Frequent headaches during pregnancy are not unusual occurrences, particularly in the first trimester. The most common type of headache during this phase of pregnancy are tension headaches – headaches characterized by squeezing-like pain or dull and steady pain on the temples or the nape. Experts are still at a loss to why frequent headaches during pregnancy occur.
One theory explains that it is because of the hormonal change taking place inside the body. Before pregnancy takes place, the predominant hormone in the female body is estrogen. During pregnancy, in order for the body to become a viable environment that supports the growth of the fetus, estrogen-production has to decline and give way to an increase in progesterone (“hormone of pregnancy”) production. Other possible culprits cited by experts are excessive caffeine intake, sleep deprivation, fatigue, stress, dehydration, hunger, sinus congestion or colds, allergies and eyestrain.
Most expectant women find that their headaches tend to diminish as the second trimester begins. This is because the body has already acclimatized to the hormonal change and it has already been accustomed to the change in body chemistry following fetal growth and development. But this, of course, may be a case to case basis.
Migraine, another form of headache, may also be experienced by the expectant mother during the first to early second trimester. Migraine produces moderate to moderately severe and throbbing pain, and they are able to last for up to 72 hours if left untreated. Physical activity has been shown to aggravate the condition. Unlike tension headaches, migraines are usually accompanied with other symptoms like nausea and vomiting, and photosensitivity (sensitivity to light).
Other, more serious symptoms may appear a few hours after the migraine attack has started. Some of these symptoms are visual changes such as blurring or blind spots, numbing sensations, body weakness, feeling of “pins and needles” and even speech difficulties and disturbances. Palliative treatments (rest, painkillers, hydration, massage, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, etc.) are started and the pregnant woman is assessed from time to time.
The safes pain medication that a pregnant woman can take is acetaminophen or paracetamol. Research has approved the use of acetaminophen and there are no serious side effects to the fetus if the medication is taken at the right dosage. Medications like aspirin and ibuprofen are usually not recommended. These medications can be taken only when the doctor says that they are safe for use and if the patient shows an untoward reaction to the use of acetaminophen.