Women experience headaches during pregnancy. So, if you are also having a headache during pregnancy, it means that you do not need to get worried about it as it happens. The best gynecologist in Rawalpindi says that different reasons may contribute to causing headaches in the second or third trimester.

Sometimes, headaches may indicate other causes or some conditions. Well, headache has many types which indicate different causes.

Let’s explore more about headaches in pregnancy.

What are the Types of Headaches?

Primary headaches occur during pregnancy. Such types of headaches do not have a direct cause. These headaches do not show any symptoms or signs of the headache.

It is also not a sign of any pregnancy complications or potential disorders. The types include primary headaches, cluster headaches, tension headaches, and migraine attacks.

If we talk about the most common cause, tension headache is the one. But migraine may be associated with pregnancy complications. These complications may happen later in pregnancy or even after the baby's birth.

Secondary headaches may indicate complications in pregnancy. It may indicate high blood pressure.

What are the Symptoms of Headache You May Experience during Pregnancy?

Symptoms are not the same in every person who is pregnant. Yes, these symptoms may vary from person to person. You may experience mild or severe symptoms as it also depends on the type whether it's primary or secondary.

Headache pain can be of different types, such as sharp pain on one or both sides, throbbing or pulsating pain, dull ache, severe pain on one or both sides, etc. 

Some people experience some additional symptoms as well which can cause more discomfort, such as nausea, seeing lines or flashes of lights, blind spots, vomiting, etc.

What Can Cause Headaches during Pregnancy?

There are different pregnancy phases that can bring different health conditions like headaches. Yes, the types of headaches may occur differently. Let’s learn more about the pregnancy stages and what headaches you may experience.

First Trimester

In your first trimester of pregnancy, tension headaches are common. Such types of headaches occur due to different changes in the women's bodies during pregnancy. These changes may include weight changes, higher blood volume, and hormonal changes.

Some other causes during the first trimester include lack of sleep, stress, caffeine withdrawal, light sensitivity, changes in vision, dehydration, nausea, and vomiting, too little physical activity, poor nutrition, low blood sugar levels, etc.

Some people also experience primary headaches due to some foods. Yes, these foods can cause pain, including yeast, tomatoes, dairy, chocolate, cheese, etc.

Second and Third Trimester

Different causes can lead to headaches during the second and third trimesters. You may experience headaches due to diabetes, muscle strain, tightness, posture, extra weight, diet, too little sleep, posture, high blood pressure, etc.

What High Blood Pressure Caused Headache Indicates?

During the second or third trimester of pregnancy, headaches may indicate that you may have hypertension which is commonly known as high blood pressure. It is a manageable and treatable condition that can lead to complications for both baby and mother.

After twenty weeks, high blood pressure may cause serious complications.

Women during pregnancy with high blood pressure are also at risk of eclampsia, preeclampsia, stroke, low baby birth weight, placental abruption, low oxygen flow to the baby, etc.

High blood pressure needs to be controlled which can also prevent the risk of complications during pregnancy. Make sure that you choose healthy lifestyle choices for you which can reduce the risk of high blood pressure-caused complications. The very first step that you need to take is to cut down on salt and extra fiber.

You can manage high blood pressure with some regular exercises. Routine exercise can help to maintain weight which also contributes to high blood pressure management. Some infections and more serious illnesses can also be responsible for headaches. These illnesses may include stroke, heart conditions, bleeding, low blood pressure, sinus infection, blood clots, sickle cell anemia, aneurysm, sinus infection, brain tumor, etc.

How You Can Treat Headaches during Pregnancy?

You should not try any of the home remedies or other treatments if you have headaches during pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe you some pain medicine alternatives. You should not take the medicines on your own as they can affect the baby's health and also cause discomfort. Your doctor may prescribe you some essential oils, exercise or stretching, rest, drinking plenty of water, ice pack, heating pad, massage, etc.

Your doctor may ask for tests or scans to find the main cause. These tests may include spine puncture, eye health, head scan, heart scan, blood sugar test, blood pressure checkup, vision test, blood test, neck, and head ultrasound, etc.

Final Thought

If you have been experiencing more frequent headaches, make sure that you discuss this with the doctor. You should know what foods you eat and how much exercise you do. Make sure that you take all medicines according to instructions.