The fact that expecting a child is the most pleasant thingexpectation in the life of any woman, there is no doubt. However, very often this expectation is overshadowed by various troubles - for example, headaches. Headaches during pregnancy are a very pressing problem for a large number of women. And to go the usual way - just take a painkiller - a pregnant woman simply cannot, since pharmacological drugs can have a very negative effect on the body of the future baby.
Causes of headache
According to statistics, headaches occur periodicallyannoys approximately 80% of all women. Moreover, it is often during pregnancy that a woman first “gets acquainted” with headaches. Doctors explain this phenomenon by several objective reasons:
- Hormonal changes
The fact that during pregnancy the bodyWomen's hormonal background changes very strongly, as everyone knows without exception. And it is precisely this fluctuation of progesterone and estrogens that leads to a change in the normal tone of the vessel walls. Therefore, it is not surprising that such a phenomenon can lead to the occurrence of systematic headaches.
- Vegetosovascular dystonia
During pregnancy, a very largenumber of women experience various disturbances in the normal functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. This also explains the frequent headaches.
- Diet
As a rule, in most cases, expectant mothers,immediately after they find out they are pregnant, they change their diet dramatically. For example, they give up caffeine. And this can provoke severe headaches.
- Meteorological dependence
What is the concept of weather dependence?in fact, it exists, scientists have established reliably. And it is expectant mothers who are very susceptible to this phenomenon. A change in weather, and especially a change in climate zone, will most likely make itself known with a headache.
- Wrong posture
Often in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, a woman's posture is greatly disturbed. And this leads to frequent headaches. A bandage can partially help cope with this problem.
Migraine
One of the most common typesheadaches during pregnancy are migraines. The disease is characterized by the following symptoms: The head usually hurts only on one side, is extremely intense and pulsating. The pain is so excruciating that it simply knocks you out of your normal routine. The sick person cannot do household chores, sleep normally, and loses his appetite. Pregnant women most often have the so-called migraine with aura - a special subtype of the disease. The onset of a migraine is preceded by the appearance of bright flashes of light or colored circles before the eyes of the expectant mother. Soon after, a severe headache develops, and after some time - nausea, vomiting, intolerance to loud sounds and bright light. Fortunately, migraines rarely make themselves known during pregnancy. And even for those expectant mothers who have previously suffered from migraines, the disease is much easier. But in any case, a woman should seek medical help as soon as possible if such a headache occurs. With a very high degree of probability, the doctor will decide on the need to conduct a thorough and comprehensive examination of the entire body. This is necessary in order to exclude such serious diseases as thrombosis and intracranial hemorrhage.
Pain caused by physical stress
In the event that the expectant mother periodicallymoderate pain on both sides of the head occurs, headaches caused by physical exertion may be suspected. In this case, the woman's activity decreases very slightly, or does not change at all. Most often, the head begins to hurt due to overwork. As a rule, this type of pain most often occurs in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. As a rule, in such cases, the doctor gives recommendations to change the lifestyle and habits, normalize sleep, spend more time in the fresh air. Treatment with pharmacological drugs, as a rule, is not prescribed. Or it is reduced to the maximum possible minimum.
SOS !!!
Unfortunately, in some casesheadache during pregnancy can be a sign of serious danger. And it can be caused by such pathologies of the nervous and cardiovascular systems as:
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- Hemorrhage in the brain. Most often this happens in unconscious pregnant women who abuse alcohol.
- Thrombosis of veins. Especially attentive should be mothers suffering from varicose veins. And the more advanced the disease, the higher this risk.
- Infectious diseases affecting the brain, for example - meningitis.
In such cases, parents are often forcedresort to surgical intervention or an emergency caesarean section. Since this can cause the death of the child, and sometimes the mother. But there is no need to panic - this happens quite rarely. In most cases, the headache that expectant mothers experience does not pose any danger to the mother and baby. Just remember this information - it will help you recognize a potential threat in time, contact doctors and get all the necessary help.
Prevention of headaches
It is a widely held truth thatthat any disease is easier to prevent than to treat, is relevant in this case too. Why rack your brains over how to get rid of a headache if its occurrence can be avoided altogether? Just try to follow these rules:
- Sleep and walk
Normal healthy sleep is necessary for all people withoutexceptions. And especially for the expectant mother. Make sure you sleep at least 8 hours at night. And it would be nice to find an hour or two for a nap during the day. Don't forget about the need to be outdoors.
- Drinking regime
Water is the source of life.And it is not surprising if a headache occurs due to banal dehydration. Especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the body massively loses water due to banal toxicosis. However, it is very difficult to say what the drinking norm is - everything is strictly individual and should be discussed with the attending physician - gynecologist. Otherwise, if the expectant mother begins to consume more liquid than the body needs, edema and an increase in blood pressure may occur.
- High-grade food
Often mothers search long and painfully for the reason,provoking the development of headaches, not suspecting that the right answer lies on the surface. And to be completely precise - on the plate. Hunger often becomes the true culprit of headaches, so do not forget about the need to monitor your diet and meal schedule. By the way, also pay attention to your menu. Headaches can be provoked by such products as nuts, chocolate, sausages, canned goods and smoked meats. It is better to put them off until a more suitable moment.
- Psychological and physical tranquility
Try to keep stress to a minimum –emotional shocks. And it doesn't matter at all whether they are negative or positive. In any case, the most important thing for the expectant mother is stability and peace. And it would also be worth giving up excessive physical activity - you don't need it now.
- Environment
Try to avoid being in it at all costs.stuffy rooms, crowded places, smoke-filled rooms and crowded public transport. Incidentally, neglecting this requirement results in not only a common headache, but even fainting.
Treatment of headache
So, with the types of headaches and preventionfigured it out. But what to do if, despite all efforts, you still couldn’t avoid a headache? That’s right – get rid of it, heroism and patience are completely irrelevant in this situation. But how to do it correctly so as not to harm the baby? After all, pills are most often contraindicated. If a doctor prescribes treatment, you can be sure that it will be completely painless. But you can also help yourself. Very often, an effective measure for getting rid of pain is a short rest in a ventilated room, devoid of bright light and loud sounds. And sometimes even the most persistent pain recedes after a short sleep – of course, if we are not talking about a migraine. You can also try to involve physical impact as an ally. Try to relax and massage your head with your fingertips, in a circular motion, from the neck to the crown. Some women are very effectively helped by regular washing of the head. But you should never apply ice to the head – you should not risk your health. In some cases, the most common sweet weak tea comes to the aid of the expectant mother. Very often you can hear advice that it is worth using this or that medicinal herb instead of tea leaves. However, this should never be done - many of them can provoke the development of a miscarriage or premature birth. Many mothers speak very positively about acupuncture, homeopathy and various oils. It is necessary to approach the selection of homeopaths and acupuncture specialists very carefully, because you trust them with the most precious thing that can be - your health and the health of the baby. And you need to be careful with the use of aromatic oils. If you want to get rid of pain with their help, first be sure to measure your blood pressure. If it turns out to be low, give preference to orange and tangerine oils. But if the pressure, on the contrary, is high, lavender and lemon oils will help. Oils such as cumin, fennel, basil, jasmine, wormwood, peppermint, fennel and thuja are strictly prohibited during pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding. In a pregnant woman, they can lead to spontaneous abortion. And a nursing mother will wonder why her baby sleeps so poorly. We have provided only general information, but remember that it cannot replace a visit to the doctor and adequate treatment. Only a doctor knows exactly how to get rid of pain in each specific case. We recommend reading:
