Pregnancy headache is a type of hormonal headache that is caused due to the fluctuation of the female sex hormones during pregnancy. This type of headache is quite common among pregnant women, particularly during the first and third trimester. The exact cause of the headache is still unknown, but it can be rather agonizing for the woman.

Relationship between female sex hormones and headache:

Migraine and hormonal headaches are known to occur during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause and due to intake of oral contraceptive pills. The female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone experience sudden changes that lead to the development of a headache. These headaches also tend to worsen during the postpartum period and can cause severe pain.

Symptoms of Pregnancy Headache:

Pregnancy headache occurs on one side of the head and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light, sound and smell. It can last from a few hours to few days and can cause a lot of discomfort to the mother but does not harm the fetus.

Prevention and treatment of Pregnancy Headaches:

Pregnant woman should take their meals on time and avoid going hungry for long hours. Certain headaches are triggered by decreased levels of blood sugar during pregnancy. Thus, it is essential for you to feed yourself in order to avoid getting a headache.

Avoid late nights, loud music and prolonged hours of work in order to stay fit.

Try doing some deep breathing exercises as they help alleviate stress and the possibility of a headache.

Keep your environment soothing and use a humidifier in case your room gets dry or suffocated.

Try lying down and relaxing in a darkened room for 15-20 minutes.

Exercising helps relieve stress and strengthens the body. You can go for a walk or try some yoga exercises to prevent the onset of a headache.

Pregnancy headaches are known to respond to biofeedback, acupuncture and shiatsu.

In case the headache is very severe, you should ask your doctor about which medications you can take. Acetaminophen can be taken during pregnancy but you must notify your doctor before taking the medicine. Other OTC drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are not recommended during pregnancy.