This is an automatically translated article.
Headaches in the 4th month of pregnancy can come from different causes. Regardless of the cause, if the headache is accompanied by unusual signs such as swelling of the limbs, visual disturbances, high fever, pain and stiffness in the neck or sudden weight gain, pregnant women need to see a doctor to determine reason.
1. Causes of headaches in the 4th month of pregnancy?
According to statistics, more than 80% of pregnant women suffer from headaches during pregnancy. Headaches during the 4th month of pregnancy, even in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, can also come from different causes as follows:
During pregnancy, the hormone levels in the pregnant mother's body are high changes, leading to headache symptoms; Sudden weight gain that affects the nervous system and blood circulation to the brain is also the cause of headaches in pregnant women; In addition to the above reasons, an unscientific lifestyle also causes headaches in pregnant women. Bad habits such as pregnant women not drinking enough water, not eating right meals, staying up at night, using stimulants, also lead to headaches; The noisy living and working environment also makes the sensitive nerves of pregnant women tired and stressed, leading to difficulty sleeping, headaches; Some other conditions such as muscle tension, low and high blood pressure during pregnancy, improper posture or gestational diabetes also cause headaches in the 4th month of pregnancy. If the headache in the second or third trimester is caused by high blood pressure, it can cause dangerous complications for the mother and the fetus if not treated promptly. Complications include:
Stroke ; Eclampsia and preeclampsia ; Placenta abruption ; Infants born with low birth weight; Premature labor before 37 weeks affects the baby's health; The flow of oxygen to the baby is low. Some other more dangerous causes of headaches during the 4th month of pregnancy are:
Brain tumor causes headaches in pregnant women; Hemorrhage; Cardiovascular diseases; Blood clots causing severe headaches; Sinus infection; Meningitis or encephalitis; Sickle cell anemia.
2. Headache symptoms during pregnancy
Headache in every pregnant woman will not be the same, you may experience some symptoms such as:
Pain in a dull pattern; Pulse pain; Sharp pain behind one or both eyes; Severe pain in one or both sides of the head. Headaches can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, blind spots, dizziness.
3. When is a headache serious?
Most of the cases of pregnant women only have a headache without any other unusual symptoms. However, headaches in the 4th month or more of pregnancy can be caused by preeclampsia. Therefore, if a pregnant woman has a headache accompanied by other unusual symptoms such as frequent urination, little urine, painful and painful or dark urine, ... then it is necessary to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Specifically as follows:
Prolonged headache, no sign of relief, sudden pain while sleeping; Swelling in parts such as hands, feet and face; Headache with symptoms such as visual disturbances, high fever, pain and stiffness in the neck,...; Headache with the area below the ribs, upper abdomen; Sudden weight gain that is not caused by the weight of the baby.
4. Some methods to treat headaches for pregnant women
Pregnant women with headaches will feel very uncomfortable. Instead of trying to endure the headache, you can try the following measures to help relieve symptoms:
Massage helps relieve headaches during pregnancy: Pregnant women can gently massage the back, shoulders, nape, neck and head to relieve headaches or migraines. Apply warm and cold for headaches: Warm or cold compresses can both help with headaches in pregnant women. The effect of warm and cold compresses is to dilate blood vessels, increase blood circulation in the painful area, and aid in the removal of blood clots that cause headaches. Using a towel dipped in cold or warm water and placed on the forehead will help tighten blood vessels, shrink muscle tissue and skin in the area of the headache. Drink enough water: This is an effective headache treatment for pregnant women because water plays a key role, necessary for blood circulation and important minerals in the body of pregnant women. Besides, drinking a lot of water also provides energy for the body by regulating enzymes, proteins and vitamins at a balanced and appropriate level. Use lavender essential oil: If you have a headache during pregnancy, you can use lavender essential oil. Lavender oil, also known as lavender, is a safe remedy for headaches during pregnancy. The scent of flowers has the ability to stabilize mood, reduce stress and headaches. Sauna if headache during pregnancy: When pregnant with headaches, pregnant women can use sauna to feel better. If you have a headache due to nasal congestion, sinusitis during pregnancy, you can try a steam bath to clear the sinus cavity and relieve symptoms. Adding a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a tub of steaming water will also increase its ability to relax. Please note, you should only steam in the face area. 5. How to prevent headaches during pregnancy? Headaches during pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes in a woman's body, but lifestyle and activity adjustments will also help pregnant women reduce some of the pain:
Eat well Adequate nutrition: Eating well will provide nutrients for both mother and baby, reducing the risk of headaches during pregnancy. Pregnant women should divide meals and use some nuts and cakes to eat when feeling hungry to avoid hypoglycemia causing headaches. Some foods pregnant women should not eat such as chocolate, coffee, hot dogs, wine, coffee, ... to prevent headaches during pregnancy. Adequate and reasonable rest: Pregnant women should go to bed on time, get enough sleep, should not stay up late to prevent headaches. Do not sleep more than 1 hour in the afternoon to avoid fatigue in the afternoon. Sleep in a quiet environment to ensure the best sleep. Environmental factors: Avoid going to places with air pollution, stuffy or too strong scent,... You should ask your loved ones to clean the house every day and keep the bedroom well ventilated. In addition, pregnant women should also avoid places where the light is too bright or noisy, this is one of the causes of headaches. Regular exercise: Gentle exercise during pregnancy will help pregnant women improve their health and limit headaches. Some exercises that you can try such as Yoga, walking, breathing exercises, ... Pregnant women with headaches are mostly normal during pregnancy. With natural remedies and a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce these annoying headaches. However, if the headache in the 4th month of pregnancy is accompanied by unusual symptoms, the pregnant mother should go to the doctor to get an accurate diagnosis of the disease, to avoid affecting the health of mother and baby.
To protect mother and baby during pregnancy, Vinmec provides a package Maternity service to help monitor the health status of mother and baby comprehensively, periodically check antenatal care with leading obstetricians and gynecologists. full range of tests, important screening for pregnant women, timely advice and intervention when detecting abnormalities in the health of mother and baby.
Obstetrics Department of Vinmec International General Hospital has been highly appreciated by customers for its professional quality as well as professional care services by:
Comprehensive mother and baby care: Comprehensive mother & baby health care present, from before - during - after a full pregnancy; prenatal and postnatal screening for infants and mothers; heel test; maternity package ; pre-marital examination; prenatal care and counseling; cord blood storage. Children receive the best care from birth: right after the baby is born, the baby is skin-to-skin with the mother, the father cuts the umbilical cord by hand and is monitored and cared for in the special care room for a few days. 12 hours for early detection of transient respiratory failure or other medical conditions. The baby is fully vaccinated. The birth team not only has obstetricians and midwives but also has pediatricians on duty, monitoring to handle problems arising for the baby during the birth process. Modern and advanced techniques: Painless delivery by special anesthetic techniques. Treatment and care for extremely premature babies < 27 weeks - Vinmec is the only hospital in the North that can save the lives of babies born 24 weeks premature. Outstanding equipment: The room is designed according to international hotel standards, with modern equipment such as: specialized transport incubators with ventilators, suction blood, pressure controlled oxygen tubes; deafness screening machine, brain cooling machine to treat asphyxia children; CFM brain function monitor; Monitor 5 parameters; Resuscitation bed with built-in heating lamp.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.