Dangerous Headaches In Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of great joy for most women. However, it also brings with it a range of new and old symptoms and ailments that may be annoying at least and debilitating at worst. With the exception of people who're lucky enough to have an asymptomatic pregnancy; most mothers suffer from at least one health issue during the three trimesters. Headache for instance, is considered to be the number one health complaint of pregnant women. And while universal, it may also signal the presence of an underlying condition of a more serious nature. Here's more.

In most cases, headaches are a common and harmless symptom of pregnancy. They may be triggered by a variety of factors and changes taking place within the body. These include an increase in blood volume, hormonal changes and the initial stresses of the first trimester. Headaches experienced in the last trimester, are usually a result of poor posture.

Migraines constitute of a big part of pregnancy headaches. They are typically aggravated by the many different changes in the body including those of the hormone levels and overall body chemistry. Surprisingly though; many women who've suffered from migraine before pregnancy, often report an improvement in their condition thereafter. This is because; the higher estrogen levels during the three trimesters lead to a decrease in the frequency of migraine headaches.

Pregnancy migraines can be remedied fairly easily though, with the help of conservative treatment measures. In fact, warm compresses and adequate periods of rest may be all that's required to affect a recovery. However, medications such as Tylenol may become necessary for women suffering from a more severe form of the condition.

Headaches may also signal a more serious affliction such as a pregnancy complication. You should call your physician immediately if you experience headache that's accompanied by blind spots, blurred vision or dizziness. These could be symptoms of a difficult pregnancy condition known as Preeclampsia. The condition typically strikes in the second trimester and is also characterized by elevated blood pressure levels; swelling of the hands and feet and also traces of protein in the urine.

Left untreated, the condition can develop into eclampsia- a potentially fatal ailment. Both of these problems can be dangerous for the health of the mother as well as the child and therefore, must be treated immediately. In certain cases, the best course of action is to deliver the infant at the earliest possible.

So, do contact your obstetrician or gynecologist if you experience any persistent headaches- with or without accompanying symptoms- and inform them about the same. He/she will be able to diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment for your own as well as your child's safety.
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