WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Headache, a pregnancy symptom

Headache
This is a pain or discomfort in the head. Here are all our tips to handle it! 
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
Headaches during pregnancy are completely normal and are in fact, a very common symptom experienced by many women.

They can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes (of course), stress, dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, and changes in blood volume.

It's certainly uncomfortable, a tad painful but just know, you're not alone and everything will be just fine.
Prevent and care
Headaches are a common symptom during pregnancy, caused by hormonal changes and other factors. Proper management of headaches is essential to avoid discomfort and potential complications.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. 
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or prenatal yoga. 
  • If needed, consult with a healthcare provider for safe headache relief options during pregnancy.
Checking your blood pressure may be useful in identifying any underlying issues.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
You can try talking to your doctor about using acetaminophen (tylenol) for occasional headaches.

In some cases, headaches can also be a sign of a more serious conditions, such as preeclampsia or hypertension.

So it's important to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing frequent or severe headaches to rule out any underlying medical conditions and suggest appropriate treatment options.
Top Asked Questions
Why do pregnant women experience headaches?

Hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and stress can contribute to headaches during pregnancy.

When are headaches most likely to occur during pregnancy?

Headaches can occur at any time during pregnancy but may be more noticeable in the first and third trimesters.

Can I take over-the-counter pain relievers for headaches during pregnancy?

Consult with a healthcare provider before using any medication, including pain relievers, during pregnancy.

View Sources
All I Need To Know
M
Monique
9 Sep 2023

I have a headache that won’t quit, is there anything recommended safe I can take for some relief? #headache

2 comments
T
Talissa
Drink Salt water
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Monique
Gonna try that thanks 😊
27 Mar 2024

Answer


S
Skylarr🩷 & Sedarrin’s
31 Aug 2023

Okay again yesterday I took the glucose test and immediately got a headache minutes after and was still having the same headache all night even after taking medicine and still waking up with that same headache.. is that normal

6 comments
K
Ki 💝
If it didn’t go away most likely it’s from dehydration. The sugar rush from the drink would have subsided by now but it could have also dehydrated you a little due to how much glucose it has in it
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
S
Skylarr🩷 & Sedarrin’s💙 Muva👩‍👧‍...
Been drinking nothing but water since that’s really what I mostly drink is water
27 Mar 2024

Answer


T
Teschia
28 Jul 2023

I am having a serious headache today. 😩 I really want it to go away. I just woke up from a nap, and I don't feel any better from this headache today.

4 comments
C
Christina
Try some pickle juice
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Teschia
How much?
27 Mar 2024

Answer


U
Uni B
16 Jul 2023

I have a slight headache all day, laid down and tried to rest in hopes it went away, didn’t work. Took a Tylenol. Didn’t work 😢 it’s not pounding but it’s just an aggravating headache

3 comments
Y
Yazzmin
yeah, the headaches/migraines are the worst
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
s
slugg
I have them sometimes put ice cubes on temple n top of head to scalp it works
27 Mar 2024

Answer


J
Jasmine
25 May 2023

I’m about done I got a headache on top on my back hurting and vomiting. Back been hurting since 8:00pm I threw up around 10:30pm Now I have a headache that started at 11:00pm! Need advice!! What should I do??

5 comments
V
Vita
Take a long boiling hot bath & get some rest your body is in overdrive u need bedrest
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
J
Jasmine
I took 3 baths and I’m always resting I don’t really do much. I just can’t keep anything down and still having way too much back pain
27 Mar 2024

Answer


N
Nina
17 Apr 2023

Anyone know of any natural, pregnancy safe remedies for headache/general pain? I got my lower braces on last week and have been in so much pain and with a chronic headache but I don’t want to take Tylenol. Thanks all!

2 comments
B
Blackgoddess
I use either ginger tea, almonds (which may be hard for you since u got braces) and I also do pineapples those three always take away my headaches
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
N
Nina
Thank you sooo much! Going to try this ASAP! 😊
27 Mar 2024

Answer


G
Goddess_94
26 Jan 2023

Was having a really bad headache. Started to crave pineapple juice found these at the gas station. Headache gone.🙄 now if the back pain can go away that would be helpful.

2 comments
M
Melissa
Yummy I have been wanting some pineapple juice❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
D
Dessi
Ouuuu just made me want some yummmm
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Kiki
12 Dec 2022

I’ve had the worst headache for the past 3 days idk what to do! Help please! #headache

1 comments
N
Nataly
Get your blood pressure checked
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

M
Mo
6 Dec 2022

I have had a really bad tension headache since last night at 9:00 throughout the night I'd wake up in the headache would still be there does anybody go through this I've taken aspirin nothing takes the headache away and right now it's still here

6 comments
S
Sara
I have had migraines since the dawn of time lol, seriously since I was 12 at least. Always consult w your OB first, but nothing besides excedrine will touch my headaches. When I’m not pregnant I take the excedrine migraine daily it’s the green and white bottle but my OB cleared me to take the excedrine tension headache. It’s the one without aspirin it’s the purple and white bottle. I would always consult w your OB first though and what they approve for you esp since there is caffeine in it! I know everyone is different. Idk how your OB office is but I can call mine anytime w any questions and if the nurses don’t know they’ll ask my OB for me!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
💙
💙 Shay 💙
I experience them too. But I had them prior to pregnancy as well. Nothing worked for me other than excedrine migraine. Now that I'm preggo, I can't take them. But my OB told me that magnesium helps prevent them from coming. Also, I've noticed that when mine first starts and i drink a bunch of water, it either doesn't get strong or goes away 🤷🏽‍♀️. They definitely suck. Stay really hydrated and try to get rest.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


C
Cici
22 Jul 2022

Woke up with bad headache and pressure, weird distortion on vision, now okay just light sensitive. Tylenol not helping all day with headache. Any ideas?

2 comments
D
Deserey
Honestly sounds like all the symptoms when I had Covid ..
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
u
uni
I would check with doctor 👩‍⚕️
27 Mar 2024

Answer


Related articles

Hot topics

More questions from Moms