An increase in headaches during the first trimester is believed to be caused by the surge of hormones along with an increase in the blood volume circulating throughout your body. These headaches may be further aggravated by stress, poor posture or changes in your vision.

Other causes of headaches during pregnancy may involve one or more of the following:

• Lack of sleep

• Low blood sugar

• Caffeine withdrawal

• Dehydration

• Stress (too many changes)

Headaches during the third trimester tend to be more related to poor posture and tension from carrying extra weight. Headaches during the third trimester may also be caused by a condition called preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure during pregnancy.

The best way to deal with headaches is to avoid them altogether. Avoiding tension headaches is easiest when you follow these tips:

• Practice good posture (especially during the third trimester)

• Get plenty of rest and relaxation

• Exercise

• Eat well-balanced meals If you are not able to prevent headaches, there are still things that you can do to help them go away.

During pregnancy, you want to try and relieve your headache by natural means if possible. Pain relief medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen are not recommended in most pregnancies; however, paracetamol may be recommended by your health care provider.

You may want to try to relieve your headache with one or more of the following natural remedies:

• If you have a sinus headache, apply a warm compress around your eyes and nose

• If you have a tension headache, apply a cold compress or ice pack at the base of your neck

• Maintain your blood sugar by eating smaller, more frequent meals. This may also help prevent future headaches

• Get a massage. Massaging your shoulders and neck is an effective way to relieve pain

• Rest in a dark room and practice deep breathing

• Take a warm shower or bath

Unfortunately, headaches are a normal part of pregnancy; however you should be able to experience some relief. Contact your physician:

• Before taking any medications

• Your headaches get worse or more persistent

• If you do not experience any relief from the remedies above

• You experience headaches that are different than normal

• Your headaches are accompanied by: blurry vision, sudden weight gain, pain in the upper right abdomen, and swelling in the hands and face