Tiredness & Headaches In Pregnancy: 14 Tips On How To Treat

Many women often have headaches during pregnancy. This makes them very tired because in fact, pregnancy is also a very difficult period. But not stop there, the headaches during pregnancy is also a warning sign that the health of the mother is having problems. At the same time, the mother is at risk of serious illness such as preeclampsia.

If you are worried about this issue, this article is for you. Below, we introduce you tips to help you get rid of this condition. They are very simple and useful. You can apply them at home. But first, let’s get more information about headaches during pregnancy.

What Is Headaches In Pregnancy?

Many women experience headaches during pregnancy. Many people think that this is a normal condition that any pregnant woman must experience. However, this is a completely wrong thought. Pregnant women usually experience this condition only in the first trimester and the third trimester of pregnancy. If you experience this condition only a few times during these periods, you may not need to worry too much. However, if this situation happens frequently and you cannot control it, you need to pay attention to yourself. If untreated, headaches will irritate you at any time ^[1].

The pain may appear in the left side, the right side or the entire head. The pain can be intense and you will feel very uncomfortable. This affects the health of both you and your baby ^[2].

Headaches during pregnancy can be accompanied by a number of other symptoms of morning sickness such as nausea, vomiting, memory loss, and vision loss.

Not only does it make you feel tired, but it also poses a very dangerous risk: preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a gestational disorder characterized by high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine. In severe cases, the patient may have blood red cell dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, impaired liver function, kidney dysfunction, swelling, or dyspnea due to fluid in the lungs. Without treatment, it can lead to convulsions. Preeclampsia increases the risk of death for both mothers and babies. Since many pregnant women often suffer from headaches that are not accompanied by other symptoms, they often do not think that their health and fetal health are affected. This indifference causes them to take unfortunate consequences.

What Are Common Causes Of Headaches In Pregnancy?

Here are common causes of this problem:

• Hormonal Changes

Under the influence of higher hormone levels, the blood vessels will contract and cause headaches. In addition, hormonal changes in the body will make women easily feel tired and irritated, causing headaches.

• Some Diseases

If a pregnant woman suffers from a number of conditions such as sinusitis, flu, and low blood pressure during pregnancy, they are prone to headaches. For women with migraine, when they are pregnant, they will cope with severe headaches. This is definitely one of the things that no one wants to go through. In addition, if the muscles in their back, neck and head are aching, they are also very easy to encounter this condition.

• Lack Of Nutrients

If you do not get enough nutrients, your blood sugar may drop. In addition to headaches, pregnant women may experience symptoms such as dizziness, headache or fainting. If pregnant women are dehydrated, they will experience the same condition as when they have hypoglycemia.

• Anemia

Pregnant women are often prone to anemia due to iron deficiency. When anemia develops, oxygen levels to the brain and other organs are reduced, causing the woman to feel headaches and dizziness.

• Stand Up Too Fast

When sitting, the blood is concentrated in the lower part of the body. If you stand up too fast, your body will not adjust, your heart will not get enough blood, and then the blood pressure will drop rapidly. This causes dizziness and headaches. Not only pregnant women, anyone can get headaches because of this cause.

• Lie On Your Back

During pregnancy, the uterus grows larger and may slow blood flow in the legs.  This occurs because the uterus develops and compresses the lower vena cava and the pelvic veins. Lying on your back will make the problem worse. During pregnancy, lying on your back will cause your heart rate to rise and blood pressure to drop. As a result, you will be more prone to headaches, dizziness and nausea.

• Weather Change

When pregnant women bathe in hot water or stay in hot weather for a long time, their blood vessels may be dilated, causing low blood pressure, headaches, dizziness and nausea.

• Weight Gain

During pregnancy, gaining weight is inevitable. Weight gain abnormally makes the body of pregnant women not timely adapt. Pregnant women feel their bodies are very heavy. As a result, they can easily feel headaches and fatigue.

• Stress

Noise and stress in work and life also cause headaches for many pregnant women.

• Signs Of Preeclampsia

Headaches are also a warning sign that women are at risk for preeclampsia.

• Stimulants

The use of stimulants such as alcohol, beer and cigarettes can make pregnant women very vulnerable to headaches.

What Are Common Symptoms Of Headaches In Pregnancy?

As we said above, headaches can occur in anyone, including pregnant women. However, if you experience the following symptoms during pregnancy, you need to be careful:

• You may have pain in a half or the entire head
• This condition usually occurs in the first 3 months and the last 3 months of pregnancy
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tired body
• Frequently angry
• Sudden increase or decrease in blood pressure
• Heart often beats fast

You may experience other symptoms not mentioned. If you have any questions about the signs of the disease, please consult your doctor.

Who Is At High Risk Of Getting Headaches In Pregnancy?

Pregnancy and changes in life make women feel anxious. This makes them very vulnerable to headaches. However, pregnant women who have poor nutrition or frequent use of stimulants often experience this condition. You can control this problem by minimizing risk factors. Please see your doctor for more information.

When To See A Doctor?

When you are pregnant, you need to pay special attention to your health. As we have emphasized at the beginning, ignoring the signs we have mentioned above can cause unfortunate consequences. Therefore, even if you are not feeling well, you should see a doctor for a direct check. A headache could be a sign of something more serious. In particular, if you encounter the following signs, you should see a doctor immediately:

• Face, hands and feet are swollen abruptly
• Headache accompanied by abdominal pain and indigestion
• Blurred vision
• Always feel nervous
• Feeling insecure for yourself and your baby
• Changes in volume of urine compared to normal

Besides, if you have any questions, please consult your doctor. Each person's condition is different, so please consult your doctor to select the most suitable option.

Above are some basic information about headaches during pregnancy. As you can see, they are all very useful. When you are pregnant, you should know this information to ensure the health of you and your baby. Below, we show tips that can help you overcome this condition so that you will feel better. Take a look at TrueRemedies.com!

Top 14 Tips On How To Treat Tiredness And Headaches In Pregnancy

1. Cold Compress

Cold compress is the first remedy in this list of tiredness and headaches in pregnancy treatments. This is a common remedy used by many people who suffer from trauma or mild pain. When you have a headache, your body will produce more fluids causing stress and tension when your body moves. In this case, the applying of cold remedy will reduce the swelling and slow down the transmission of information through the nerves, thereby reducing the pain.

Long-lasting cold compress remedy will cause blood vessels to become smaller, which slow down blood flow, reduce local circulation, decrease metabolism, and reduce oxygen consumption. Therefore, the treatment with cold applying has the effect of reducing edema and acute headaches in pregnancy.

To apply this remedy as a treatment of the headaches in pregnant, please follow these steps below:

• Use a damp towel to wrap an ice water park or ice cubes (the ice temperature is about 0-3 degrees Celsius).
• You should apply a neutral cream or Vaseline into your skin area when you implement this remedy to avoid the risk of injury from cold.
• Apply the above towel to the skin of your eyes, forehead and then your nose.
• Lightly massage your head by clockwise for 5-10 minutes.

In order to achieve maximum effectiveness, cold compress should be carried out regularly. Each session should be implemented for 15-20 minutes, the time between the two sessions is about 120-180 minutes (in the first 24 hours, this remedy should be conducted more often, the break between the two sessions is about 30-60 minutes).

2. Massage

This is another must-try treatment in this list of tiredness and headaches in pregnancy treatments. If your headache is getting worse and it occurs more frequently. You can choose to have a head massage with a specialist. The massage remedy will help relax the muscles, reduce fatigue and support the treatment of headaches very well, then reduce your headache. You can also massage your head by yourself.

What you need to do are:

• Close your hands, then use your index finger to lightly rub the temples. Move your finger from the temples to around the ear and to the back of the neck 3-5 times.
• Place your hands on your forehead, your palm forwards inside. Move your arms between the two eyebrows, then move to the sides and to the temples. Repeat this action 6 times.
• Place your hands on your forehead. Move your hand diagonally from the middle of the two eyebrows to the forehead and to the top of the head. Use the middle finger to lightly press at the top of the head, and finally press the temples.

You can use a little essential oil and rub around your temples. This will help increase blood circulation to the brain and reduce the symptoms of your headaches.

3. Almonds

Using almonds is one of little – known remedy in this list of tiredness and headaches in pregnancy treatments. Almond nuts are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and other important nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, vitamins, zinc, etc. The use of almond nuts daily will help develop the entire body and increase the resistance of both pregnant women and their fetus.

The main components of almonds include folate, folic acid, omega 3, calcium, and magnesium. These are the most needed substances for the growth of a baby while in the womb. Omega-3 fatty acids, folate and folic acid in almonds can help reproduce blood cells for pregnant women, thereby reducing the symptoms of headaches in pregnancy.

To implement this remedy, pregnant women should eat 20 to 25 almond nuts per day for the best effect. The almonds can be eaten raw. Eating raw almonds will help you to feel the true taste of the almonds. In addition, it also retains the nutrients which can lose during the process. If you want, you can use almond oil to cook instead of using animal oils. This is also very good for your condition.

4. Water

Dehydration can be the cause of headaches in pregnancy. Therefore, you need to take enough water to remove toxins through the urinary tract and drainage. Water also helps to relieve headaches quickly by increasing blood flow to the brain. Studies show that the amount of water needed for each kilogram of the body is 40 milliliters. For example, a 50kg person should drink 2 liters of water a day. However, you do not have to apply this formula totally. Pregnancy women should listen to her body's needs. You can look at your urine. If your urine is dark yellow, you are dehydrated and you should drink more water to reduce the symptoms of a headache ^[3].

When treating headaches due to dehydration, you need to stay away from dehydration drinks such as alcoholic drinks, carbonated drinks, and coffee. Caffeine in coffee is good for the nervous system if it is used in moderate amounts, but if you consume it too much, it will dehydrate the body which leads to the headaches in pregnant women. Carbonated drinks also contain large amounts of caffeine. Alcoholic beverages containing diuretics. Therefore, if you drink them a lot, it will cause disturbances in water balance and prevent the body from absorbing water.

5. Hot Compress

The next treatment in this list of tiredness and headaches in pregnancy treatments is applying hot compress. The applying of hot compress works to dilate blood vessels, bring blood to the affected area to stimulate the healing of damaged tissue. The temperature will help the blood vessels expand, thereby improving blood flow and accelerating pain relief. The applying of hot compress also work to prevent headaches, especially headaches related to the neck and scalp. This is a very good and safe treatment of headache in pregnancy.

To implement this remedy, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 20 ml warm water and a soft towel.
• Dip the soft towel into the warm water and then apply to your neck.
• Leave for 10 minutes then remove the towel.
• After 5 minutes, let’s implement this remedy again.

You can implement this remedy 3-4 times a day for the best results. You can also implement this remedy by taking shower with warm water or dip your whole body in the hot tub. Make sure that the temperature of the water is not too hot as this can make you more uncomfortable, even burn your skin.

6. Reasonable Resting Mode

When you have a reasonable resting mode during pregnancy, it will minimize your risk factors of headaches. There are some advices for your resting and you should follow them to reduce the headaches in pregnancy:

• Poor diet and overworking will cause you a headache for a long time. Therefore, you can try to stay away from the headaches by eating more nutritious foods and taking more rest.
• Do not allow yourself to be too thirsty or hungry. To prevent hypoglycemia (the common cause of headaches), you should eat small meals during the day instead of three large meals. If you regularly travel, you should bring fast food such as crackers, fruit, and yogurt.
• Resting enough. During pregnancy, especially in the first three months, your body is exposed to hormonal changes, so you should take some beak times during the day. Trying to take a nap at noon will help you feel better. If you have migraines, you should try to sleep in a quiet and dark room.
• Regular exercise. Studies have shown that regular exercise reduces the frequency and severity of headaches. Therefore, you can enroll in yoga classes or meditation for pregnant women to reduce the symptoms of headaches. You can also walk around the house or the park for some minutes and breathe fresh air to relax yourself.
• Avoid staying up late or sleeping too much. Pregnant women should go to bed and wake up on time. You should not do too much work with high frequency. Rest is a very good way to treat headaches during pregnancy.

7. Broccoli

This sounds strange when it comes to tiredness and headaches in pregnancy treatments, but it works. Broccoli contains many vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy pregnancy such as folic acid, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin K, and vitamin C.  In addition, broccoli also contains very little calories. You may rest assured that broccoli still has enough nutrients during pregnancy. It is the perfect food for pregnant women who do not want to gain too much weight. Not only that, broccoli is a vegetable rich in riboflavin, which can help balance the levels of magnesium – one of the minerals that help fight headaches and migraines. Therefore, it will help you relieve headaches and dizziness effectively ^[4].

To use broccoli as a treatment of headaches in pregnancy, you can add this vegetable in your daily meal or you can use this method below:

• Prepare 40 grams of broccoli, 2 teaspoons of sugar, a teaspoon of honey, and 200 ml of warm water.
• Crush broccoli then fill to take the juice of the broccoli.
• Add honey and sugar to the juice of broccoli.
• Pour warm water into the mixture then mix them well.

You can treat your headaches by drinking this juice 2-3 times a day. It is better when you drink it in the morning and in the afternoon.

8. Ginger

The next one in this list of tiredness and headaches in pregnancy treatments is using ginger. Ginger has over 400 different substances, including essential oils, fats, vitamin B1, B2, B6, C and many other minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Ginger has good anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, ginger contains high antioxidants which are very effective in removing toxins from the body. It also contains Cineole which helps relieve stress and migraine headache, and help the human spirit to refresh. The zingibain in ginger is a natural pain reliever that helps relieve muscle pain, headache or migraines.

However, ginger juice only works when you drink it in the morning or afternoon. Drinking or eating ginger at dinner or after dinner will make it harder for you to go to sleep.

To use ginger as a treatment of headaches in pregnancy, you can eat some slices of ginger in the morning and the afternoon, or you can also apply these method below to receive the good taste as well as the effects from ginger.

Method 1: Only Ginger

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 5-6 grams of fresh ginger.
• Rinse the ginger then crush it.
• Divide the mixture above into 2 part. Use a part of the mixture to keep in your mouth for 2 minutes.
• Drink some warm water and then use the rest of ginger to keep in your mouth for 2 minutes.

You should implement this method once a day for the best results.

Method 2: Ginger, Honey And Lemon

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 10 grams of ginger, 750 ml water, a half of lemon and a teaspoon of honey.
• Rinse the ginger then put it into water.
• Boiling this mixture in about 15 minutes.
• Add the lemon juice and honey.
• Mix them well then leave for 10 minutes to reduce the temperature of the mixture.

You can use the mixture to drink 2-3 times a day.

Method 3: Ginger And Water

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 15 grams of gingers and 250 ml water.
• Rinse the ginger then crush it.
• Boiling the water then put the ginger into it.
• Leave for 10 minutes to reduce the temperature of the mixture.

Let’s use this mixture to drink 2 times a day for the best result.

Method 4: Ginger Oil

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 2 drops of ginger oil.
• Drop each drop of ginger oil into your temples then massage by pushing your temples clockwise.
• Implement this action for 5 minutes then take a rest.

Note: You should pay attention not to use ginger regularly with high doses because if you use ginger too much, it can cause adverse reactions to harm the pregnant women.

9. Banana

No wonder, this is definitely one that should be mentioned in this list of tiredness and headaches in pregnancy treatments. Banana is one of the most important staple crops in the world. It is belonged to the Musa family and native to Southeast Asia. Banana is a very rich source of fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and antioxidants. When you have a headache, you often feel tired and bored, and you do not want to work.

Alkaloids in bananas can help you reduce stress, boost mental well-being, and boost self-esteem. In addition, vitamin B6 and tryptophan in bananas also help produce high levels of serotonin, reduce anxiety and anger, and lessen headaches very well. Therefore, you can use banana to treat your tiredness and headaches in pregnancy.

You can use green bananas to make other delicious dishes, or simply eat a ripe banana at a stressful time to regain your sense of well-being. Eating bananas when your headaches occur can relieve headaches very quickly.

In addition, to use bananas to treat headaches during pregnancy, you can apply one of the methods below:

Method 1: Banana And Sugar

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 2-3 bananas.
• Remove the shell of bananas then crush them
• Add one teaspoon of sugar and continue crushing

You should drink this mixture every time you feel a headache.

Method 2: Banana And Peanut

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 1-2 ripe banana and 2 teaspoons of peanut.
• Remove the shell of banana then add peanut into it.
• Crush this mixture then use the mixture above to eat whenever you want.

You should apply this method frequently to get the results you want.

Method 3: Banana Shell And Eucalyptus Oil

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil and a shell of banana.
• Apply the eucalyptus oil into your forehead then stretch it around.
• Use the banana shell to apply to your forehead and leave it for 10 minutes.

You should lie down on your bed then have the deep breath when using banana shell to treat headache. You can also use the only banana shell to apply to your forehead, combined with massage and deep breath for 20 minutes to receive the same effects.

Method 4: Banana Shell And Ice Cube

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare banana shell and some ice cubes.
• Rinse the banana shell then crush it.
• Add ice cubes and then use this mixture to apply to your forehead and your neck for 10 minutes.

This method is very effective for pregnant women who are suffering from headaches.

10. Lemon

This is the last treatment in this list oftiredness and headaches in pregnancy treatments that we want to mention in this article. Lemons have plenty of natural water, plenty of vitamin C and essential minerals like magnesium. Vitamin C is an antioxidant with good analgesic properties. Some studies have shown that vitamin C can help people feel less pain after a fracture or stress. Therefore, it will help to quickly reduce the symptoms of headaches in pregnancy.

The way to implement this remedy is very simple, you only need to drink a cup of lemon juice when you have a headache. For the best result from lemon, you should mix a half of lemon with 250 ml warm water to drink 2-3 times a day.

11. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil can decrease the tension in skin cells while giving a cooling effect. Actually, this is an age old remedy for curing and preventing headaches. It can inhibit muscle contractions and play a crucial role in stimulating blood flow in forehead if used topically. Massaging this oil on the forehead or smelling its scent will relieve headaches naturally. This remedy comes with no side effects, especially for pregnant women.

Alternatively, you can also mix 2-3 drops of peppermint oil with coconut oil, then rub it onto your forehead for better results ^[5].

12. Fish Oil

Speaking of tips to relieve headaches in pregnancy, fish oil is really worth a try. Fish oil is majorly categorized into 2 types-one made from internal organs and oil of the fish’s body. The fish oil produced from the fish’s body is high in omega-3 fatty acid, improves brain power as well as cognitive ability in the fetus within the womb.

13. Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil possesses therapeutic and curative properties. It relieves tension, induces relaxation, and works as an antidepressant, sedative, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, calming and anxiolytic agent.

Researchers showed that topical and aromatic use of lavender essential oil impacts the limbic system as the major constituents, linalyl and linalool acetate, are quickly absorbed via skin. Also, they are thought to result in central nervous system depression. Due to that, lavender oil could be used to relieve headaches caused by anxiety and related conditions.

Also, lavender oil can benefit pregnant women in relieving two common symptoms of headaches, including disturbed sleep and restlessness. Furthermore, it has the ability to regulate serotonin levels, helping minimize pain in nervous system which may result in migraine attacks ^[6].

The study published in European Neurology in 2012 showed that lavender oil is a safe and effective modality in managing migraine headaches. Thus, to reduce headaches and muscle tension, improve mood and sleep, you had better diffuse 5 drops of lavender oil or apply it topically to the neck temples and wrists.

For more relaxing effects, add 5-10 drops of lavender oil to your warm bath water and take deep breaths.

14. Rosemary Oil

This essential oil has been commonly used in folk medicine to relieve headaches as well as poor circulation thanks to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and stimulating properties. Besides, the calming effect of rosemary oil also gives a boost to personal orientation and alertness.

This oil is safe pregnant women to relieve headaches in pregnancy and symptoms associated with headache attacks like upset stomach ^[7]. Simple take one drop of rosemary essential oil to mix with 2 drops of peppermint oil and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, then rub this mixture over your forehead, temples and back of the neck.

Note: Remember that when using essential oils for headaches, particularly in sensitive areas such as the forehead and nose, you should dilute these oils first. In case you have never used the oil before, test it on a small skin area prior to application. For pregnant women, it is better to not use oils internally.

The above are 14 natural remedies that help you get rid of the symptoms of headaches and tiredness during pregnancy. As you can see, they are all very safe and useful. Many pregnant women have applied them and feel very happy about the results they receive. Therefore, let’s apply them to see how effective they are. If you have any contributing ideas about our article of “Tiredness And Headaches In Pregnancy: 14 Tips On How To Treat” introduced in Pregnancy Category, do not hesitate to drop your words below this post. We will answer as soon as we could.

• Headaches
• Pregnancy
• Women's Health