Headaches during pregnancy are tricky because you can’t take just any pain reliever to ease the pain. It’s an aspect of pregnancy that many women don’t think about until they’re in the midst of a painful headache and find themselves unsure of what to do.
If you’re pregnant and experience severe headaches, know you’re not alone. Studies show that more than 39% of women experience headaches during pregnancy. There are different types of head pain you may experience, including:
- Tension headaches
- Migraine headaches
- Cluster headaches
- Sinus headaches
Medical experts say that women often experience tension headaches during the first trimester due to the fluctuation of hormones. However, by the second trimester, the pain decreases because the hormones are steadily high.
However, if you experience chronic pain during your pregnancy, don’t panic. Here we will discuss some of the best and safe tips to cure your pain during your pregnancy.
How to Treat Headaches During Pregnancy
Track Your Triggers
During pregnancy, you have to be careful about choosing the proper diet. While some foods are healthy, they have the potential to trigger your pain. For example, cutting down on cheese can be your best bet. It is rich in protein, but it can also trigger migraines.
Aged cheeses are high in tyramine- a natural chemical found in some foods. Tyramine trigger migraines by constricting and dilating blood vessels.
Therefore, medical experts emphasize following the below diets:
- Eat vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, kale, etc.
- Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, chia seeds, walnuts, etc.
- Limit sodium to less than 2300 mg/day.
Making a few changes in your diet may help you reduce severe migraines.
Go For Natural Remedies
Most women prefer to take painkillers to cure migraine and head pain during pregnancy. Remember, not all medications are safe – some medicines contain drugs that may cross the placenta and reach the fetus and cause damage. The possible effects include developmental delay, intellectual disability, and birth defects.
For that reason, opting for natural remedies can be your wise move. Natural remedies may help prevent migraine attacks or at least help reduce their severity and duration.
- Acupuncture – This is one of the best natural remedies for headaches used for various therapeutic purposes. Your practitioner will insert needles into your body to address migraines in this process.
- Apply Lavender Oil – Lavender oil can be inhaled or diluted with a carrier oil and applied in small amounts to your temples.
- Yoga: This age-old technique improves anxiety, releases tension in migraine-trigger areas, and improves vascular health.
These natural remedies are safe for you and your baby. However, if these remedies don’t work, it is wise to consult a doctor.
Use A Cold Compress
During pregnancy, migraine occurs when blood vessels expand in the head. A cold compress tightens the blood vessels and shrinks the cells, relieving the pain.
You can use an ice pack to make a cold compress at home. All you need is a clean towel and a bowl of cold water. Put the towel in water and squeeze out extra water. Lie down and place the towel on your forehead and eyes, and press it gently.
Treat Headaches During Pregnancy
A headache is something that makes you uncomfortable at any time. But, it can be a significant source of inconvenience, especially when you are pregnant.
To sum it up, follow the tips mentioned above to get instant relief from headaches. However, if your pain gets worse, consult a doctor immediately.
