Headaches can be very common in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. The most common are tension headaches, which most people experience whether pregnant or not. If you suffered with chronic headaches before, they may become worse during pregnancy. Though experts are not sure why, the factor behind headaches in pregnancy is probably the crazy hormone levels and the changes in your blood circulation. The good news is that for most women, headaches during pregnancy will probably lessen — and maybe even disappear altogether — by the second trimester. That is when the sudden rise in hormones stabilizes, and your body gets used to its altered chemistry. Other causes can include quitting your caffeine habit too abruptly as well as lack of sleep, fatigue, allergies, eyestrain, stress, depression, hunger, or dehydration.

Though most headaches during pregnancy are harmless, some can be a sign of a more serious problem. In the second or third trimester, a headache can be the sign of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy-induced condition that includes high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and other indicators.

Relieving the Pain

The concern in pregnancy is over the products that can be used to relieve the pain of headaches. Most commonly used headache medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are not recommended for use during pregnancy. Acetaminophen, or Tylenol, is safe to take but only as directed. Never take more than the bottle directs. In addition to over-the-counter medications, other remedies may help to relieve pain and should be tried first. For tension headaches, try a warm or cold compress applied to the forehead or back of the neck.

Pinpointing the trigger of your headache can help you to relieve it. If you are in a hot, stuffy room, get some fresh air. If the trigger is your screaming kids, drop them off with a relative or friend and take a break. Figure out what is triggering the problem, and try to defuse the situation. Take a warm shower or bath; if you have the time and money, get a professional to give you a massage and work out the knots. Since low blood sugar can be a trigger for headaches, make sure you keep your stomach full. Eat small meals every few hours so you don't become hungry. Avoid food that is high in sugar like candy, which can cause blood sugar to rapidly spike and crash. If possible, avoid fatigue and take daily naps if you need them. Regular sleep patterns can be very helpful in reducing the number of headaches you get.

Regular exercise can also help decrease the stress that sometimes causes tension headaches. Try to adopt regular relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Meditation and yoga can be very helpful in reducing stress and headaches. Find a professional to show you safe yoga and other relaxation techniques. Headaches can be caused by something you don't even realize is happening, such as eyestrain. If you find that after reading or sitting at your computer you get headaches, visit your eye doctor.

Even if you are a headache veteran, talk to your doctor about your headaches so that he can decide what type of treatment might be best for you during your pregnancy. Do not treat or diagnose yourself. If you have a headache that worries you, don't hesitate to call your doctor.

Migraines and Pregnancy

Migraine headaches are fairly common in women of childbearing age. About two-thirds of women who suffer from migraines before becoming pregnant note an improvement in their symptoms after the first trimester. This is especially true if their migraines were normally caused by hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle. Others, however, notice no change, and some even experience more frequent and intense headaches.

Migraines are much different than tension headaches. A migraine is a type of vascular headache that occurs when the blood vessels in the brain constrict and then dilate rapidly. Some people experience visual disturbances or an aura before the headache occurs. The pain is usually concentrated on one side of the head and takes the form of severe throbbing. Some people also experience nausea and vomiting as well as sensitivity to light and noise. Little is known about what causes migraines. The best way to treat your migraine headache during pregnancy is to try to avoid one.

If you are a regular migraine sufferer, you won't be able to take the medication that you were taking before pregnancy. You should talk to your doctor right away about what is safe to take so you know ahead of time what to do. When a migraine does hit, try to sleep it off in a quiet, dark room and apply a cold compress to your forehead or neck. A cold shower can help to constrict the dilated blood vessels. If you can't take a shower, at least splash some cool water on your face and the back of your neck.

Some migraines are triggered by certain foods. If you know what these foods are, avoid them. If you don't know, keep a food diary to try to pinpoint the culprits. Common offenders include foods containing MSG, red wine, cured meats, chocolate, aged cheese, and preserved meats such as hot dogs or bologna. As in treating other headaches, it is important to keep your stomach full and your blood sugar level up. Low blood sugar can also trigger migraines.

Try to stay physically active during your pregnancy. Evidence has shown that regular exercise can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Start slowly, though, because sudden bursts of activity, especially if you are not used to exercise, could trigger a migraine. Get plenty of rest, and adopt regular sleep patterns by going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time very morning. Irregular sleeping patterns can be a big trigger for migraines. As with tension headaches, it is important to practice stress-relieving techniques.