Hormonal changes can cause headaches during pregnancy. It is good tension headache nor migraine. because pthere when pregnant should not taking any drugs, there is natural ways deal with headaches during pregnancy that you can do.
Headaches during pregnancy can worsen in the first weeks of pregnancy. Although it is often a nuisance in the early trimester, you don't need to worry because this condition has no effect on the fetus. Headaches usually get better or go away on their own in the last six months of pregnancy, when hormones have stabilized again.
Actually, it is not known for certain why some pregnant women can experience headaches. Even so, increased production and blood flow in early pregnancy is thought to be one of the triggers.
Other possible triggers include sudden withdrawal of caffeine, lack of sleep, stress, depression, hunger, dehydration, sinus problems, fatigue, and allergies. Headaches are more likely to occur and feel worse for those who had frequent headaches before becoming pregnant.
Various Ways to Relieve Headaches in Pregnant Women
There are several things that might help relieve headaches in pregnant women, such as:
- RestYou can lie in bed in a dark and quiet room. Then close your eyes so that your body and head feel relaxed.
- MassageYou can gently massage the area of your head that hurts, or ask someone else to massage your shoulders and neck to relieve tension. If you have free time, you can visit a professional massage place to get a relaxing full body massage. However, don't forget to tell the massage therapist that you are pregnant.
- CompressYou can compress the face, eyes, and forehead with a towel that has been soaked in hot water. Or you can also compress the back of the neck with a cold towel.
Pregnant women can and are safe to take paracetamol, if taken according to the recommended dose. But avoid taking other headache medications without a doctor's recommendation.
How to prevent headaches during pregnancy
You can prevent headaches from occurring by doing the following:
- Drink lots of water.
- Consumption of food in small portions, but more
- Avoid and manage stress well.
- Regularly do physical activity, such as walking, aerobics, or sports that can relax the body, such as yoga.
- Get enough sleep, and sleep at a regular time each day.
- Avoid headache triggers, such as foods containing MSG and artificial sweeteners, smoked fish, fermented foods, strong odors, cigarette smoke, noise, glare, and excessive hot or cold weather.
Headache conditions during pregnancy that need to be watched out for
Headaches that occur in early pregnancy are normal, but you should be more careful if this condition occurs in late pregnancy.
Headaches that occur late in pregnancy can be a sign that you have hypertension in pregnancy. If not treated, this condition is at risk of developing into preeclampsia, which is a condition that can interfere with the development of the baby in the womb and the delivery process.
Do not hesitate to consult a doctor immediately if the headache during pregnancy has not subsided or is getting worse.