Headache during pregnancy
Headaches or migraines are the most common ailments for women during pregnancy. We tell you why they occur, how to prevent and treat them.
Instinctively, the first thing we all ask a pregnant woman , in terms of her health, is usually how she is doing. Normally they will answer us that it is good, but many other times they will say that they suffer from a headache , since it is the most common discomfort among pregnant women.
Index
WHY DOES A HEADACHE OCCUR DURING PREGNANCY?
During pregnancy it is normal to suffer headaches, especially during the first three months . These ailments are due to causes still unknown by specialists, but which are closely linked to the change in hormonal levels and the increase in the flow of blood circulation . In this first stage of pregnancy, the aforementioned pains may occur due to the sudden stoppage of the consumption of some substances, such as caffeine; or from physical or psychological causes such as stress, low blood sugar, dehydration, or tiredness.
IBUPROFEN AND ASPIRIN CAN HARM THE FETUS
In the last three months of pregnancy, pain is usually related to tension and poor posture, so we must be very aware and try to maintain the correct posture to avoid these ailments.
If you are a person sensitive to having headaches without being pregnant, it may be that during the first three months of pregnancy these ailments are increased.
ARE HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES FREQUENT?
It is also completely normal to have a migraine during pregnancy. In most cases it is completely harmless to health.
Migraine is a pain usually concentrated on one or both sides of the head that can cause dizziness, vomiting and changes in vision or speech . It is a disease that affects 14% of the population, the female gender being the most affected (18% of pregnant women have suffered migraines during pregnancy). As mentioned above, some of the women with migraine headaches before pregnancy seem to improve during the gestation months. But others, in their minority, get worse. It is commonly said that the latter will have fewer complications during delivery .
However, severe pain during the second or third trimester of pregnancy can be a danger of toxemia or high blood pressure . These pains are accompanied by blurred vision, seeing spots or spots, abdominal pain, swelling of the hands or face, or sudden weight gain (about half a kilo a day). If you suffer from any of these symptoms you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnant women may also suffer from unusual headaches such as sinus headaches or different parts of the skull.
HOW TO TREAT A HEADACHE WITHOUT HARMING THE BABY
To treat regular headaches, without harming the baby, treatment should always be consulted with a doctor before taking any remedy, including medications you were taking before pregnancy.
Most medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen are not recommended for pregnant women, since they could harm the fetus.
The following recommendations can help you relieve a headache on multiple occasions:
– Apply a hot or cold compress to the forehead, upper lip, or cheeks.
– Sleep a minimum of eight hours a day or until you feel rested.
– Take care of your body posture, especially the back and cervicals.
– Maintain a balanced diet . Some foods can negatively affect people with migraines, such as chocolate, alcohol, fresh bread or yeast, preserved meats, smoked fish, aged (aged) cheese, or nuts.
– Drink water. Thirst is one of the main causes of this ailment.
– Do relaxation exercises to reduce stress and stay away from situations that alter your nerves.
– Ventilate the house or go outside if you are in a closed space without drafts.
– Maintain a daily routine: meal times and rest hours.
– Lie down for a while in a dark room without noise, it will temporarily relieve pain.
– Allow yourself some time a day to take a nap. Being rested helps you suffer fewer headaches.
– Do moderate exercise to improve blood circulation. To improve circulation we can also lie on the right side of the body.
– Don’t go hungry. As well as thirst, it is another of the main causes of migraines and not recommended during pregnancy, since you and the fetus must be adequately hydrated and fed at all times.
– Eating several meals a day will help you, not only not to go hungry, but also to avoid a lack of sugar.
– Massage the nape or temple.
– Take a warm shower, it will also help you decongest the respiratory tract that often cause headaches.
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS TO TREAT HEADACHE
Health professionals recommend not taking any type of medication , if possible, during pregnancy. Keep in mind that most medicinal herbs have also been contraindicated.
IT IS ADVISABLE NOT TO TAKE ANY TYPE OF MEDICATION
Other professionals recommend Acetaminophen, although they all agree that aspirin, ibuprofen, and, above all, antibiotics should not be taken. These drugs not recommended by professionals are highly dangerous, since they can cause defects in the fetus.
For vomiting and dizziness, vitamins B6 can be taken in 6-milligram tablets if your doctor has no objection. Most vitamins can be taken during pregnancy and are not harmful to the baby.
TIPS: WHAT NOT TO DO
During pregnancy you should avoid, in addition to the use of some medications, the consumption of herbs and teas due to their negative effect on the fetus. Most of them stimulate bleeding or contractions of the uterus, passing directly into breast milk . Others can cause constipation or heartburn.
The medical term for drugs that can cause birth defects or harm to the baby is teratogen : including drugs, chemicals, herbs, among other components. Therefore, none of these substances should be consumed during pregnancy, as they could damage or injure the fetus. The most important thing is that you never have to self-medicate.
If you took any medications or herbs for headaches before you knew you were pregnant, you should definitely consult your gynecologist and they will probably perform a high-resolution ultrasound to see if the baby has suffered any damage, since the first ten weeks of childbirth are the most important, precisely when the baby’s organs are developing.
Headaches are very common during pregnancy, and the best treatment is to feel stress-free, rested, and well-fed. If the pain persists, your doctor will help you alleviate the pain with medicines or natural treatments that do not harm your baby, so that you can enjoy the precious state of your child’s pregnancy with your best health.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.