How To Prevent Headaches During Pregnancy

Hunger Pains

Whether you’re pregnant or not, hunger can be a likely cause of a headache. Not only are there extra physical demands on an expectant mother, but you may also find that your dietary needs increase dramatically, and it can catch you off guard.

* Fuel up – eat more frequent meals as low blood sugar can cause a headache

* Be Prepared – keep nutrient dense snacks on hand at all times

* Wean slowly – if you’re eliminating items that were once dietary staples, like coffee or soda, do it over a period of time

Make some of these adjustments now, and not only will you reduce your risk of headaches during your pregnancy, but you will be ahead of the game when it comes to nourishing your child.

Take a Time-Out

Dealing with the cumulative effects of pregnancy is a perfect recipe for a headache. Even though there is pressure to be a “super-mom” who never needs a break, support or heck, just a minute alone in the bathroom. These are some tried and true methods that can head off a headache before it begins.

* Cool down – place an icepack around your neck and shoulders to relieve stress

* Center yourself – sign up for a prenatal yoga class or do some gentle breathing exercises

* Go inward – a short meditation in the morning and evening can release tension and anxiety

* Sleep in – make getting enough sleep a priority; go to bed early and take naps as you need them

* Retreat and regroup – find a nice, quiet place and remove yourself from loud noises, harsh lighting and other distractions

I’m giving you permission to rest, anytime you need it, during your pregnancy, headache or not. After all, the opportunities for down time will be few and far between once the pregnancy is over.

If you are experiencing headaches for more than a few hours or are noticing other unusual symptoms, consult your health care practitioner to rule out a more serious condition. This is a crucial time to listen to the needs of your body, and support it in any way you can. Reducing the factors that can contribute to headaches will free up more time for you to enjoy your pregnancy, rather than just enduring it.

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in Nov 2013 by Vicki Wiepking. Vicki is a 2008 graduate of The McKay Method School of Energy Healing in Bozeman, MT, and a certified Flower Essence Practitioner. She is the owner of Rasa Deva Wellness in Bozeman, where she offers a unique combination of energy healing, flower essences and essential oils to her clients. Vicki currently teaches energy healing classes at both the McKay Method and HealthWorks Institute.

Pages: 1 2