Causes
Women get headaches from time to time, so it isn’t surprising they pop up during pregnancy, too. The reason is not always known, but many things can lead to a headache while you’re pregnant. Some causes (this list is not exhaustive) include:
Hormone changes Hunger Low blood sugar Dehydration Caffeine withdrawal Lack of sleep Eyestrain from changes in your vision or too much screen time on the computer or phone Emotional or physical stress Muscle strain from changes in your posture as the baby grows and you gain weight High blood pressure in pregnancy
Treatment
Before becoming pregnant, your main method of treating a headache might have been to reach for the pain medication. But, now that you’re expecting, you may want to try to deal with the pain in other ways and use medicine as a last resort. Here are some alternative ways to cope with a headache during your pregnancy.
Medication
If you can get through an occasional headache without using pain medication, that’s great. But sometimes, chronic headaches or severe migraines are just too much to handle. You don’t have to suffer in pain just because you’re having a baby. That doesn’t mean you should take the over-the-counter medication you usually would or the migraine medication in your medicine cabinet. Now that you’re pregnant, you have to be more careful about what you use to treat your pain. So, call your doctor. They will tell you which OTC pain medicine is safe or prescribe medication if you need it. General recommendations include the following:
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered safe to take while you’re pregnant, but it should only be taken in low doses when needed.NSAIDs (Motrin, Aleve, or Advil) and aspirin are typically not recommended during pregnancy, particularly after 20 weeks of gestation.For migraines, your doctor may give you prescription medications to treat migraine headaches, nausea, and pain.
Caffeine Headaches
Caffeine is a drug. It’s addictive, and your body can become dependent on it. If you love your coffee or soda and stop drinking it all of a sudden when you find out you’re pregnant, you can go through caffeine withdrawal. Caffeine withdrawal can cause fatigue, irritability, shakiness, and, yes, a headache. So if you get a headache right after you stop drinking coffee, it’s probably from caffeine withdrawal. It may take your body a few days to adjust to the absence of caffeine, so here are some tips to get you through.
Sinus Headaches
Allergies or a sinus infection can cause pain and pressure in your forehead, or around your eyes and the bridge of your nose. You may also have a stuffy or a runny nose and a fever. Call your doctor if you think you have a sinus headache. Your doctor may want to prescribe an antibiotic if you have a sinus infection. You can also treat a sinus headache by:
Trying to stay away from the things that may be causing your allergyUsing a saline nasal spray or neti pot to help loosen and clear the mucusUsing a humidifier or holding your head over a steaming bowl of water with a towel over your head and the bowlDrinking plenty of fluidsGetting extra rest
Not all over-the-counter sinus, allergy, and pain medications are safe to take while you’re pregnant. So, if you think you need an antihistamine or a pain reliever, you should talk to your doctor about which medicine is safe for you to use.
Tension Headaches
You can get a tension headache from anxiety or stress. It may feel like a tightness around your head, and you may also feel it down the back of your head and in your neck. To ease a tension headache, you can:
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are more intense than typical headaches. The throbbing, pounding pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some women who suffer from migraines find that they get better during pregnancy, but that’s not always the case. If you get migraine headaches, you can try to pinpoint and avoid the things that commonly trigger migraines including:
Certain foods or smells Alcohol (which you should be avoiding during pregnancy anyway) Caffeine Stress Exhaustion Bright lights
You can also:
Rest in a quiet, dark place Use relaxation techniques Apply ice packs to your head Try alternative treatments such as massage or acupuncture
If your migraines are too severe and you need medication, talk to your doctor.
Headache Prevention
Headaches are a part of life. Since they don’t always have an obvious cause and you can get one from things that you can’t control, like a cold, there’s no way to prevent them completely. But there are some things you can do to try to keep them away.
When to Call the Doctor
Most of the time, a headache is just a headache, and it will go away once you eat something or get a little rest. You should also notify the doctor:
Before taking any medication or herbal supplement to treat your headache to be sure that it’s safe If your natural treatments are not working If you have a fever, pressure around your eyes, or a stuffy nose If you get a headache and you have a history of high blood pressure If you get a headache after you hit 20 weeks pregnant If you have pain along with other symptoms such as nausea, blurry vision, abdominal pain, or swelling in the body If you have head pain after falling and hitting your head
A Word From Verywell
Headaches can be painful and annoying. They’re even worse when you’re pregnant, and you have to be careful about taking medication. But by understanding what can trigger a headache, you can try to prevent it. And if you do get one, you’ll be better prepared to deal with it. Thankfully, most headaches during pregnancy are just a pain and not dangerous for you or your baby. They typically go away on their own with some fluids, a bite to eat, and a little relaxation. However, don’t be afraid to call the doctor, especially if it’s lasting long, getting worse, or you have any other symptoms along with a headache.
