Can Pregnancy Cause Headaches?

In a word, yes. Hormone changes, dehydration as well as blood pressure issues make headaches in pregnancy a frequent occurrence. But, let’s dive a little bit deeper and see what you can do to prevent them, or help them when they happen.

A word of caution: If you have a persistent headache that isn’t going away with rest, lots of fluids and a Tylenol — you should call your provider ASAP. It could be a big problem, and we’ll talk more about it below.

Hi, I’m Hilary — The Pregnancy Nurse 👩‍⚕️. I have been a nurse since 1997 and I have 20 years of L&D nursing experience, I am also the curly head behind Pulling Curls and The Online Prenatal Class for Couples. 🩺​ I’ve seen a LOT of pregnant women with headaches (as well as having plenty of my own headaches during pregnancy).

If more information about your pregnancy is something you’re interested in — be sure to check out my online course. I have a lot of information 3rd trimester testing in it that can help you cope with the changes you’ll experience.

Headaches in Pregnancy

As I said above, headaches are very normal in pregnancy. Some are harmless, but some can be an indicator that more is wrong. Let’s dig a little deeper:

Causes of Headaches in Pregnancy

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia causes your blood pressure to rise.

When your blood pressure rises it can give you a headache. Preeclampisa can be SUPER problematic (it’s why your provider will test your urine for protein during your prenatal appointments). I have a whole on preeclampsia symptoms during pregnancy on my sister site. I don’t want to go into too much detail — however…

If you have a persistent headache that doesn’t go away with rest, 2 giant glasses of water and a Tylenol — I’d call my provider to be checked. It could just be a headache, but it could also be something more. This isn’t something to ignore. {and yes, I know I already said this — that’s how important this is}

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can also make you have a headache. Again — you should talk with your provider. While not all blood pressure issues are preeclampsia, you need to possibly go on medications .

Dehydration

Staying hydrated during pregnancy is key. That baby will take LOTS of fluids out if your system. If you have a headache I always (pregnant or not) recommend a couple of giant glasses of water and some time to see if it goes away.

I also have a whole post about if you can drink Gatorade during pregnancy on my sister site.

Hormones

The hormone shifts in pregnancy can cause transient headaches. However, I find that staying hydrated can help. That being said, some headaches during pregnancy is VERY normal. 🙂

Body Positioning

As your hips change how they carry your changing body it can cause back issues and possibly neck issues. Sometimes that can cause headaches.

Lack of Sleep

This is a BIG one for headaches during pregnancy. If you’re not sleeping well, that can really cause headaches. I have a post on getting better sleep during pregnancy.

Stress

The stress of a LOT on your plate during pregnancy can cause headaches as well.

Which is why I made taking a prenatal class easy. 🙂

Preventing Headaches in Pregnancy

There are a few things you can do to prevent headaches in pregnancy:

Drink enough — I ‘ve talked enough about hydration so I don’t want to beat a dead horse TOO much, but DRINK WATER. 🙂

Proper Rest — Make sleeping a priority.

Go to Your Appointments — Making sure you and baby are healthy is so important!

Stopping Headaches in Pregnancy

If you have a headache you should be able to take some tylenol to help. Ask your provider if there’s anything safe for you, including things like essential oils.

Hopefully this article helped you realize that having headaches during pregnancy is very common (I have a post about the other common pregnancy problems). However, if they stick around you should call your provider.

Learn more about what’s normal during pregnancy, labor and your postpartum life in my Online Prenatal Class. It’s the best (and most entertaining way – per the reviews) way to get your confident birth. 🙂