Third-trimester headache often occurs in a large number of pregnant women due to changes that occur during this period.
Headache is a pain in the back of the head, eyes, or front of the head, it is prescribed as pressure that can't be tolerated.
Pregnancy isn't a disease but a lot of symptoms appear during it due to physiological changes and hormonal changes.
Symptoms that appear during pregnancy differ from one woman to another and one of the most popular is third-trimester headache.
Causes of third-trimester headache
Dehydration due to vomiting.
Caffeine withdrawal.
Aanxiety or depression.
Iron deficiency.
Previous medical history of headache.
Previous problem in nose and sinus inflammation.
Rise in blood volume due to hormonal changes.
Low blood sugar.
Although third-trimester headache is common in pregnancy severe headache is a sign of pre-eclampsia.
What is pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a complication that occurs in pregnant women during the third trimester and is characterized by high blood pressure and high levels of proteins in urine.
Pre-eclampsia has a lot of symptoms like:
Vomiting.
Excessive pain in the back of the head.
Vision problems and blurry.
Swelling of feet, face, or hands.
If you notice one of these problems, visit your physician to avoid major problems.
Like major problems in the liver, seizures, blindness, a decrease in the number of platelets, or a decrease in the amount of urine.
Pre-eclampsia may cause serious problems to the fetus.
If pre-eclampsia develops in seizures it is called eclamsia which results from abnormal brain activity and strong movements of the body.
Types third-trimester headache
Primary headache
Like tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraine which are caused by stress, and genetic and hormonal changes.
They aren't linked to any medical condition.
Secondary headache
It is a symptom of medical conditions like sinus inflammation and hypertension.
This type is commonly in third-trimester headaches.
How to overcome third-trimester headache?
Acupuncture
It is one of the traditional Chinese medicines that inserts specific needles in the skin to stimulate special points in the skin that reduce headache pain.
Gentle massage
Applying gentle massage to the back of the neck helps to decrease episodes of third-trimester headaches.
Simple massage around shoulders and temples helps to relieve tension headaches.
Pregnant women can make it by herself or by a massage therapist.
Hydration
By drinking plenty of mineral water or coconut water Which are rich in electrolytes that help to decrease the pain of headaches.
Exercise
Generally, exercise is very important in helping pregnant to avoid tension headaches, especially in the third headache.
Pregnant women can exercise yoga and walk but carefully.
Staying in a dark room
Staying in a dark room helps to relax, decrease the pain of a headache, and reduce also the episodes of headache.
Relaxing warm water shower
Warm water acts act a vasodilator that helps to improve blood circulation which helps soothing and decrease headache pain.
Cold compressor
Applying to the back of the head and shoulder for 15 minutes to release inflammation and decrease the pain of headache.
Warm compressor
It is especially for sinus headaches, you can apply it to the face and nose.
Dietary eating
Eating well-balanced healthy food that is rich in minerals and electrolytes which are highly needed in pregnancy.
It is preferred to eat frequent meals with small amounts.
Essential oils
By using peppermint oil or lavender oil to smell or applying it to temples to reduce headache attacks.
Chamomile oil is used to reduce anxiety and depression during pregnancy.
Sleep
Taking enough hours of sleep helps to relieve third-trimester headaches.
Herbal remedy
Pregnant women can use certain herbs such as chamomile, curcumin, and butterbur.
Used them as an infusion with warm water and drink.
Avoid strong smells
Some studies prove that strong smells like perfumes and cleaning products have a role in making headaches worse and more severe for pregnant women.
Take vitamin B complex
It plays a great role in protection from third-trimester headaches.
They are also safe during pregnancy and are strong anti-oxidants that reduce headache attacks.
Ginger
Ginger contains a lot of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory components.
It also reduces vomiting and nausea that are associated with severe headache attacks.
Pregnant women can use paracetamol as a pain killer and also is the first choice as it is safe during this period.
Although paracetamol is safe but can't be used for a long period.
Pregnant women shouldn't take NOn-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) unless the physician prescribes them.
Food that helps to reduce third-trimester headache
Seeds and Nuts
They are rich in magnesium which is very important to pregnant women to decrease headache and pain.
The most widespread seeds are chia seeds and pumpkin seeds.
The most famous nuts are almonds and cashews.
Fatty fish
Not only rich in magnesium but also rich with omega-3 which decreases inflammation and also reduces the frequency of third-trimester headaches.
The richest fish with fatty acids and omega-3 are tuna, sardines, salmon, and mackerel.
Leafy green vegetables
They are very strong anti-oxidants that can reduce inflammation and headache.
Examples of leafy green vegetables are kale and spinach.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C.
They are antioxidants that reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Berries
Berries are a huge source of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and stop headaches, they are safe for pregnant women.
Berries like; black berries, cranberries, and blueberries.
Few habits pregnant should avoid
Artificial sweeteners.
Chocolate eating.
Smoking.
Loud noises.
Eating aged cheese
Preserved meat
Alcohol
You should visit your physician if
Uncontrolled hypertension.
Headache not as usual or persistent for a long time without improvement.
Headache accompanied by visual problems or swelling in feet.
Remember, Third-trimester headache isn't a disease but it is a symptom of a medical condition so don't ignore it.
Don't hesitate to visit a physician and ask him about medicine taken to reduce headache episodes and intensity.
Finally, pregnant women should take care of healthy dietary food and suitable exercise that helps them and their fetuses to be better.
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