In the first trimester, although the headaches are always "surrounded", the pregnant mother should not be too worried. Headaches in pregnant women are very common because during this time, the hormones change continuously, affecting the blood circulation, leading to headaches. They will subside in the next trimester or as soon as the pregnancy hormone has stabilized.
The cause of headache in pregnant women
In the first 3 months of pregnancy , hormonal changes, muscle tension, change in shape, disturbance of blood circulation in the mother's body will cause headaches in pregnant women. However, many mothers experience migraines in the first trimester of pregnancy. Migraine presents with a throbbing pain on one side of the head, with other discomfort such as vomiting or nausea.
Headaches that repeat in the last 3 months are caused by an increased weight of the fetus, hindering the flow of blood to the brain.
In addition, a number of other factors that increase maternal headaches are: stress, fatigue, diet too much caffeine, lack of sleep, less water, hunger, hypoglycemia ...
Types of headache during pregnancy
Most pregnancy headaches are primary headaches. This means that the headache is spontaneous, not signs or symptoms of another complication or disorder in pregnancy. Primary headaches include:
Migraine headaches
Cluster headaches
Tension headache
Experts have shared, about 26% of pregnancy headaches are due to stress. Tell your doctor if you have chronic or migraine headaches during pregnancy or have a history of migraines.
The common signs when pregnant women have a headache
The headache of each pregnant mother is not the same, you may experience some symptoms such as:
Dull ache
Pulse
Throbbing pain behind one or both eyes
Severe pain in one or both sides of the head.
Migraines also include:
Nausea
Blind spot
Vomiting
dizziness
How to treat headaches for pregnant women with natural methods
Instead of trying to endure a headache that makes pregnant women tired, you can try natural remedies to help relieve symptoms:
Massage
Massaging the back, shoulders, nape, neck and head area is a great way to aid in headaches or migraines. Having your husband massage these areas with eucalyptus oil will help relieve pain effectively.
Apply warm / cold compresses
Hot or cold compresses both help treat headache for pregnant women. Hot compresses will dilate blood vessels and increase blood circulation in the affected area, helping to remove blood clots that could trigger headaches.
The condition of the enlarged blood vessels is one of the most common reasons for migraines in pregnancy. To get rid of this persistent headache, a cold compress often becomes the best remedy. Use a towel dipped in cold water and apply it to the forehead area will help tighten blood vessels, shrink muscle tissue and skin in this area, thereby helping to relieve pain.
Drink enough water
The most effective but overlooked headache treatment for pregnant women is to drink enough water. Most people underestimate water's ability to relieve headaches. Water plays a key role, necessary for the circulation of blood and important minerals in the body.
Drinking plenty of filtered water will assist in treating and preventing headaches, providing energy to the body by adjusting enzymes, proteins and vitamins in an appropriate, balanced level.
Use lavender essential oil
Lavender oil is a safe remedy for pregnant women with headaches. The scent of flowers has the ability to stabilize mood, reduce stress, reduce the severity of pain. If you have a constant intensity of pregnancy headache , don't skip aromatherapy.
Steam
If you suffer from a stuffy or sinus headache during pregnancy, you can try a steam bath to clear the sinus cavity and ease the pain symptoms. Putting a few drops of lemon lemongrass essential oil in a basin of steam will also increase the ability to relax.
Prevent headache for pregnant women
Pregnant women with headaches in the first trimester are often not preventable because they come from hormonal changes. However, making some lifestyle changes can also help reduce your risk of having a headache:
Eat well
Low blood sugar due to missed meals or an empty stomach can cause headaches during pregnancy. Therefore, you should still store with you a small jar of good pregnant nuts, fruit or a few small cakes so you can recharge when you feel hungry.
Full rest
Ensuring sleep helps minimize the recurrence of migraines or headaches. In addition, the mother elected to bed on time or earlier is also very good for health because it will assist in reducing stress, fatigue and recover energy after a long day of activity.
Cut down on caffeine
If you're a real coffee addict, then the time of pregnancy means it's time to say goodbye to this favorite drink. However, do not abstain from coffee too suddenly because the body will object, but instead, pregnant mothers should slowly cut down on the amount of coffee they drink each day as well as dilute coffee with water and milk.
Pay attention to food
Certain foods (such as chocolate, preserved meats such as sausages, wine or red wine, caffeinated drinks, etc.) can cause pregnancy headache after eating. Therefore, you should pay attention to this factor and limit eating such foods.
Breath
Lack of fresh air can also easily make pregnant women feel uncomfortable or even headaches. So, pregnant mothers should pay attention to avoid going out on hot days, stuffy air or places with strong scents, strong smells.
In addition, when at home, you can open the window to allow the indoor air to circulate and cool. In addition, pregnant mothers need to avoid wearing clothes that are too tight and do not absorb sweat well.
Environmental factors
Some external influences such as bright lights and loud sounds will make pregnant women headache because pregnancy makes you more sensitive than ever. To limit this situation from happening, pregnant mothers should try to avoid going to places with too much bright light and dazzle and prioritize quiet places for meetings and conversations.
Be physically active
Exercise not only improves health, reduces stress, supports the birth process more easily, but also limits the occurrence of unnecessary headaches. Encouraged forms of advocacy include:
Yoga
Walk
Swimming
Cycling indoors
Practice breathing during pregnancy.
If the above measures do not work, headaches become more serious such as obstructing sleep, accompanied by signs of fever, abdominal pain, toothache, eye pain ..., it's best to consult your doctor to Treatment of headaches during pregnancy.
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