Headache During Pregnancy
Simple Tips To Get Rid of Headaches During Pregnancy
During pregnancy a woman undergoes significant hormonal changes that may trigger migraine pains. The problem is especially pronounced in the first and third trimesters, when the body is still in the process of adjusting to the massive changes in the level and activities of hormones. It is believed that a natural chemical called serotonin is related to migraine attacks. The level of serotonin fluctuates with changes in the level of the female hormone estrogen during pregnancy, and this might be the cause behind headaches. Sudden rise in blood pressure during pregnancy may also be responsible for headaches. Stress and low blood sugar may also lead to this problem.
There are a few simple measures that you may follow at home in order to get rid of headaches during pregnancy. Sit upright in a chair and breathe in and out slowly and deeply for 5-10 minutes. It also helps sometimes to lie on your back on a flat, firm mattress for 15 minutes and then ask someone to give you a shoulder and back massage. The increase in body weight and change in body shape in advanced stages of pregnancy may lead to bad posture of standing or sitting, which may result in headaches. Deep breathing and relaxing massages are useful in relieving muscular stress caused by bad body posture and are therefore useful in treating headaches during pregnancy. If you feel a tight, pressing pain on your forehead accompanied with a throbbing in the temples and around the eyes, you should apply a warm compress over your eyes and nose. A soft, warm towel should serve the purpose. This helps relieve sinus headaches that occasionally afflict pregnant women. If the headache has been caused by emotional stress or anxiety, it is useful to hold an ice pack against the base of your neck. Also, to prevent headaches caused by a dip in the blood sugar level, you should eat small, well balanced meals at frequent intervals throughout the day. Applying some chilled peppermint oil on the forehead and the temples also helps reduce the intensity of the headache. For another remedy, grind together a teaspoon each of cinnamon and cloves and five almonds to paste by adding a little water. Smear this paste on your forehead and leave it on till you begin to feel a gradual relaxation in the pain. Drinking a cup of warm herbal tea or taking a warm shower also helps treat headaches.
