Headaches in Pregnancy

Unfortunately, headaches occur all throughout pregnancy. Nasal congestion, fatigue, eyestrain, caffein withdrawal, anxiety, and tension are all possible causes of headaches during pregnancy. In late pregnancy, a sharp, blinding headache that affects your vision may be associated with preeclampsia, and should be reported to your doctor.

For headaches of the sinus type, press a hot, moist towel over your eyes and forehead. If nasal congestion is part of the problem, a vaporizer may help quite a bit.

Rest and relaxation are often the most effective remedies for headaches. Put your feet up, pop in your favorite video, and take it easy!

Pregnancy is not the time to have new glasses or contact lenses fitted, and the lenses that were fine before you became pregnant might cause you to suffer from headaches or eye strain now. Your body's increased volume of circulation during pregnancy can affect your vision, but be reassured that these problems are only temporary!

Because excessive over the counter medications, such as aspirin, may be related to birth defects and problems during pregnancy, some doctors advise against using them during pregnancy. Most doctors will suggest you use a non-aspirin pain reliever such as acetaminophen instead. There is no conclusive evidence, however, that acetaminophen is really safer than aspirin. After the first trimester, moderate doses of aspirin, up to four per day, are generally considered safe, however, consult with your doctor or health care provider prior to treating even the simple headache.

If your headaches are severe or persistent, ask your doctor what you should do. Don't self medicate, but don't continue to suffer either!

If abrupt elimination of caffein from your diet has left you irritable and with headaches, a more gradual approach to reducing caffeine may be better for you!