- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- pregnancy today articles
- pregnancy today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Headaches during Pregnancy
When Pulsing Pain Leaves You Frazzled
By Laura Cone
In terms of dietary changes, Dr. Papernik says most people connect chocolate with causing migraines, but he remains skeptical. "The theory is it causes headaches because of the caffeine," he says. "Most people say chocolate triggers their migraines. Any food can trigger migraines in different people."
Identifying Your Headache
Some experts recommend keeping a headache diary, which you can share with your physician. Before you try to treat your headache, see if you can identify what kind of headache you have. In addition to migraines, Dr. Papernik says the following types of headaches are most common: - Tension headaches feel as though you have a tight band around your head. It's a steady, constant, dull pain that starts at the back of the head or forehead.
- Sinus headaches feel like a dull, continuous pain around the eyes or cheekbones that worsens when you bend over. Sinus headaches are often seasonal or can be caused during pregnancy by increased swelling of nasal tissues and heavier mucus production.
- Cluster headaches feel like excruciating pain over the eye and forehead, usually just on one side of the face. The headaches last from 15 minutes to an hour.
Finally, pay attention to the pattern of your headaches during pregnancy so your obstetrician can keep an eye on and prevent complications. Also, use the times when you can't get rid of a headache as a chance to practice pain management, relaxation and visualization techniques that will help you get through the pain of childbirth.
Want to see more?
Comments
There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to 
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||
