The causes of headaches aren’t known with certainty in any case. But given that migraines and tension headaches - by far the most common types - occur much more frequently in women, it’s reasonable to suppose that hormones play a role. Those hormones are undergoing rapid change in a pregnant woman so it shouldn’t be surprising that headaches are a common occurrence during that time.

As those hormonal changes smooth out during the second and third trimesters, as the body adjusts, headaches typically become less frequent and intense. Fortunately, it isn’t necessary to passively accept headache pain at any time. There are things that expectant mothers can do during the entire pregnancy to minimize discomfort.

Stress is a common contributor or trigger for headaches, and pregnancy can certainly be stressful. Large-scale, long-term lifestyle changes are happening and the future will hold even more. Meditation techniques and gentle exercise can help reduce the odds of getting stressed, and minimize the severity when it happens.

Proper rest is essential. One common trigger for both migraines and ordinary headaches is lack of sleep. Fatigue ups the odds of getting a headache and increases its intensity when it starts. But not only the amount is important, regularity is equally healthy. If your body naturally feels drowsy in the afternoon, take a short nap. But take care not to sleep so long during the day that a complete night’s sleep becomes difficult to maintain.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause damage to the fetus, though controversy remains about the amount. As with any chemical, dosage is important and alcohol is no different. However, it’s unclear how much is too much - and the amount varies from person to person, of course.

Red wine in particular is a common trigger for headaches for those who are sensitive, and the degree of sensitivity can change during pregnancy. It isn’t necessary to have a hangover to produce an alcohol-related headache. Each individual will have to set his or her own limit, but doing without is probably the safest bet for anyone.

Caffeine consumption, both tea and coffee, should be curtailed. Many women today find that double-strength latte in the morning to be the perfect pick-me-up at the start of a busy day. Best to order the regular for a few months.

Ironically, certain headache medications (Excedrin, for example) contain caffeine. A small amount may actually be helpful. But read the label on any medications taken. It’s easy to overdose and excess caffeine is a common trigger for headaches. Instantly eliminating all caffeine can also be problematic, however. Taper off gently.

Acetaminophen is generally considered safe for pregnant women. But aspirin and ibuprofen are to be avoided. Any medication you consider should be discussed with your physician, particularly if you suffer from migraines.

Cold or hot compresses on the head and neck, a quiet room, a gentle massage and other non-drug treatments can help substitute for pharmacological approaches.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS