Headaches during pregnancy is a common phenomenon and affects a majority of women. In this following article, we will focus on how one can best cope and deal with this condition.
Most women suffer from certain health issues that can cause varying degrees of pain and discomfort during their pregnancy. One of the most common conditions is that of recurring headaches. Of these there can be degrees. While some are fleeting, others might prolong into more severe forms of migraines and headaches. It does stand true that no matter what the condition, the discomfort and pain directly affects the well-being, efficiency, and mental health of a woman.
Thus there is a need to find ways of dealing with headaches that make way during pregnancy and ensure that the mother-to-be maintains great health. In the following sections, we will focus on some of the ways of naturally dealing with the same. If you are pregnant or know of someone who is pregnant and suffering from the regular bout of headaches, a reading through this article might help.
Causes
Pregnancy means that drastic changes are taking place in your body. Your body is trying to adjust to the new functions that have been thrust upon it, and when there is a sudden change in the varied functioning styles of the body, headaches can be brought about as just one of the many side effects and coping mechanisms that the body adopts.
Hormonal Changes
There are several hormones that are being produced and supplied by the body to cope with all the changes. A hormonal imbalance can lead to severe headaches in a woman.
Stress
Stress is another factor that can lead to headaches. Pressure of work, coping with varied other things at home, and the overall changes in one’s routine, lifestyle and body can lead to stress from trying to cope with the many changes.
Caffeine Withdrawal
Pregnancy spells a change in the diet and there are several restrictions in her diet that a woman has to face. Usually doctors recommend cutting down on coffee and other stimulants that contain caffeine. Caffeine withdrawal can―and usually does―lead to headaches.
Medical Conditions
There are certain medical conditions and changes in the medical status of the body that can lead to headaches in a woman during her pregnancy. These conditions can include―a drop in the level of blood sugar, dehydration, hunger pangs, and fatigue caused by less sleep, among others.
Treatment Forms
There are several natural ways of dealing with headaches during pregnancy. Here are some ways by which you can ensure that the headaches stay at bay.
Deep Breathing
One of the simplest and most effective ways of dealing with a headache is to close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Try and distract yourself from the pain and think about something pleasant instead. This usually works in cases of mild headaches. Some women inhale select fragrances that are known to get rid of the headaches effectively enough.
Warm and Cold Packs
When your head starts throbbing, try and work with some cold or hot compresses. These are known to help restore normal breathing and in increasing the circulation of blood through the body―thereby helping reduce the effect of headaches.
Massages and Showers
Another factor that is known to help is taking a cold or warm shower or splashing one’s face with cold water. Similarly, pressing the temple and head is also known to relieve the symptoms of an impending or full-blown headache.
Plenty of Rest
If there has been way too much activity and you haven’t realized that it has affected you, then getting some rest―lying down with your eyes closed or a proper nap―is known to drive the fatigue away and restore the lost vigor, thus getting rid of the headache.
Aiming at ‘No Stress’
Stress is one of the main factors that can lead to headaches as well as a multitude of other medical conditions. Try and reduce the overall stress in your life.
A Well-balanced Meal
Dehydration, low blood sugar, lack of the required vitamins and other nutrients, as well as skipped meals can lead to severe ill effects on the body, which can then lead to headaches. Eating a well-balanced meal is absolutely necessary, as is eating every meal.
Exercises and Relaxation Techniques
Releasing of feel-good hormones in the body and eliminating the toxins can be a great way to deal with the headaches that make way. Include mild exercises into your routine.
Avoid Headache-inducing Stimuli
Understand and identify the stimuli that lead to your headaches and then avoid them. These could include smells, foods, noises, and the like.
If a migraine ensues that refuses to go away, then the smartest thing to do is consult your gynecologist and ask for certain herbal medication forms. These should only be taken in consultation with a doctor, given your condition. Other than that, you can try these solutions and see which one works for you. Usually, a combination of 3-4 of these techniques is known to do the trick.
Disclaimer – This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.