Headaches
Headachs are one of the most common symptoms women experience during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. Common causes are:
- change in hormones;
- tiredness, lack of sleep;
- changes in blood circulation;
- low blood sugar levels;
- dehydration;
- stress due to unknown changes
- caffeine withdrawal
Tension headache
Stress headaches are the most common. They are often described as a pain on both sides of the head. Usually caused by lack of sleep, depression or caffeine withdrawal. Changes in hormone management can also cause tension headache. Try to ger rest and keep a damp warm cloth on the head. Ask your doctor for a painkiller which is suitable for pregnant women.
Migraine
About 18% of all will women have a migraine in their lives. Migraine causes a firm throbbing pain on one side of the head (sometimes both sides). The exact cause of migraine is unclear, but can be due to a change in blood supply to the brain. Migraines can also cause complaints such as nausea and hypersensitivity to light, scents and loud noise. Some people get a warning a few minutes before the attack. For example, they may see flashing lights, lines, speech problems or tingling hands or a tingling face.
Migraine headaches usually decrease during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester. Some say, however, that they can become stronger than before pregnancy. The best way to treat migraine is to prevent it. Some are able to reduce the number of attacks by avoiding the usual causes, for example, by getting better or more sleep.
Ask your doctor whether there are suitable treatments for your situation. There is little known about the possible effects of medicines like Sumitriptan (Imitrex), Ergotamine (Cafergot) and Midrin. Doctors will therefore not recommend their use.
Foods that may contribute to migraine:
- chocolate;
- mature cheese;
- alcohol;
- peanuts;
- bread;
- lemons;
- preserved meats like bacon or sausages;
- yoghurt;
- sour cream.
Preeclampsia
Serious headache in the second or third quarter may be a pre-lumbarial announcement of high blood pressure in pregnancy. About 5 to 10% of pregnant women suffer from this. Headache caused by preeclampsia is stubborn and pulsating. Women with preeclampsia may suffer from blurred vision, eye dots, sudden weight loss (more than one pound per day), upper right upper abdominal pain and hand and face deformation. If you have one or more of these symptoms, or if you have a headache that is different from normal, call your doctor straight away.
Other types of headache
You may also suffer from cluster headache, sinus headache or headache caused by medicines or conditions. If you are worried about your headache seek your doctor's advice.
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