Causes

• Pregnancy headaches are especially common during the first and third trimesters. During the first trimester, tension headaches may be caused by both increased hormones and the additional blood flowing through your body. During the third trimester they may result from the tension and poor posture that comes from carrying extra weight. Headaches may be worsened by other symptoms associated with pregnancy such as poor sleep, stress, low blood sugar and caffeine withdrawal (Reference 1). Many pregnant women also experience migraines during pregnancy; some migraine sufferers may find a decrease in headaches while pregnant, but according to the Mayo Clinic, up to two percent of women with no history experience their first migraine during pregnancy (Reference 2).
  
  

Relief

• The best headache remedy is prevention; try to maintain good posture, get plenty of sleep, enjoy activities that help you relax, exercise regularly and eat frequent and balanced meals to maintain blood sugar. To treat headaches naturally, use a warm or cool compress on your forehead or the base of your neck; take a hot shower; lie down in a dark room; or ask your partner for a shoulder and neck massage. If you experience a headache that just won't go away, acetaminophen-based pain relievers, such as Tylenol, are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but you should ask your doctor before taking them (Reference 1). According to the American Pregnancy Association, ibuprofen and aspirin are not recommended for pregnant women (Reference 1). Migraine headaches might be prevented by avoiding certain food triggers such as chocolate, yogurt, aged cheese, peanuts, sour cream, preserved meats and breads made with fresh yeast (Reference 1).
  
  

Problems

• While most headaches are a normal part of pregnancy, you should always call the doctor if you experience a headache with visual changes, sharp upper abdominal pain, sudden weight gain or swelling in the face or hands, which could be a sign of preeclampsia; headache with a fever and stiff neck; pain with vision problems, slurred speech, drowsiness or numbness; or a headache that feels explosive or noticeably different from any other you've experienced (Reference 1).