Headaches during pregnancy are very challenging as over the counter pain killers are not recommended.Within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy the surging hormones play a part in the development of pregnancy headaches. The 40% increase in blood volume that occurs during pregnancy increases pressure within the blood vessels and this itself can cause headaches during pregnancy.
Headaches and pregnancy are related and can be very dangerous especially if experienced during the last month of pregnancy, as it may also be caused by a condition called pre eclampsia. Pre eclampsia is a condition in pregnancy that has symptoms such as headaches unrelieved by over the counter medication, high blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine.
Headaches during pregnancy may also be caused or made worst by any of the following:
Stress Lack of sleep Vomiting Low blood sugar Dehydration Caffeine withdrawal Nicotine withdrawal Poor posture Pregnancy related vision changes
What you can do to ease your pregnancy headaches:
Reduce stress. Get more sleep. Treat your early morning sickness. Eat regularly to avoid low blood sugar levels. Drink adequate amounts of high quality water. Get chiropractic adjustments and advice to correct your posture. Avoid over the counter medication especially during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Consult a homeopath or an acupuncturist for treatments to relieve your pain. Pregnancy headaches are sometimes relieved with either hot or cold compress around your forehead and on the back of your neck. Have someone massage your shoulders and neck during acute pregnancy headaches. Rest in a dark room and practice deep relaxation breathing. Relaxing in a warm bath or shower sometimes reduces the stress and tension. The fruit mangosteen is well known to support every system in the body. It is all natural and can relieve and prevent pregnancy headaches.
You tried all the above and you still have headaches during pregnancy:
At this point it would be appropriate to call your doctor or midwife for advice. Have your eyesight checked as you may need glasses or a change in glasses.
If you experience any of these symptoms below with a headache call your physician or midwife immediately as these are signs of a severe pregnancy complication called pre-eclampsia:
Blurred vision Right sided abdomen pain Swollen hands and face Sudden weight gain Feeling very agitated or restless
Pregnancy headaches can be very painful and very frustrating, as it is not recommended that you use over the counter medication during pregnancy. When traditional is not allowed, then it is time to investigate what holistic methods of healing are available to you. Basic energy healing is extremely relaxing, it will reduce stress and alleviate some if not all of your headache.
Prevention of pregnancy headaches is the best place to start. Many pregnant clients that have a history of headaches will know their triggering factor to developing a headache. Staying away from these triggers is important.
Many headache clients experienced improvement of their headaches during pregnancy by taking mangosteen and mineral juice on a regular basis. Mangosteen is a very healing fruit and has a natural pain blocker and is pregnancy safe.
Pregnancy can be an extraordinary experience for a woman. It is far more than growing a baby and dealing with issues like fatigue. Pregnancy has a huge emotional, mental, spiritual, and energetic side to it. The more you understand these aspects, the easier and less symptomatic your pregnancy will be. Learning how to connect with the emotions of your unborn child will allow you to enhance your pregnancy experience and surrender to its normal physiological process of pregnancy headaches.