It is essential to understand how to treat headaches during pregnancy in the first months, so that a woman can get the rest she needs during this stage of her life. Although headaches at the beginning of pregnancy are normal due to hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body, they may sometimes indicate more serious conditions, such as preeclampsia, according to the Dalili Medical website.

**Common types of headaches during pregnancy**

 

1. **Tension headache**: Tension headaches are the most common among pregnant women, as the woman feels as if someone is pressing on her head. The symptoms of this type of headache are more likely to appear when there is tension in the shoulders or neck.

2. **Migraine**: Migraines usually appear on one side of the head, and their severity increases during the first months of pregnancy, but the symptoms tend to improve gradually without the need for special treatment during that period.

3. **Cluster headache**: Pregnant women suffer from pain around the eyes and temples at about the same time every day when they suffer from this type, and it is less common compared to other types.

4. **Sinus headache**: Women feel pain or pressure in the cheeks, around the eyes, and cheeks when they suffer from this type of headache, and it often occurs after a respiratory infection.

When does pregnancy headache start?

 

Pregnancy headaches can appear during the first trimester for reasons that differ from those that cause headaches in the second and third trimesters. In some cases, pregnancy headaches may be an indication of other health problems.

It is important to inform your doctor about any headaches you experience during pregnancy, whether before or after pregnancy. It is preferable to keep a diary to record the number of times the headache occurs and its severity, in addition to recording any other symptoms that may accompany it.

Does constipation cause headaches for pregnant women?

 

Yes, constipation can sometimes lead to headaches for pregnant women.

Is headache during pregnancy normal?

Yes, headaches are common during pregnancy. At the beginning of pregnancy, they may be due to the many changes that a woman goes through, while other causes of headaches may appear in the second and third trimesters.

**Are headache painkillers harmful to pregnant women?**

 

It is best to avoid using headache painkillers during the first trimester of pregnancy, due to their potential negative effect on the fetus.

**What causes left-sided migraines with eye pain?**

 

Left-sided migraines with eye pain may be caused by cluster headaches, a type of severe primary headache that affects one side of the head and the eye socket area. This type of headache may be accompanied by symptoms such as conjunctival congestion, nasal congestion, increased tearing, constricted pupils, drooping eyelids, nausea, and severe high blood pressure.

**Why do headaches increase in early pregnancy?**

 

During pregnancy, many hormonal changes occur, an increase in blood volume, and changes in blood circulation, which leads to an increase in headache attacks, especially in the first trimester. In addition, there are other factors that contribute to the exacerbation of headaches, such as:

- Fatigue and lack of adequate sleep

- Suddenly stopping the consumption of coffee and products containing caffeine

Hunger or thirst for long periods, in addition to nervous stress and sinus congestion, can be factors that lead to headaches.

Is the timing of the headache important?

 

Yes, as the common headache in pregnant women usually appears in the first three months of pregnancy and gradually begins to fade after that. However, if the headache occurs in the second half of pregnancy or in the last three months, you should be careful, because it may be normal as a result of stress, fatigue, and the increase in the weight of the fetus and its effect on you, but it may also indicate the occurrence of serious complications such as preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs during pregnancy, and its symptoms, in addition to a severe and sudden headache, are: swelling or noticeable swelling of the face, hands or feet, vision problems such as blurred vision or seeing flashes of light in front of the eyes, severe pain directly under the ribs, and a general feeling of illness.

**Does pregnancy affect migraine attacks?**

 

Studies suggest that between 50 and 80 percent of pregnant women who suffer from migraines notice a decrease in the frequency of their attacks during pregnancy. Many doctors believe that increased estrogen levels play a role in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines. Some doctors recommend hormone replacement therapy to mimic the effects of pregnancy on the body, especially for women who suffer from migraines before their period. However, women who suffer from migraines with aura should be careful, as the risk of stroke may be increased when using birth control pills that contain estrogen. Some women may experience migraine symptoms for the first time during pregnancy, while others may experience worsening symptoms, especially during the first trimester.

**Do migraine symptoms get worse during pregnancy?**

 

Migraine symptoms may get worse in early pregnancy, but they often improve later in pregnancy as estrogen levels stabilize. However, this does not apply to all women, as some may not experience any worsening of symptoms.

Does migraine during pregnancy affect the course of pregnancy?

 

Migraine during pregnancy may increase the risk of serious complications affecting the health of the mother and fetus, such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Does migraine during pregnancy cause miscarriage?

 

Migraine during pregnancy is associated with serious complications for the mother and her fetus, the most prominent of which are high blood pressure, miscarriage, cesarean section, premature birth, and low birth weight.

**Causes of headaches in pregnant women**

The causes of headaches in pregnant women vary according to the stage of pregnancy, as the causes at the end of pregnancy differ from those atT appears in its early stages.

**Causes of headaches in the first months of pregnancy**

Tension headaches are one of the most common types in the first three months of pregnancy, due to the changes that a woman's body goes through during this period, such as hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and changes in weight.

Common causes of headaches in the first three months include:

- Dehydration or vomiting.

- Psychological stress and lack of sleep.

- Caffeine withdrawal.

- Malnutrition and low blood sugar.

- Light sensitivity.

- Lack of physical activity.

Some foods can also trigger headaches in some women, such as dairy products, cheese, chocolate, yeast, and tomatoes.

Causes of headaches in pregnant women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy include:

- Weight gain.

- Lack of sleep.

- Diabetes.

- High blood pressure.

- Muscle tension.

When does a migraine during pregnancy become dangerous for a pregnant woman?

 

You should consult your doctor if you suffer from a headache during pregnancy accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

- High temperature.

- Vomiting and nausea.

- Blurred vision.

- Severe abdominal pain.

- Headache that lasts for more than a few hours without responding to treatment.

- Recurring headaches.

Your doctor may recommend some tests and examinations to determine the cause of the headache, such as:

- Measure your blood pressure.

- Perform a complete blood count.

- Test your blood sugar level.

- Check your vision.

- Perform an ultrasound of the head and neck.

When should you see a doctor?

 

- If the headache is persistent and does not improve despite trying all available treatments.

- If you feel dizzy, numb, or have a change in your level of consciousness and alertness with the headache.

- If the headache occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy and is accompanied by the symptoms of preeclampsia mentioned above.

- If the headache is severe enough to wake you up from sleep, or if the pain is unprecedented.

- If the headache is accompanied by a high temperature or stiff neck.

- If you feel a headache after a shock or fall.

- If the headache is accompanied by nasal congestion with pain or pressure under the eyes or near the teeth, there may be a sinus infection and you need antibiotics.

**Effective tips to relieve headaches and improve your condition**

. **Use pressure and compresses**: If the headache is caused by sinusitis, you can use a warm compress around the eyes and nose area. If it is caused by stress, choose a cold compress.

. **Take a cold shower**: A cold shower is a simple and effective treatment for some types of headaches, as it helps contract dilated blood vessels, providing a quick feeling of relief. If you are unable to take a shower, you can spray your face with cold water.

. **Relieve stress**: Get a massage session, or if that is not available, you can ask someone close to you to massage your neck and shoulders.

. **Eat small meals**: It is preferable to eat light meals throughout the day to avoid low blood sugar levels. If you are outside the home, make sure to carry some snacks in your bag such as crackers, fruits, and whole grain biscuits.

. **Avoid trigger foods**: Avoid some foods that may trigger headaches such as aged cheese, smoked fish, chocolate, and pickles of all kinds.

. **Drink fluids**: Make sure to drink enough fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration. If the headache is migraine and accompanied by vomiting, it is preferable to drink fluids in small sips.

Be careful of the ingredients of some canned foods, as they contain substances that may trigger headaches, such as sugar substitutes such as aspartame, monosodium glutamate, nitrates, and nitrites.

Try to avoid exposure to psychological pressures and stressors, such as crowds or excessively high or low temperatures.

You can do some light exercises recommended for pregnant women, but if you suffer from migraines, it is preferable to reduce these exercises, as physical exertion may increase the severity of the headache.

**The relationship between pregnancy headaches and the type of fetus**

- It is believed that a pregnant woman who suffers from severe headaches may be pregnant with a boy, while if she does not feel a headache, the fetus may be female.

- If the pregnant woman suffers from morning sickness during the first months of pregnancy, this may be considered evidence that the fetus is a boy. However, if the nausea is severe and abnormal, it may indicate that the fetus is female.

- Severe pain in the back area of ​​​​the pregnant woman may be considered a sign of pregnancy with a boy, while not feeling this pain may indicate pregnancy with a girl.

- The type of fetus can be determined by measuring its heart rate; if the heartbeat reaches one hundred and forty beats, this indicates that the fetus is male, but if the heartbeat is less than that, it may be female.

- The shape of the mother's abdomen may also give indications of the type of fetus; If the abdomen is protruding forward, the fetus may be female, while if the abdomen is oval-shaped, the fetus may be male.

- When looking at the shape of the left breast, if it is larger than the right breast, this may indicate that the fetus is female, but if the opposite is true or if the breasts are equal in size, this may indicate that the fetus is male.

- It is believed that the shape of a pregnant woman's eyes may indicate the gender of the fetus. If her pupils dilate when looking in the mirror, this indicates that she is pregnant with a female, while if the shape of her eyes does not change, the fetus will be male.

- If the pregnant woman's feet are cold and trembling all the time, this indicates that the fetus will be female, but if there is no change in her feet, the fetus will be male.

- A pregnant woman's hair can also express the gender of her fetus. If her hair has been beautiful and looks healthy and shiny since the beginning of pregnancy, this indicates that the fetus will be female, while if her hair is tired and split, the fetus will be male.

- In addition, the sleeping position may indicateThe type of fetus. If the mother sleeps on her right side, this indicates that the fetus will be male, while if she sleeps on her left side, the fetus will be female.

The color of the urine can indicate the type of fetus; if the urine is dark yellow, this may indicate that the fetus is female, while if it is pale yellow, it may indicate that the fetus is male.

**Guidelines for treating headaches during the first months of pregnancy**

. **Rest in a dark room**: When feeling a headache, it is preferable for the woman to go to a quiet room, where she can turn off the lights and reduce the volume of the TV or turn it off completely, then try to take a nap to help relieve the pain.

. **Using cold and hot towels**: Using hot and cold towels alternately on the area of ​​the head where the woman feels pain can help relieve the headache.

. **Relaxing in the bathtub**: If the woman does not suffer from any complications related to bathing, she can relax in a warm water tub, which may help her get rid of the headache.

. **Natural health services**: There are many natural treatments that can help women deal with headaches, such as chiropractic care services, acupuncture, and massage.

**Visit an ophthalmologist:** Pregnancy can sometimes affect a woman's eye health, which can lead to headaches. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to visit an ophthalmologist to conduct the necessary examinations and obtain appropriate treatment if eye problems are the cause of the headache.

**Seeking help with childcare:** If a woman has young children, she can ask a family member or friend to help her, which will give her the opportunity to get enough rest away from the children's disturbance.

**Taking notes:** It is useful for a woman to carry a notebook to record the symptoms she experiences during headache attacks, in addition to recording possible triggers. This will help the pregnant woman gather information that may contribute to reducing her exposure to headaches.

**Maintaining body hydration:** Dehydration can sometimes lead to migraines in pregnant women. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain body hydration, and pregnant women are advised to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to ensure good hydration.

**Herbs for treating headaches for pregnant women**

**Garlic:** Garlic is considered one of the plants that are very beneficial to human health, as it is found in abundance in Egyptian homes. Garlic helps relieve headache pain, especially in pregnant women, thanks to its many beneficial vitamins. In addition, garlic treats some chronic diseases. It is recommended to eat 4 cloves of garlic on an empty stomach in the morning.

**Onions:** Onions help relieve headache pain in pregnant women, as they give the body energy and strength. It can be eaten by cutting it into small pieces and eating it twice a day.

**Ginger:** Ginger is considered one of the effective herbs in treating headaches, especially for pregnant women. It also helps in treating many diseases, including obesity, as it enhances the weight loss process and helps dissolve fats. It can be prepared by boiling it in water and then leaving it to cool before drinking.

**Honey:** Honey is considered one of the effective natural treatments for many diseases, including headaches. It can be eaten by adding it to warm water.

Rosemary is an aromatic plant with a strong scent, and is used for many purposes, including treating headaches in pregnant women. Rosemary contains a group of essential oils such as "borneol" and "camphor". It can be used by boiling it in water, then inhaling the resulting steam. After that, it is filtered and drunk daily for quick results.