When do headaches occur during pregnancy

Preeclampsia increases the risk of many medical emergencies, including seizures and stroke. The condition may also reduce the oxygen flow to the fetus. A common symptom of preeclampsia is a headache that will not go away. Some other symptoms include:.

These symptoms do not occur in every case of preeclampsia, which is one of the reasons why it is important to check in regularly with a doctor throughout pregnancy. Headaches during pregnancy can manifest in various ways. For example, they can cause different types and levels of pain.

Medically speaking, headaches are either primary or secondary. Primary headaches are not a symptom of a health condition, whereas secondary headaches occur when an underlying condition is the cause. Secondary headaches usually lead to a number of other symptoms. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache during pregnancy. Tension headaches cause mild-to-moderate pain in the head. Many people describe the pain as feeling as though they have a tight band around their head.

Migraine headaches may also occur during pregnancy. A migraine headache often begins as a dull ache that grows into a piercing, throbbing pain, which may or may not radiate. A person may also be very sensitive to light, noise, and some smells. Migraine episodes might also cause other symptoms, such as dizziness or nausea. Cluster headaches are rarer than other types, occurring in an estimated 0. A person may also notice some other symptoms, such as nasal congestion, watery eyes, or swelling in the area.

In many cases, home remedies can help soothe a primary headache during pregnancy. Some home remedies that may be effective include:. Keeping a food journal to track what they eat each day may also help a woman identify and eliminate any headache triggers. If possible, pregnant women should aim to manage any unpleasant symptoms with home remedies or talk to their doctor about medical options, if necessary. During pregnancy, it is essential to avoid over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen Advil or aspirin.

A review in the Annals of Epidemiology notes that women who take NSAIDs while pregnant are more likely to give birth to babies with congenital abnormalities. Paracetamol, with or without codeine, is generally considered safe for pregnant women to use but you should avoid using other pain medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen. If you experience frequent headaches that don't go away with paracetamol, it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition called pre-eclampsia.

This usually involves an increase in the pregnant woman's blood pressure and problems with her kidneys. There are also other serious risks for both you and your baby. Pre-eclampsia mostly occurs in the second half of pregnancy. Contact your doctor, particularly if, along with your headaches, you have a pain below your ribs, feel like you have heartburn , you suddenly swell in your face, hands or feet , or you have problems with your eyesight.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Studies confirm that tension-type headache and migraine are more common in women while cluster headache, a rare form of headache, is more common in men. Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website.

Migraine is a common neurological disorder that affects millions of Australians. Thankfully, the following resources may help you manage your migraine. Your body has a great deal to do during pregnancy. Sometimes the changes taking place will cause irritation or discomfort, and on occasions they may seem quite alarming. Your baby is now the size of a peanut. You won't be showing just yet, but you may have put on a little weight.

Pre-eclampsia, also known as pre-eclamptic toxaemia, or just toxaemia, occurs in pregnancy, causing problems for the baby and mother. Read more on myDr website. High blood pressure in pregnancy is a common medical problem that usually disappears after the birth. It may signal a serious condition called pre-eclampsia. Stress is a normal response to major life changes but there are things you can do to reduce pregnancy-related stress.

Learn more here about how it affects you. Most changes in your body are likely to be a normal part of pregnancy, but some signs may indicate things are not going well.

Learn how to recognise them and know when you should seek help. About 6 to 8 percent of pregnant women ages 20 to 44 in the United States have high blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC warns that this treatable condition can cause serious complications for both mother and baby.

This is most common after week 20 of pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat your high blood pressure.

Regular exercise is also very important to help balance your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before taking your regular headache pain medication during pregnancy. The CDC warns that these pain relief drugs can be harmful to your growing baby, especially if taken during the first trimester.

Many women may take acetaminophen Tylenol during pregnancy. However, some studies suggest there may be effects from taking acetaminophen as well. Your doctor can recommend alternative medications to treat headache during pregnancy and natural headache remedies, such as:. See your doctor if you have any headache pain at all during pregnancy.

Get urgent medical attention if you have:. Your doctor may recommend tests and scans to find out the cause of your headaches. These include:. Headache pain during pregnancy is common. You may have tension headaches during your first trimester of pregnancy. Headache pain may happen in the second and third period of your pregnancy for other reasons. Some causes of headaches in your mid to late pregnancy may be serious. High blood pressure is a serious cause of headache pain during pregnancy.

You can have high blood pressure at any time in your pregnancy. You may not have any symptoms at all. Check your blood pressure at least once a day with a home monitor. Tell your doctor if you have headaches at any time in your pregnancy.

Let your doctor know right away if you have a personal or family history of migraine, high blood pressure, seizures or diabetes. Take all medications and treatment exactly as prescribed by your doctor.