Headache in back of head pregnant

Pregnancy and Headaches: When Should I Worry?

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing to be celebrated, but few people fill you in on the not-so-great symptoms that may occur during the journey. Namely, heartburn, gas, constipation and, for some pregnant mamas, headaches.

While headaches can be just another normal symptom of pregnancy, should they ever be a cause for concern?

“Headaches are common in women both in and outside of pregnancy,” said Kelley Saunders, MD, an OBGYN with Banner – University Medicine Women’s Institute. “But whether they are normal or not should always be discussed with your doctor."

Here is some insight into what causes headaches during pregnancy, some remedies to treat them and why your doctor should be kept in the loop.

Is it a headache or something else?

It isn’t always easy to tell what kind of headache you’re having, but the most common types of headaches during pregnancy are tension-type headaches, migraines and cluster headaches.

Tension headaches are the most common kind of headache in pregnant women. It can feel like someone is trying to squish your head like a watermelon. If you carry your stress in your shoulders and neck, you may be more susceptible to this kind of headache.

Migraines are a particular type of headache that occur on one side of the head. For some women, migraine headaches can get worse the first few months and then improve in later stages of pregnancy. For others, they may experience no change, decrease or difference in their migraines.

Cluster headaches are less common but can occur during pregnancy. You’ll suddenly have severe pain around your eyes or temples usually about the same time every day.

The good news is that there are plenty of pregnancy-safe things you can do to prevent and relieve the most common pregnancy headaches.

Tips for relieving mild headaches

Get plenty of rest. Sleep is especially hard later in your pregnancy but is so important to physical and mental health. Find yourself a comfy prenatal pillow and snuggle away.
Drink plenty of water. Pregnant moms require more water than the average person. While you may want to avoid extra trips to the bathroom, adequate fluid intake is important for you and baby.
Eat regular, well-balanced meals. To prevent low blood sugar, eat small meals throughout the day. Avoid sugar, like soda and candy.
Get a prenatal massage. A full-body massage can release tension in the muscles of your neck, shoulders and back.
Use warm or cool compresses on head, neck and shoulders.
Avoid triggers. Keep a journal to help identify specific triggers so you can learn what to avoid. Some common headache triggers include strong odors and nitrites or nitrates.
Try exercise and relaxation techniques. There’s evidence that regular exercise can reduce stress and boost overall mood. Check with your doctor first before starting any new fitness routines.
Take acetaminophen to relieve symptoms (as approved by doctor).
Take caffeine in doses less than 200mg in a day (as approved by doctor).

If you have a history of migraines, however, your doctor may treat them differently during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor what medications are safe to take during pregnancy.

Is my headache a cause for concern?

Sometimes. Headaches tend to be more common in the first and third trimesters, but they can occur in the second trimester as well. While there are common causes for headaches during pregnancy, it’s important to note that headaches during the second and third trimester can also be due to high blood pressure, called preeclampsia.

“Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition that requires prompt evaluation and management with an obstetrician or maternal fetal medicine specialist,” Dr. Saunders said. “Elevated blood pressure prior to pregnancy puts a woman at increased risk for preeclampsia.”

When should I call my doctor?

Whether you experience headaches or not, it’s always important to discuss your pre-pregnancy history, obstetrical history and concerns with your doctor for an individualized assessment and management plan. However, if none of the above treatments resolve your mild headache or your headaches become more frequent and severe, talk to your doctor to determine the cause.

“This includes new headaches that present after 20 weeks, a sudden onset of severe headaches, headaches associated with a fever, mental health changes, elevated blood pressure and vision changes,” Dr. Saunders said. “It’s important to keep an open line of communication with your physician and let them know about any changes in your health so they can rule out anything serious."

Got questions? We can help!

If a headache is keeping you up at night and your doctor isn’t available, call the Banner Nurse Now line, a free health care service that offers advice 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Call 844-259-9494.

Check out other pregnancy articles on our Banner Health blog

Pregnancy is an exciting, but also a bit scary time (especially if this is your first baby). Here are some other reads to help guide you through the trimesters and welcoming baby:

5 Tips for Having a Happy, Healthy Pregnancy
Expect the Unexpected: How Your Body Changes During Pregnancy
What To Expect In The Second Trimester
Understanding Pulmonary Embolism Risk During Pregnancy

Women's Health Pregnancy

Headache during pregnancy: Symptoms, treatments, and remedies

A mild headache during pregnancy is normal, especially in the first trimester as your hormone levels fluctuate. Tension headaches are common, while some women might experience their first migraine during pregnancy. (On the flip side, many women find that pregnancy makes their migraines go away!) If you have a severe headache in the second or third trimester, call your healthcare provider right away, as it could be a sign of preeclampsia. Otherwise, exercising, changing your sleep habits, and taking acetaminophen (with your doctor's okay) are some safe ways to treat pregnancy headaches.

What causes a headache during pregnancy?

Pregnancy headaches are a common experience, especially in the first trimester. You can blame your hormones: Some women are more sensitive to the increase in estrogen that occurs during pregnancy. You may also notice more headaches in early pregnancy thanks to an increase in blood volume during the first trimester, or if you're quitting or cutting back on caffeine – the withdrawal can make your head pound.

Other possible causes of pregnancy headaches include:

A lack of sleep or general fatigue
Sinus congestion or a stuffy nose
Allergies
Eyestrain
Stress
Depression
Hunger
Dehydration

It's normal to get tension headaches when you're pregnant, especially in the first trimester. Migraine sufferers usually get some relief when they're expecting – although some women may actually end up getting their first migraine during pregnancy.

If you have headaches in your first trimester, you'll probably find that they decrease or even disappear completely during the second trimester, after the flood of hormones stabilizes and your body gets used to its altered chemistry.

Common types of pregnancy headaches

There are many different types of headaches you may experience while pregnant, and it isn't always easy to tell which kind you have. Here, a few key differences:

Tension headaches are one of the most common kinds of headaches during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. They can feel like a squeezing pain or a steady dull ache on both sides of your head or at the back of your neck. If you've always been susceptible to tension headaches, pregnancy can make them worse.

Sinus headaches typically feel like pressure or pain in your cheeks, around your eyes, and in your forehead. They occur most often after you've had a cold or a respiratory infection. People commonly mistake migraine headaches for sinusitis – if you're getting more headaches but otherwise have been healthy, you might be having migraines. But if you're feeling congested, you might have a sinus infection requiring treatment.

Cluster headaches are much less common, and experts aren't sure if pregnancy affects the frequency or intensity of them. Cluster headaches are marked by sudden, severe pain usually around one eye or temple, sometimes with teary eyes or a stuffy nose. They tend to occur at the same time each day, often a few hours after falling asleep, over weeks or months.

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Migraine headaches cause moderate to severe throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head. They can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and noise. If untreated, they can last from four to 72 hours and may be aggravated by physical activity as well as many of the same factors that trigger more typical headaches. Migraines are most common in the first trimester, and tend to ease up in the second and third trimester, as your body adjusts to hormones.

Some migraine sufferers have a condition known as migraines with aura – that is, headaches that are preceded by symptoms that may include visual changes (such as bright flashing lights or blind spots), sensations of numbness or "pins and needles," weakness, and speech disturbances. These symptoms may start up to an hour before a migraine starts and may last as long as an hour.

Is it common to get a migraine during pregnancy?

The frequency of pregnancy migraines varies. Experts estimate that about 1 in 5 women will have a migraine at some point in their life, and studies have shown a small number of women experience their first migraine while pregnant, most often in the first trimester.

Some good news about migraines during pregnancy: In one study, about two-thirds of women who were prone to migraines noticed that their migraines actually improved when they were pregnant. (This is more likely to happen if your migraines tend to be worse around the time of your periods or start when you first begin menstruating. ) Other women noticed no change or found that their migraines become more frequent and intense.

However, women who have migraines tend to have higher rates of preeclampsia, a serious high-risk pregnancy condition marked by high blood pressure – especially if they didn't get migraines before pregnancy – so it's important to let your healthcare provider know if you suddenly start having them.

What can I take for a headache while pregnant?

It's always best to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medicines while you're pregnant, but when it comes to headache relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered the safest over-the-counter pain reliever to take during pregnancy, if used as directed. Don't exceed the recommended daily dose, and because acetaminophen may not be safe to take for prolonged periods, take it only as it's needed.

If your headaches aren't getting any better, your ob-gyn or midwife may be able to prescribe some other safe options, so talk to them.

If you're prone to severe migraines, ask your provider which medications you can take. One well-known class of migraine drugs, triptans, have been generally shown to be safe during pregnancy, but you may need to be monitored by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist (MFM) or a neurologist during your pregnancy if you're taking them.

Other ways to prevent or treat a headache during pregnancy

Here are some more ways to find pregnancy headache relief:

Figure out your headache triggers. Headache specialists often recommend keeping a headache diary to help you identify specific triggers. The next time you get a migraine or headache, write down everything you ate for the 24 hours prior and what you were doing when your headache started.

Some common migraine triggers include foods that contain:

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Nitrites and nitrates (common in processed meats like hot dogs, salami, and bacon)
Artificial sweeteners

Other foods that can trigger a headache include:

Certain beans and nuts
Aged cheeses and cultured dairy products (like buttermilk and sour cream)
Some fresh fruits (including bananas, papayas, avocados, and citrus)
Smoked fish
Chocolate and carob
Fermented or pickled foods (like soy sauce or sauerkraut)

Other triggers may include:

Glaring or flickering lights
Loud noises
Excessive heat or cold
Strong odors
Fasting
Tobacco smoke

Use a compress. You may be able to find relief if you apply a warm or cool compress to your forehead or the base of your skull.

Take a shower. For some migraine sufferers, a cold shower brings fast – if temporary – headache relief. If you can't take a shower, splash cool water on your face. A warm shower or bath can soothe tension headaches.

Don't go hungry or thirsty. To prevent low blood sugar (a common headache trigger), eat small meals frequently. When you're on the go, take along some healthy snacks, such as crackers, fruit, or yogurt. Stay away from straight sugar, like candy or soda, which can make your blood sugar spike and crash.

Don't forget to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Sip water slowly if you've recently vomited from a migraine.

Avoid fatigue. Get plenty of sleep at night. When you're having a migraine, it might be helpful to sleep in a quiet, dark room.

Exercise. Some evidence shows that regular exercise during pregnancy can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and reduce the stress that can cause tension headaches. If you're prone to migraines, get started slowly – a sudden burst of activity could trigger one. (And don't exercise once a migraine has started because it will aggravate the headache.)

Exercises to help you maintain good posture may be especially helpful with headaches during the third trimester.

Try relaxation techniques. Biofeedback, meditation, prenatal yoga, and self-hypnosis may be helpful for reducing stress and headaches in some sufferers.

Get a massage. Some women who suffer from tension headaches swear by massage, although it's unclear whether it's effective in preventing or relieving headaches. A full-body massage (ideally from a therapist who specializes in prenatal massage) can release tension in the muscles of your neck, shoulders, and back.

If a professional massage isn't an option, ask your partner to rub your back and head.

Consider acupuncture. Acupuncture treatment is generally considered safe during pregnancy, although whether it can provide pregnancy headache relief is a topic of debate. If you'd like to try it, ask your healthcare provider for a referral and keep them posted on your treatments. If you prefer to see an acupuncture practitioner who's also an M.D., check out the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.

When should I be worried about headaches during pregnancy?

In the second or third trimester, a severe headache could be a sign of preeclampsia. Other symptoms of preeclampsia include an unusual amount of protein in the urine, vision changes, and liver and kidney abnormalities.

Call your healthcare provider right away if:

You're in your second or third trimester and have a bad headache or a headache for the first time. It may or may not be accompanied by visual changes, sharp upper abdominal pain or nausea, or swelling in your hands or face. You'll need to have your blood pressure and urine checked right away to be sure you don't have preeclampsia.
You have a headache (even a mild one) and you've been having high blood pressure.
You have a sudden "explosive" headache. This type of headache is a violent pain that wakes you up, doesn't go away, or feels unlike anything you've ever experienced.
Your headache is accompanied by a fever or a stiff neck.
Your headache gets worse and you have other problems, such as blurry vision or other visual disturbances, slurred speech, drowsiness, numbness, or a change in sensation or alertness.
You have a headache after any kind of head injury.
You have nose congestion, as well as pain and pressure underneath your eyes or other face or tooth pain. (This could be a sinus infection that calls for antibiotics.)
You notice any abnormal changes in vision, such as getting headaches after reading or looking at a computer screen.

In any case, don't hesitate to call your ob or midwife whenever you're worried about a headache during pregnancy. Even if you've had headaches before, talking to them can help you decide which treatment might be best for you while you're pregnant.

Read More:

Your first trimester pregnancy checklist

Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore

Common pregnancy aches and pains

Headache during pregnancy: where does it come from and how to get rid of it

November 14, 2020 Likbez Health

Sometimes you just need to get some sleep, and sometimes you need to call an ambulance immediately.

When to call an ambulance

Call 103 or 112 urgently if you experience any of the following symptoms:

sudden and severe headache;
consciousness becomes confused or completely lost;
pain worsens over 5 minutes;
flies, spots flash in the eyes;
throbbing and noisy in the ears;
speech has become slurred, words are drawn out;
arms and legs weaken, convulsions set in;
the muscles of the neck are very stiff, it is impossible to reach the chest with the chin;
fever of 39 °C or more;
increased heart rate at rest;
severe shortness of breath;
the child pushes without stopping or stops abruptly;
leaking water or blood;
lower abdomen hurts, as if contractions had begun.

Why pregnant women can get headaches

Pregnancy headaches are not always life threatening. But the doctor needs to be told about it in any case. If the symptom appeared for the first time and does not hurt much, postpone the conversation until a scheduled visit. If your headache is recurring or gets worse, it's best to make an appointment as soon as possible. The gynecologist will decide what needs to be done or refer you to another doctor.

There are many causes of headaches. Scientists have found that in pregnant women in 57% of cases it is primary, that is, not associated with other diseases. The most common are migraines and tension headaches.

Everything else is a secondary headache caused by various pathologies. Usually it is high blood pressure and infections. But there are also more dangerous reasons.

1. Stress and fatigue

A pregnant woman's body experiences increased stress, because it has to work for two. If at the same time the expectant mother is exposed to stress, strong feelings or sleeps little, she develops a tension headache.

Discomfort lasts from 30 minutes to several days. The head hurts in the forehead, occiput, both temples. But there is no feeling that they put on a tight hoop or helmet. The pain does not get worse when bending over, walking, or climbing stairs, bright lights, or sounds.