Headaches During Pregnancy
Although we do not really know what causes headaches in general, because migraines and tension-type headaches (which are the most commonly seen form of headache) appear far more frequently in women than they do in men, it is reasonable to assume that hormones play a role in triggering headaches. It is no surprise therefore to find that during pregnancy, when hormone levels are changing dramatically, headaches are a common occurrence. It is also not surprising to find that headaches which are very prevalent at the start of pregnancy tend to tail off during the second and third trimesters when hormone levels begin to settle down.
Fortunately we rarely have to allow headaches to bother us these days and there is a great deal that we can do to prevent them in the first place and to treat them once they arrive.
One common trigger for headaches is stress and this is something which most women will experience during pregnancy. This is one reason why gentle exercise and some form of quiet daily meditation are often recommended for pregnant mothers.
Another common trigger is a lack of sleep and so getting proper rest is also essential as fatigue can not only bring on a headache but can also lead to more severe headaches. Here however it is important to recognize that you need to not only get the right amount of sleep but also to get regular and restful nightly sleep. If you are feeling tired during the day then by all means take a short nap but do not throw out your routine so that you are then unable to sleep at night.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can be a touchy subject with some people saying that you should not drink alcohol at all while others are saying that alcohol in moderation is fine. Of course this then leads on to a discussion about just what is meant by 'moderation' but we do not need to go there at the moment. As far as headaches are concerned the point to remember is that, if you do drink, then you should be careful to avoid drinks which are likely to cause a headache. Red wine for example can produce a headache in many people even when consumed in quite small quantities.
Another common trigger for headaches is caffeine and you should cut down on your consumption of both tea and coffee. If you are one of those women who likes to start the day with a double-strength latte then pregnancy is a good time to switch back to just a small regular cup of coffee to begin your day.
On the subject of caffeine it is also worth noting that some common headache medications actually contain caffeine because, in small quantities, it can be helpful. However, if you are using such medications and drinking caffeine at the same time you could make matters worse rather than better, so read the labels on all medications carefully before taking them for a headache.
Finally, on the subject of medication it is generally agreed that paracetamol and similar medication is suitable during pregnancy but that both aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided. If however you are in any doubt about medication, and particularly about such things as migraine medicines then you should play safe and consult your doctor.