Headaches

Pounding, throbbing pain in the head is not something a pregnant mother wants to deal with every day. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to prevent headaches during pregnancy but treating these pains is simple.

Causes of Headaches During Pregnancy
Though it may seem redundant, hormones is the cause of most headaches during pregnancy. The majority of the time, the female body is not flooded with hormones that change the physical shape and composition of the body. During pregnancy, hormones are responsible for every positive change that keeps you and your baby healthy, but there are some side effects that may be painful in the process: headaches.
Headaches during pregnancy can also be caused by changes in diet like giving up caffeine. If leaving caffeine behind is important to you during pregnancy, make sure to wean off the cup o' Joe (aka coffee) slowly to prevent severe headaches from caffeine withdrawal.

Important Facts About Headaches During Pregnancy
Headache pain during pregnancy will vary from woman to woman. Some report having migraine level headaches on occasion while others report having dull, light headaches every day. Even though headaches during pregnancy are common, severe pain should be reported to the attending physician.

Treatment for Headaches During Pregnancy
Ibuprofen and aspirin are off limits while pregnant, so self-medicating with these over-the-counter medications is not suggested until after your baby is born. Acetaminophen, however, is allowed during pregnancy to treat pain. Before taking acetaminophen, make sure to talk with your physician about the pain and proper amount of medication to take to ensure your baby’s safety. Tension headaches, those caused by stress and often appearing in the temples or back of the neck, can be treated with warm compresses and a dark, quiet space before turning to medications.