Headache During Pregnancy
One of the most common reasons for pregnancy headaches is that the body is in a state of hormonal change. Several factors can trigger headaches, including high blood pressure and sleep deprivation. In addition, certain medications during pregnancy can affect the unborn baby. In particular, acetaminophen may increase the chances of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and an autism spectrum disorder.
Migraine headaches
If you're pregnant and you're experiencing recurring headaches, you may want to seek medical attention for migraines. While migraines don't necessarily threaten the unborn baby's health, you should discuss the symptoms with your doctor. There are also medications you can use to treat your headaches.
Pregnancy can lead to an increase in the volume of blood in the brain, which can trigger migraine headaches. The extra blood can cause the blood vessels in the brain to expand, pressing on sensitive nerve endings. , it's essential to get eight to ten hours of sleep per night and to drink at least 10 cups of water a day. If possible, drink water earlier in the day, so you don't have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Cluster headaches
While pregnant, women are more likely to suffer from tension headaches and migraines. Tension headaches can be pretty uncomfortable, making concentrating difficult and causing nausea. Migraines usually start as a dull ache that worsens over time. They can also involve severe pain around the temples and eyes. In up to ten per cent of pregnancies, migraines occur without an aura.
Fortunately, treatments for cluster headaches are available. Although these treatments do not cure cluster headaches, they can relieve the pain and other symptoms. Some women find relief through nasal sprays, injected medications, and oxygen therapy through a face mask. Other treatments can also be effective, including corticosteroids, lithium medicine, and local anaesthetic injections into the back of the head. Symptoms vary from person to person, but the doctor can prescribe you medication to help relieve your symptoms.
Sleep deprivation
Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can increase the chances of pregnancy-related headaches. While the mechanism behind sleep disturbances is complex, it is known that it is related to migraines and headaches in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Understanding these links will help improve the diagnosis and treatment of headaches during pregnancy.
While no clinical studies prove that sleep deprivation causes headaches, studies have shown that stress and lack of sleep can contribute to the likelihood of headaches. In addition, headaches during pregnancy are also associated with an increased risk of depression and stress and may affect the unborn child's development. Moreover, poor control of a headache during pregnancy can lead to poor nutrition and lack of sleep, which can harm the health of both mother and baby.
High blood pressure
Pregnant women experiencing high blood pressure should see their doctor to discuss their options. They can often reduce their blood pressure by making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or taking medicine to control their blood pressure. When you have high blood pressure during pregnancy, the main thing to remember is to take the medicine your doctor prescribes and not change it. You should also tell your doctor as soon as you become pregnant, as certain blood pressure medicines can affect your baby.
One of the risks of high blood pressure during pregnancy is the increased risk of stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot or a weakened blood vessel. Another risk is pregnancy-related death. It can happen during pregnancy or after delivery. High blood pressure during pregnancy also increases the risk of cesarean delivery, which is a surgery that involves cutting open the uterus and belly to deliver the baby.
