Headaches are common during pregnancy. As your body goes through several changes, you may experience a headache that ranges from mild to severe.

While most headaches during pregnancy are harmless, there may be some instances when you should pay attention to them and inform your doctor. In this article, we will discuss everything about headaches during pregnancy and when you should worry about them.

Causes of Headaches During Pregnancy

There may be several causes of headaches during pregnancy, including:.

Hormonal changes: As you progress during pregnancy, your body goes through several hormonal changes. These changes may cause headaches in some women.

Dehydration: One common cause of headaches during pregnancy is dehydration. Not drinking enough water or fluids can lead to headaches.

Low blood sugar: Your body needs glucose to function properly. During pregnancy, fluctuations in blood sugar levels may cause headaches.

Stress: Pregnancy can be stressful, and stress may cause tension headaches or migraines.

Eye Strain: During pregnancy, your vision may change, and this can lead to eye strain and headaches.

Types of Headaches During Pregnancy

There are different types of headaches during pregnancy. Let’s take a look at them below:.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches experienced by pregnant women. These headaches are usually felt as a band-like pressure around your forehead or at the back of the head.

Tension headaches are often caused by stress, dehydration, or lack of sleep.

Migraines

Migraines are severe and debilitating headaches during pregnancy. Migraines can cause nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Pregnant women who have a history of migraines may experience worse or better attacks during pregnancy.

Sinus Headaches

A blocked or inflamed sinus can cause a sinus headache. Pregnancy hormones may cause swelling of nasal passages which can lead to sinus headaches.

Hypertension Headaches

High blood pressure during pregnancy is a serious condition that can lead to preeclampsia. Headaches caused by hypertension might be described as severe and pounding.

When headaches are accompanied by vision changes, dizziness, and abdominal pain, medical attention should be sought immediately.

When to Worry About Headaches During Pregnancy?

Headaches during pregnancy are usually not harmful. Women can follow some simple remedies to ease the headache-like neck and head massage, cold or hot compress, hydration, and keeping blood sugar in check.

Nonetheless, if the headaches are severe or debilitating, and accompanied by other symptoms, it is time to take action.

Here are some situations where you should worry about headaches during pregnancy:.

Headache Accompanied by Vision Changes

If the headache is accompanied by blurred vision, double vision, or temporary vision loss, this may be a sign of preeclampsia. A headache with vision changes is a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate medical attention.

Headache Accompanied by Swelling

Swelling is normal during pregnancy, but sudden or excessive swelling may be a sign of preeclampsia. If you experience a headache, along with swelling of the hands, face, or legs which does not reduce with rest, contact your doctor at once.

Headache Accompanied by Seizures

In rare cases, severe headaches during pregnancy can cause seizures. If you experience a headache accompanied by seizures, it is a medical emergency. Call for medical help immediately.

Headaches That Last for More Than 4 Hours

If your headaches last for more than four hours and are not relieved by simple remedies like rest and hydration, you should seek medical attention. This may be a symptom of a more severe condition.

Headaches Accompanied by Fever and Stiff Neck

If the headache is accompanied by a fever, vomiting, and a stiff neck, it may be due to meningitis. Meningitis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

Headaches during pregnancy are quite common, usually mild, and harmless. However, in some cases, headaches can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as preeclampsia.

If you experience headaches during pregnancy, make sure to take simple remedies that help alleviate the discomfort. If you have severe headaches or headaches accompanied by other symptoms or take medicinal drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, speak to your health care provider.

Knowing when to worry about headaches can make a difference in your and your baby’s health.