What are the symptoms of headache in pregnancy? [3 fast and home treatment methods]
If you get a headache during pregnancy, don't worry... you are not alone... According to the results of a medical study, about 39% of pregnant women and babies have this experience.... Although the type of headache in pregnancy may be different from normal headaches, it is often nothing to worry about.
Pregnancy is associated with significant changes in the body... Hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and weight gain are among the factors that can cause headaches.... In many cases, these headaches can be relieved with the help of home methods.... But in case of severe or unusual symptoms, you should see a doctor to find out the cause and start proper treatment.
In this article from the GCORP LLC health magazine, we will examine the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of headache during pregnancy... Stay with us until the end of this article.
Table of contents
- Symptoms of headache in pregnancy
- 1.... tension headaches
- 2.... migraine headaches
- 3.... cluster headaches
- When to see a doctor
- Headache What is in pregnancy?
- 1.... the first trimester of pregnancy
- 2.... the second and third trimester of pregnancy
- 3.... headache caused by high blood pressure
- 4.... other causes of headache during pregnancy
- Headache during pregnancy and gender of the fetus
- Headache treatment during pregnancy.... headache treatment during pregnancy
- 2.... blood pressure treatment
- 3.... home treatment for headache during pregnancy
Symptoms of headache in pregnancy
Headaches during pregnancy are medically divided into two primary and secondary categories... Primary headaches occur without any connection to an underlying disease... But secondary headaches occur due to another problem or disease such as high blood pressure and are usually accompanied by side symptoms... Next, we mention the most common headaches experienced by pregnant women.
1... tension headache
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache during pregnancy and 26% of cases of this problem are seen in pregnant women.... These headaches are usually accompanied by mild to moderate pain, and many people describe it as having a tight band tied around their head.
2... Migraine headaches
Migraine headaches may also occur during pregnancy. It is estimated that about 10% of pregnant women suffer from migraines without aura (sensory, visual, or motor disturbances). Migraines usually start with a dull ache and gradually become severe and throbbing pain. Give.
3.... cluster headache
Cluster headache is less common than other types of headache and occurs in approximately 0.3% of pregnant women. This type of headache usually causes severe pain on one side of the head and around the eye. It may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal congestion, watery eyes, and swelling in the pain area.
Time to see a doctor
Although headache is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, in some cases it should be checked by a doctor. People who have persistent or severe headaches and do not respond to home remedies should consult an online gynecologist as soon as possible.
Also, those who experience other worrisome symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision or convulsions, or witness abnormal pregnancy discharge, should see a doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment... The doctor will suggest treatments that are safe for the mother and fetus and prevent further complications.
The doctor may recommend various tests and tests, such as blood pressure measurements, blood tests, blood sugar checks, vision tests, heart or brain scans, eye examinations with a machine, or spinal fluid sampling to find the cause of the headache.
What is the symptom of headache during pregnancy?
Headaches in different months of pregnancy can have different reasons....we will continue to examine the possible causes of this problem.
1.... the first trimester of pregnancy
Women's bodies undergo many changes during the first trimester of pregnancy, including a sudden increase in hormones and blood volume. These changes not only increase the possibility of mood changes, constipation and hot flashes during pregnancy, but they can also contribute to the occurrence of some types of headaches such as tension headaches.
Other common factors that may cause or aggravate headaches in this period include:
- High stress
- Improper nutrition
- Low blood sugar dehydration
- Lack of sleep
- Sensitivity to light (which may cause migraines)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Caffeine withdrawal
In addition, pregnant women may be sensitive to certain foods and get headaches after consuming them.... These trigger foods are different for different people, but the most common are dairy products, chocolate, and tomatoes.
2... second and third trimester of pregnancy
During the second and third trimesters, headaches are less likely to occur due to hormonal changes....because the body has gradually adapted to these changes....however, some women may still experience tension headaches due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
In the last months, headache in pregnancy may occur for the following reasons:
- weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Muscle tension or stiffness
- Insufficient sleep
- Improper diet
- Diabetes
3.... headache caused by high blood pressure
Headache in the second or third trimester of pregnancy may be a sign of high blood pressure... a treatable disease that often occurs from the 20th week onwards and can cause serious complications for the mother and fetus.... If blood pressure increases too much during pregnancy, the risk of the following events increases:
- Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
- Premature birth (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
- premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall (placental abruption)
- Low weight of the baby at birth (less than 2500 grams)
Some pregnant women with high blood pressure develop a condition called preeclampsia. This condition increases the risk of serious problems such as seizures and strokes, and may also reduce oxygen delivery to the fetus.. One of the common symptoms of preeclampsia is a headache that does not go away easily. Other possible symptoms include:
- Blurred vision or other vision changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden weight gain
- Feeling pain in the upper part of the abdomen
- breathing problems
- Swelling of the face or hands
These symptoms are not seen in all cases of preeclampsia. That is why it is very important to visit a gynecologist regularly during pregnancy so that possible problems can be quickly diagnosed and treated.
4.... other causes of headache during pregnancy
In addition to high blood pressure, some infections and other diseases can also lead to headaches during pregnancy. These include:
- Sinus infection
- Low blood pressure
- Blood clotting
- Bleeding Sickle cell anemia
- brain tumor
- Aneurysm (weakening of the wall of brain vessels and their protrusion)
- stroke
- Heart diseases meningitis
Headache in pregnancy and gender of fetus
According to scientific evidence, headache does not have a significant relationship with the gender of the fetus... This phenomenon is mostly caused by hormonal changes, low blood sugar, dehydration, and mental stress, or it is considered a symptom of preeclampsia... Obstetricians and gynecologists consider medical tests and ultrasound as the most accurate method to determine the gender of the fetus.
Acetaminophen is the most common pain reliever that is recommended during pregnancy, but it is better to take it with the lowest possible dose and for a short period of time.
Avoid the use of drugs containing codeine, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Experts warn that these drugs can be harmful to the fetus, especially if used in the first trimester of pregnancy, unless your doctor gives you permission to do so.
1.... Migraine headache treatment during pregnancy
Many anti-migraine drugs that are used to treat or prevent migraine headaches and their symptoms are prohibited during pregnancy. Some of these drugs lead to birth defects in babies, and others may be associated with an increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), miscarriage, or bleeding in pregnancy.But if you experience severe and frequent migraine attacks, your doctor may prescribe certain medications with the lowest possible dose. It is better to talk to your doctor about these types of medications and their possible side effects.
2... High blood pressure treatment
High blood pressure is one of the serious causes of headache that can occur at any stage of pregnancy and sometimes it has no symptoms... So it is better to measure your blood pressure at least once a day with a home sphygmomanometer and see a doctor if it is high.
The doctor may prescribe medication to treat high blood pressure during pregnancy.... In addition to taking medication, it is necessary to reduce salt intake and increase fiber in the diet.... Light sports activities suitable for pregnancy also play an important role in controlling blood pressure.
3... home treatment of headache in pregnancy
The question of what pregnant women should eat or what home remedies to try for headaches is one of the common questions that people ask gynecologists. In response to these people, the following solutions can be suggested:
- Identify headache triggers: If certain factors have caused you headaches in the past, avoid them.... This information will help the doctor to identify triggers faster.
- Regular physical activity:Walking or light aerobic exercise can relieve headaches... Of course, it is better to consult your doctor before starting any kind of exercise.
- Stress Management: Talking with friends and family members, spending time doing enjoyable activities, listening to music, or seeing a mental health professional can help manage stress.
- Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, yoga or massage can help relieve headaches.... During the massage, lie on your side and be sure to inform the masseuse that you are pregnant.
- Having a regular and balanced diet:Not eating or having irregular meals can cause low blood sugar and headaches....Healthy eating also has other health benefits and helps treat heartburn during pregnancy and other problems related to this period.
- Prevention of dehydration: Consumption of water and other healthy drinks not only helps to prevent constipation during pregnancy.. It is also very useful to control headaches.
- Regular sleep:Lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of headaches... It is recommended to have a regular schedule for sleeping and waking up and adjust the room conditions in terms of light, temperature and sound so that you can sleep more easily.
Endword
Headaches are very common during pregnancy.... In the first trimester, you usually experience tension headaches caused by many and rapid changes in the body.... In the second and third trimesters, headaches occur for other reasons, some of which may be serious.
If you have headaches at any time during pregnancy, tell your doctor..Also, take all prescribed medications exactly as directed, follow diet and exercise recommendations carefully, and see your doctor for regular checkups...because most causes of headaches can be treated or prevented with proper care.
To get more guidance on pregnancy and related problems, you can visit the website of GCORP LLC and consult with the best specialist doctors including gynecologists online.. Also, GCORP LLC allows you to make an appointment with the specialist of your choice through the online appointment system.. in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, headaches are common, especially in the first trimester, and are usually caused by hormonal changes or increased blood volume... but if they are severe or persistent, you should talk to your doctor about it.. Eating healthy and avoiding skipping meals, drinking plenty of water, aggravating headaches and preventing headaches regularly will help them.. Headaches..
It is usually safe to take acetaminophen in a low dose and for a short period of time... but it is recommended to avoid taking other drugs including ibuprofen.. Avoid.
Sources: healthline | medicalnewstoday | mayoclinic
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