juices, or just water with a few lemon wedges in it, you should aim for 8-12 glasses of water daily. Especially during hot weather. 
• Get Proper Sleep
  Ensure to maintain a proper sleep routine and use supportive pillows. If you are in your third trimester, you can invest in a good sleeping pillow and a supportive pregnancy pillow to help you sleep better. If you are in your first trimester, you can sleep on your left side. This can help to reduce pressure on your major blood vessels.  
• Manage Stress
  You can try several methods to relax. Activities like meditation, deep breathing, and journaling can help to manage stress. Some women even love listening to music during pregnancy, as that can help calm their senses. 
• Improve your Posture
  Avoid slouching and sitting when pregnant. If you are supposed to sit for a longer duration, sit with back support and take frequent breaks. 
• Limit the Triggers
  Maintain a diary to identify triggers for recurring headaches. Note whether it's certain foods, strong fragrances around, or bright lights. Some women can also be triggered by noise and excessive screen time. 

When Should I Call a Doctor or Midwife About a Headache in Pregnancy? 

Although all headaches related to pregnancy are harmful, some can indicate an underlying medical condition. It may be serious and need prompt care if: ¹⁸

• You have severe, constant headaches 
• You have sudden and intense pain 
• A headache with blurred vision 
• Headache accompanied by swelling of the face, hands, and feet 
• A headache that comes along with high blood pressure 
• A headache that is followed by a fall 
• Dizziness or fainting 
• Changes in speech, along with a headache 
• Preeclampsia: A severe headache that is accompanied by high blood pressure, swelling on the face, and blurry vision can be a serious complication that requires urgent care. ¹⁸

Never ignore unusual symptoms and worry; always consult a doctor as soon as you notice an alarming symptom.  

Does Pregnancy Cause Migraines?

Pregnancy cannot cause migraines, but it may affect women differently. Some women experience new migraines during pregnancy with an increased frequency or stronger intensity. While others may notice improvement during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. It is said that stable estrogen levels can reduce the levels and frequency of migraine.¹⁹

What Other Things Cause Headaches During Pregnancy?

Apart from common triggers and hormonal changes, some medical conditions can also trigger headaches. 

• Anemia 
  Low iron levels can cause severe migraines accompanied by fatigue and dizziness. A doctor may prescribe iron supplements if you are diagnosed with low iron. ²⁰
• High Blood Pressure 
  Pregnancy induces hypertension, which can lead to headaches requiring medical attention. ²¹
• Vision Problems 
  Some women with changes in their eyesight can feel strain in the eyes, causing headaches. An eye checkup can help in such cases. 
• Medication Side Effects 
  Some of the prenatal supplements can cause headaches. Women have noticed headaches as a common side effect of some of the prenatal symptoms. ²³

Conclusion

Headaches during pregnancy are very common and usually harmless. They can be uncomfortable, but they can be treated and prevented using simple at-home remedies. In case it is accompanied by warning symptoms like intense pain, blurred vision, swelling of the face, hands, or feet, and high blood pressure, you must seek medical guidance when needed. 

Overall, maintaining a healthy routine, listening to your body, and seeking medical help whenever needed can help you navigate pregnancy headaches safely.