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Headaches During Pregnancy- Home Remedies, Causes and Prevention Tips

Headaches during Pregnancy

Just like morning sickness and constipation is common during pregnancy, Headaches are also very common in pregnancy. Pregnancy brings a lot of change in our body, having a human being inside us, taking care of it, and loving him takes a lot from a women’s body. The exact cause of headaches during pregnancy is never clear. Changing hormones, stress, fatigue, and eyestrain are some of the reasons for headaches during pregnancy.

Theblessedmom has brought to you some of the home remedies which can help you in giving relief from headaches. Just remember, not to take any medicine for a headache without consulting your doctor.

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What types of Headaches During Pregnancy?

 

  • Primary headaches- These are the most common type of headaches. Around 26% of pregnant women suffer from Primary headaches or tension. They are mild to moderate pain in the head.
  • Migraines- Migraine can occur during pregnancy too. Up to 10% of pregnant women suffer from migraine headaches. Migraine headache is a dull ache that increases to throbbing pain. A person sensitive to light, smell, and noise may suffer from migraine aches.
  • Cluster headaches- This type of headache is infrequent, it occurs in 0.3% of pregnant women. Cluster headaches cause severe pain at one side of the head and around the eye. Other symptoms of this are watery eyes, nasal congestion.

What do pregnancy headaches feel like?

 

Some of the symptoms which tell you that you have headaches are-

  • Dull ache
  • Throbbing pain
  • Sharp pain behind one or both eyes
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Blind spots
  • Seeing flashes of light

What causes headaches during pregnancy?

Although the exact cause of headaches during pregnancy is not known, still we have shortlisted some of the common causes of headaches. They are-

  • Dehydration
  • Stress
  • Lack of sleep
  • Poor nutrition
  • Changes in vision
  • Low blood sugar level
  • Too little physical activity
  • Sensitivity to light

Home Remedies For Headaches During Pregnancy

1. Drink lots of water-

 

During pregnancy, most of the time we forget to drink much water. Also the morning sickness many times does not allow you to keep yourself hydrated. Drinking enough water helps you to keep yourself energetic and also maintain proper blood circulation.

2. Use a cold compress-

If you suffer from migraine pain, this remedy will be very helpful to you. In pregnancy, migraine can be caused due to expanded blood vessels, using a cold compress helps to tighten the blood vessels and alleviate the pain. Take a clean towel; put some ice in the bowl. Dip the towel in the water, squeeze the extra water and place the towel on your forehead and eyes.

3. Ginger For Headaches-

Ginger is very effective in dealing with nausea. It is a very great and natural remedy to fight pregnancy headaches. Ginger blocks prostaglandins, which prevent headaches and stimulate muscle contraction.

You can either drink ginger tea or can also chew raw ginger.

  • Take 1-inch long ginger and grate it
  • Crush some peppermint leaves
  • Boil some water and add grated ginger and peppermint leaves
  • Let it boil for a few minutes
  • Turn off the flame, strain the water and drink it.

4. Take a Nap-

Many time’s headaches trigger because of poor sleep. So, if you feel you are having a headache try taking a nap, you may feel better.

5. Prenatal massage-

There also exists prenatal massage. Going to a prenatal therapist helps to relieve stress from the shoulder, back, and neck. If you do not find any therapist, you can press some points by yourself. But be very properly aware of the points, you do not want to induce contractions.

6. Use Peppermint oil-

Peppermint oil is very effective in cooling skin and reduces tension. It helps to relieve headache sensitivity.

  • Take a few drops of peppermint oil in your hand, rub it and apply it to your forehead.

  • Massage for a few minutes, you will feel relaxed.

7. Use Omega-3 oil-

Omega-3 fatty acids are very effective in reducing inflammation and also the intensity and duration of headaches. It is mostly found in fatty fish, you can also have the omega-3 fatty acids pills.

8. Lavender oil-

Lavender oil is best known to relax and soothe the skin. Massage your forehead with Lavender oil; it helps to reduce the pain and gives you comfort.

9. Lemon juice-

Lemon juice has numerous benefits and is very effective in fighting headaches. It eases stomach cramps and improves the immune system. Lemon is rich in vitamin C; pregnancy may reduce the quantity of vitamin C which causes headaches. It also helps to flush out the toxins from the body and improve blood circulation.

How to consume:

  • Take half lemon
  • Add lemon juice to a glass of warm water
  • Add some grated ginger to it
  • Mix it well
  • Drink the warm water.

Bonus Tips To Relieve headache during Pregnancy

  • Have a small meal throughout the day, never be hungry
  • Make sure you are consuming enough proteins
  • Put Epsom salts in your bath water, it helps to relax you
  • Exercise regularly will help you keep active and healthy
  • Avoid caffeine, it triggers headaches
  • Try acupuncture to relieve stress

So, above are some of the ways through which you can get relief from headaches during pregnancy. Headaches are common during pregnancy, but if you feel your headache is way too much, it’s good to consult a doctor.

Take care and be healthy!

FAQ


1. When do
headaches during pregnancy generally start?

Headaches during pregnancy can start at any time, during the first trimester feeling tired and morning sickness can trigger a headache. In the second trimester congestion and hormones and in the third trimester bloating and overheating can cause headaches.

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