Free Article: Pregnancy Headache

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Headaches During Pregnancy
By M. A. Fulmar

There's good and there's bad news when it comes to pregnancy headaches. The good news for chronic migraine sufferers is that, in many women, migraine headaches disappear during pregnancy. This change is brought about by hormonal changes inside the body, and is especially a relief for women who suffer from chronic migraines and who have had to stop taking their regular medication because of possible complications it could have during pregnancy.

Other Types of Headaches

If you've never had severe headaches before in your life and you start having them during pregnancy, there's no need to be immediately alarmed; however, you should check it out with your doctor to make sure that the headaches are not a sign of something else that is wrong. Many women experience headaches during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester because of the onslaught of hormones caused by being pregnant. Typically, this type of hormonal pregnancy headache will disappear as you enter your second trimester and your hormone levels stabilize.

Finding Relief

What is most frustrating for a lot of pregnant women is that headaches during pregnancy have less treatment options. Women who have a standard medication that they've been using for years to combat migraines suddenly find themselves defenceless against their migraines as the medication that usually works for them is deemed unsafe for pregnant women. Likewise, a lot of over-the-counter medications for headaches are deemed unsafe for treating pregnancy headaches. The only over-the-counter medication said to be safe is acetaminophen. For peace of mind, discuss this with your doctor.

Other Options

Some pregnant women find relief from headaches through acupuncture, massage and aromatherapy. If these all sound too alternative to you, you can always go by the old headache standbys: cold compress to the head and neck while sleeping in a darkened, silent room. This remedy works for many people, young and old, male and female, for everything from pregnancy headaches to sunlight and other eye-related headaches.

If headaches are plaguing you frequently during pregnancy, be sure to discuss it with your doctor even if you're managing it well on your own. Headaches during pregnancy can be, in some cases, a symptom of a more serious condition. While it's most likely that they're caused by hormones, fatigue or stress, other issues, such as preeclampsia, do exist and should be checked by your doctor to make sure that you, and your baby, are in good health.

Author Details:
M. A. Fulmar writes about health matters for various websites including, The A to Z of and Information Junkie.

Source: Health Articles

NOTE: This article may be reproduced ONLY if this note, the author details and source are also included with all links remaining active.

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