How to Deal With Headaches During Pregnancy

How to Deal With Headaches During Pregnancy
by Jackie G. Maxwell

also from the discomforts of carrying extra weight.

Oddly enough, women who experience migraine headaches, may have fewer during a
pregnancy, while a small percentage of sufferers will have more. These patients
should discuss relief for the migraines with their doctor, as soon as a pregnancy is
confirmed, if not beforehand while they are planning to start a family.

The best idea for dealing with headaches during pregnancy, is to avoid the “known”
triggers, or those that are most likely responsible. The food preservative MSG,
cheeses, spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, and other elements of our normal diet, are
best eliminated while expecting a baby.

A healthy, balanced diet, eaten in several small meals a day if necessary, with plenty
of fluids, and lots of rest, is your first line of defense against headaches. Being tired,
dehydrated, and unable to eat “normally”, can all work together to start your head
pounding.

When you do get a headache, try and identify the cause and deal with it accordingly.
If the headache is from your sinuses, a warm compress around your nose and above
your eyebrows may relieve some of the pressure. Stress or tension headaches can
benefit from cold compresses to the back of the neck. Using these while lying down in
a darkened room, will help to alleviate some of the tension that builds up from the
pain, and makes the headache worse. Depending on your preferences, some women
may also benefit from using aroma therapy and sound therapy techniques at the
same time.

While most pregnancy headaches are from “benign” causes, you should call your
doctor if they get worse, become more frequent, are debilitating, or are accompanied
by swelling of the hands, feet or face.

About The Author

Jackie G. Maxwell
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Headaches are one of the more
unpleasant “side effects” that
come with pregnancy. All women
will have some, but most will
experience them in the first and
last trimesters. In the first three
months, this is thought to be
primarily due to such factors as
increased blood volume, the
initial stresses, and hormonal
changes. In the final three
months, the causes are more
likely to be poor posture, which
can result in pressure on parts of
your body that communicate
their discomfort to the brain, and

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.