How to get rid of a headache during pregnancy

During the entire period when a woman is preparing for the birth of a new life, many complex processes take place in her body, and therefore health problems can arise. Headaches torment almost every pregnant woman, and they often arise even when the expectant mother does not even suspect her condition. Sharp, dull or severe pains begin unexpectedly or gradually, regardless of the time of day and do not stop for a long time. Their reason is incomprehensible.

Causes of Headache During Pregnancy

Many benefits describe a headache as one of the signs of pregnancy and advise you not to worry about this, as this condition is associated with hormonal changes in the body. However, it is not always possible to endure pain, besides it is not safe. What to do, because most drugs are prohibited for pregnant women? This issue can only be solved after the cause of these pains has been established.

Very often, there can be several reasons for the onset of pain during pregnancy, so it is difficult to determine the treatment and the diagnosis. If the pain lasts a long time and does not go away, you should seek the advice of a neurologist. In cases where pain threatens the correct course of pregnancy, then after their relief, the correct treatment is necessary, possibly even in a hospital.

Hormonal changes
In the woman’s body, there is an increased production of the hormone of pregnancy of hCG, estrogen, progesterone, and he needs time to adapt. The nervous system responds to these changes and manifests itself as headaches. In this situation, treatment is not necessary, but in connection with a depressed emotional state, a woman may experience concomitant diseases or increase toxicosis, which will affect the fetus. Therefore, neurologists prescribe appropriate drug therapy.

Low blood pressure
Due to the fact that to maintain pregnancy, the body begins to synthesize a large amount of progesterone, there is a decrease in pressure and expansion of the walls of blood vessels. The fact is that an excess of this hormone has a relaxing effect on muscle fibers, including on the walls of blood vessels. In this situation, the brain begins to experience oxygen deficiency. Therefore, complex treatment is required.

High blood pressure
This problem more often occurs at a later date. The reason for this is an increase in the amount of blood in the body and an increase in the load on the heart and kidneys of the pregnant woman. Prevention of arterial hypertension should be carried out at the very beginning of pregnancy, especially for women who have had similar symptoms previously. Headaches accompanied by high blood pressure are treated with medication, but this may not always be safe. Therefore, it is worth starting to take preventive measures: reduce physical activity and eliminate stressful situations.

Obesity
Being overweight affects the functioning of the heart and kidneys. The amount of blood in the body increases, and as a result, blood pressure rises. In this case, headaches occur.

Hunger
The fetus needs nutrients and oxygen. He receives all this from the blood of his mother. If a woman does not receive them, the body experiences overload. As a result, headaches may occur. Eat regularly and properly.

Diseases
A heavy “precious burden” affects the spine, which is experiencing overload. As a result, some diseases, the symptom of which is a headache, can be complicated.

Due to a decrease in immunity, pregnant women are also susceptible to new diseases, for example, of an infectious nature:

• Pyelonephritis;
• Conjunctivitis;
• Sinusitis;
• Encephalitis.

All of them are accompanied by a headache, which can be eliminated only after treatment of the causes of its occurrence.

Stressful situations
A pregnant woman aggravates all emotions and feelings: fear, anxiety, aggression. In other words, she "makes an elephant out of a fly." Thinking about some “serious” problem and worrying about it, the pregnant woman brings herself to a stressful state. This nervous strain leads to headaches. In this situation, sedatives will help.

Gestosis
This disease, in which there is a malfunction of some organs and systems, is a complication of pregnancy. This condition is very dangerous not only for a woman, but also for a baby. With this pathology, the circulatory system and kidneys undergo special changes. The disease is accompanied:

• severe and frequent headaches;
• increase in pressure;
• swelling;
• increased hemoglobin;
• lack of calcium;
• visual impairment;
• loss of consciousness;
• the appearance of protein in the urine.

This condition requires immediate hospitalization.

How to get rid of a headache during pregnancy

A pregnant woman can not independently decide on a method for treating a headache. First of all, she should consult with her doctor and neurologist. Many drugs can not be taken - this can cause pathological changes in the fetus in the first months of its formation or cause premature birth in the second half of pregnancy.

For the treatment of headaches in pregnant women it is used:

• drug therapy;
• homeopathy;
• massage;
• aromatherapy;
• acupuncture.

You should contact your doctor immediately if:

• the headache does not go away for a long time and its character has changed;
• discomfort begins in the morning;
• the localization of pain does not change;
• increased blood pressure;
• concomitant symptoms appeared: impaired motor activity, impaired vision, hearing, some sounds are poorly pronounced.

Drug treatment
In some cases, the doctor prescribes Panadol for newborns, Efferalgan, as an anesthetic. These funds are not addictive and can be used to relieve pain under reduced pressure. If headaches are associated with impaired circulation, Actovigin is prescribed.

With high blood pressure, a complex treatment is prescribed, which includes drugs that relieve pain, cramps and normalize blood pressure.

Home therapy
Only a homeopathic doctor can recommend natural medications, as during pregnancy, and they can adversely affect the general condition of the mother and the fetus.

You can take herbal teas from mint, chamomile, rose hips. They not only relieve spasms, but also have a sedative effect.

Aromatherapy
Essential oils relieve spasms, soothe, invigorate, charge with positive emotions, stimulate the immune system, fight viruses. In order to treat a headache with aromatherapy, a pregnant woman will also need to consult a gynecologist.

For aromatherapy, you can take oils:

• Geraniums;
• Lemon
• Orange;
• Eucalyptus;
• Peppermint
• Fir.

With the addition of essential oil, compresses are made, whiskey is ground. The most effective way is inhalation. For this, an aroma lamp is needed, a few drops of oil are added to it and heated. The essential oil evaporates and an unobtrusive, persistent smell appears in the air.

Before you make a compress, you must make sure that there is no allergy to the selected essential oil. To do this, drip the product on your wrist and wait. If the skin does not react to oil in any way, then there is no allergy, and should not be given a compress if irritation or redness occurs.

Massage and acupuncture
Massage or acupuncture in order to get rid of a headache is carried out by a specialist. When exposed to certain points, cramps are relieved, muscles relax, and pain subsides.

If the pain is associated with circulatory disorders in the cervical spine - massage of the head, neck, shoulder and spinal muscles is the best way to get rid of it. This will help relieve stress, eliminate congestion, improve blood circulation.

Pregnancy Headache Prevention

1. It is necessary to drink a sufficient amount of fluid, to prevent dehydration. Even if a pregnant woman is tormented by constant swelling, in no case should one give up water.
2. A cool shower will help relieve stress during the day just before bedtime. Cool water stimulates blood circulation - a good way to get rid of a headache with high blood pressure. Sometimes you can wash yourself with cold water or wipe the whiskey with a damp towel - this will refresh and relieve stress.
3. A full night's sleep is needed. If the body of the future mother does not receive proper rest, neuroses will arise, and immunity will weaken.
4. You should refuse coffee, caffeine has a bad effect on the pregnant woman’s nervous system.

Exclude foods from the diet that can trigger headaches:

• dairy and sour milk;
• some types of cheeses;
• sweets with the addition of flavorings;
• alcohol.

Food should be regular to avoid lowering hemoglobin and blood sugar.

If the pain started unexpectedly, do not panic, you need to try to relax. A good mood, lack of stress and adherence to the doctor's recommendations are the best remedies for a headache for a pregnant woman.

Video: head massage to relieve headache in 4 minutes