Headaches during Pregnancy
By: Tsou JinyeuTotal Views: 211, Word Count: 588,
Many women experience headaches during their pregnancy. And it is not advisable to take medicines during pregnancy. So here are some tips that will help you cope with a headache during pregnancy.
Preventing headaches during pregnancy
It is not possible to completely avoid headaches during pregnancy, but there are a number of things that you can do to minimize the occurrence of headaches during pregnancy. Here are some tips that will help you in keeping headaches at bay and also boost your overall health during your pregnancy.
- Drink ample water - It's is very important to stay hydrated during your pregnancy. Drink at least eight glasses of water in a day, this will help minimize headaches.
- Eat a well balanced diet - Avoid eating junk food during your pregnancy, it just causes your blood sugar levels to swing from one extreme to the other which will make you feel good for a while and thereafter you may experience a break down in energy. This can cause headaches as well. So eat a well balanced meal.
- Get a good rest - It is important to get enough of rest during your pregnancy. Sometimes fatigue can be the cause of headaches. So a well rested body will seldom experience headaches.
- Be active - Research has established that gentle exercising can help reduce headaches during pregnancy, because exercising reduces stress and thus balancing your sugar levels. You can try yoga or walking.
- Do not take Stress - Stress and tension can cause headaches, hence try to relax. Practice some breathing exercises or meditation, this will help relax the nerves. Massages can also help keep you calm.
- Snack - It is important to keep eating every couple of hours to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Keep in mind to snack on healthy foods such as nuts, fruits, salads rather than junk or processed food.
Treating headaches during pregnancy
It is advisable not to consume any headache medicines during pregnancy. Medicines such as Aspirin and ibuprofen are not suitable at all. Paracetamol can be taken in moderation, but it is best to treat a headache during pregnancy with home remedies. Here are some home remedies for treating headaches during pregnancy:
- Close your eyes and take some deep breaths.
- Go get some fresh air.
- Drinking plenty water to keep you hydrated.
- Eat something to balance your sugar levels.
- Place a cool compress on your forehead.
- Sniff a few drops of essential oil such as peppermint oil or lavender oil.
- Massage your head with balm or essential oil.
- Take a nap to relax your nerves.
If you are having severe headache accompanied by blurred vision, pain in your abdomen, fever and swelling then you must see a doctor immediately as these are the symptoms of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is not good for pregnancy. Also if you have been suffering from migraine before your pregnancy then it is a good idea to seek your doctor’s advice on suitable migraine medication during pregnancy.
About the Author
Dr Tsou Jinyeu is a well known gynecologist and has been in this field since 1995. His special interests are – genetic and birth defects, high risk obstetrics, lupus in pregnancy, premature labour, premature delivery, triplets and ultrasound diagnosis. He is graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Nowdays he is working as a medical doctor at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health.
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