More than 40 million people suffer from headaches. Headaches interfere with leisure activities, mood, concentration and daily function. The National Headache Foundation suggests that understanding the type and triggers of a headache can not only guide potential treatment options but also help people make lifestyle changes and efforts to try to  prevent them. 

Headaches during pregnancy can be common in each of the 3 trimesters.  The causes are multiple and need to be evaluated carefully as the causes are varied.  The most common headaches include tension, cluster or migraines. Common triggers include exertion, foods, stress, hunger, anxiety, dehydration, neck strain and poor sleep habits.  Other causes of headaches include medication side effects, changes in hormones and underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure or hypertension.  

First trimester is often a time of altered eating due to hormonal changes which accompany food aversions, heightened sense of smell, nausea and vomiting. It is important for pregnant ladies to avoid long periods of fasting and to limit the risk of dehydration. Pregnant woman who abruptly stop caffeinated beverages may experience headaches as well.  In second trimester, higher levels progesterone, a normal female hormone, can lead to an increase in headaches and are typically self -resolving as the pregnancy progresses.  Viral illness, seasonal allergies sinus congestion, tooth pain, infections and other medical problems may also lead to a headache.

Stretching, reduced computer time, eyeglasses, sunglasses, sleep, rest, massage and exercise all may improve quality of life and lower frequency of head pain.

Acetominophen is the generic name for Tylenol which is both safe and effective as first line treatment for both pain and fever in pregnancy. The maximum amount that adults can take is 4000mg or 4gm orally in divided doses in a hour period. For example:  325mg tabs, taking 2 by mouth with water every 6 hours.

Water alternatives include products such as Gatorade, Propel, Powerade, lemonade, carbonation, decaffeinated tea, shakes, popcicles, smoothies, sugar water, ginger, lemon and lime additives to water may help increase fluid intake so headaches resolve and IV fluids in the acute care setting is not required.

Home remedies are appropriate to try initially; however, if not improved please be sure to seek advice and /or evaluation from your primary care provider or obstetrical medical team.  The first consideration in third trimester of pregnancy is hypertension or high blood pressure.  Pre- eclampsia is more common in the first pregnancy. Prenatal visits are more often in the third trimester so that if problems occur close follow up and early intervention is possible.

You are advised to call our office at 301 468-4900 for headaches or if not feeling well so that blood pressure and symptoms can be evaluated promptly.

-Dr. Jennifer Jagoe