Aside from these, experts suspect that eating cold foods,
added caffeine intake, sleeplessness, general fatigue, sinus congestion,
allergies, eyestrain, stress, depression, hunger, and even dehydration.
The most common form of headache experienced during pregnancy
is migraine that occurs when the blood vessels in the brain constrict and
dilate. Experts say that about one in every five women experience migraine
headache at least once in their lifetime and about 15 percent of them get
migraines for the first time when become pregnant.
Most pregnant women agree that migraine is characterized by
severe throbbing pain in the head and is accompanied by vomiting and dizziness.
Although headache during pregnancy is normal, you don’t have to endure it if you
cannot really tolerate the throbbing sensation. The most common practice in
relieving headache during pregnancy is by taking in pain medications.
Doctors say that acetaminophen is safe to take in as long as
proper dosage is administered. But, aside from acetaminophen, painkillers like
aspirin, ibuprofen, and most prescription headache medicines are restricted to
women who are pregnant. Make sure that you consult your physician first what are
the safest medications you can take in if you can no longer tolerate the pain.
Aside from taking in prescription medication, here are some
other ways to relieve headache your experience during pregnancy:
1. Find out what are the possible causes that trigger the
throbbing pain. Stress is actually one of the most common factors that triggers
headache during pregnancy. What you can do is to recognize what are the things
that stress you out and find a way to avoid them. Aside from identifying and
accepting the reasons why are you stressed out, you can also minimize stress by
eating regularly and drinking plenty of liquids. You should also rest and
exercise whenever you can.
Aside from resting, try indulging to relaxing activities such
as by meditation, listening to music, or writing. Also avoid taking in or eating
products that may cause headache such as alcohol, foods has MSG, artificial
sweeteners, aged cheese and cultured dairy products and the like. If possible,
try to stay away from people who are stressful and always keep the communication
lines between you and your partner open.
2. Try using compresses to relieve the pain. Apply a warm or
cool compress to your forehead or the base of your neck can indeed do wonders
for migraines.
3. If possible, take a shower as often as you can. Since cold
showers help constrict dilated blood vessels in the body, it is a simple and
easy remedy for headaches. If it’s not possible to take a shower, make sure that
you can splash cool water on your face to relieve the pain.
4. Indulge into a relaxing and soothing massage. A full-body
massage administered by a trained therapist can do wonders in untangling the
knots of pain in your head during pregnancy. Ask him/her to concentrate on the
neck, shoulder, and back muscles to relieve the stress.
5. Make sure you don’t get hungry or thirsty. Low blood sugar
usually causes headaches. Make sure that you have enough sugar to keep you
going. Aside from taking in foods, supply yourself with lots of liquid,
especially water to keep you well-hydrated.
