Why do pregnant women get headaches

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. Some women take acetaminophen Tylenol while pregnant, although there is a concern that this may also affect the baby. A recent study in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that children born to women who take acetaminophen during pregnancy are more likely to be autistic or have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, there is a need for more research into this connection before health experts can make any broad claims.

Try to:. If you're well, it's really important you go to all your appointments and scans for the health of you and your baby. If you're pregnant, hospitals and clinics are making sure it's safe for you to go to appointments.

They will advise you what to do. Page last reviewed: 8 April Next review due: 8 April Headaches fall into two categories: primary or secondary. Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying health problem, such as a sinus infection or high blood pressure. Primary headaches are self-contained — the pain you feel is a direct result of the headache itself.

Migraines are a classic example. If you experience a migraine while pregnant, it often can go hand-in-hand with aura, too. Aura is a temporary sensory disturbance that may include visual changes, numbness and tingling, or speech changes.

So what is it about having a bun in the oven that makes your head hurt other than thinking about college tuition? In the first trimester, changing hormone levels and blood volume may play a role. A dull, overall headache can come with stress, fatigue, and eyestrain. Sinus headaches may be more likely because of the nasal congestion and runny nose that are common in early pregnancy.

Hunger and low levels of blood sugar can trigger headaches, too. Women who suddenly stop their morning coffee and sodas may experience caffeine withdrawal headaches.