Headaches and pregnancy, they often go hand in hand during the first trimester. Headaches during early pregnancy are often one of the very first pregnancy symptoms to appear. How come? And above all, how can we tell the difference with that headache that we usually feel just before our period arrives?
Is headache sign of pregnancy?
Among those early pregnancy symptoms, headaches are up there on the list. They can appear starting from the very first days, due to a rise in HCG, oestrogen, and progesterone hormones, which are actually called pregnancy hormones.
Another cause of early first trimester headaches is the increase in blood volume in a woman’s body.
So many changes take place! Not only physical but also emotional, such as mood swings.
However, not everyone experiences the same early pregnancy signs; each woman is very different. Therefore, you can’t say that you should be suffering from a migraine in early pregnancy.
Headache, morning sickness and mild cramping are often among first pregnancy symptoms
Headache is often one of the first signs your pregnant, and can occur together with morning sickness symptoms and cramping in early pregnancy. The reasoning behind this, as we explained before, is linked to hormonal and circulatory changes which occur instantly in our bodies.
Beware, however! Although pregnancy headaches are very common during the first weeks of pregnancy, it does not mean that you should have one. There are many women who never suffer from headaches right throughout the whole of their pregnancy.
Headache pregnancy: when to worry
Usually a pregnancy headache occurs during the first trimester. They often last a few weeks, then improve, or disappear completely during the last six months. Pregnancy migraines may return after the birth itself, especially if you suffered from migraines prior to your pregnancy.
During the second or third trimesters, headaches in pregnancy in second trimester, as well as the third trimester, can be a sign of preeclampsia or other complications, so it is always a good idea to consult your doctor or midwife as soon as possible. The golden rule to follow is always contact your doctor or midwife to discuss any concerns or questions you may have!
I suffer from migraines: will they get worse during pregnancy?
There’s no certainty they will, in fact it’s more than likely that you’ll enjoy a few months of respite from your awful headaches!
Honestly speaking, you might notice them worsening during the first few weeks, due to fluctuating hormone levels and increased blood volume. Then you should move onto a more tranquil phase when your headaches disappear or, at least, become more tolerable.
It's all related to the surge in oestrogen and endorphins, which remain at a more constant level during the second and third trimester. These hormones raise the pain threshold, promoting a feeling of psychophysical well-being. (This is why pregnant women feel a lot more tired and generally unwell during the first trimester!).
It's similar to when migraines are associated with your menstrual cycle, a headache usually appears just before your period, and disappears when your period arrives due to changes in oestrogen levels.
In a very small percentage of cases, pregnancy can make migraines worse. As we’ve said, every pregnancy is different, and all women experience different symptoms.
How to distinguish a premenstrual headache from a pregnancy headache?
You may not like the answer, but the truth is that you can't. Premenstrual headaches and pregnancy headaches after conception, are very similar to each other.
The same is true for all the other early signs of pregnancy before missed period, such as early pregnancy cramps, mood swings pregnancy, backache in early pregnancy, etc.
The most reliable 1st sign of pregnancy and how to know if you are pregnant is a missing period. And even this can’t ever be considered a certain indication, as your period can be late for numerous reasons.
If you are trying to conceive and reading this article, you are probably on the lookout for signs you are pregnant. Some mums-to-be don’t notice any changes at all, others have symptoms very similar to before their period is due, and others instinctively know straight away that something inside them has changed.
But each and every one of them, will have to be patient and wait until it’s the right time to take a pregnancy test (i.e. from the first day of their missed period).
You will by now understand that your headache may be one of your hidden pregnancy signs yet there are many different symptoms of pregnancy you may experience over the next nine months. They are all signs that your body is undergoing a huge transformation. Always consult your doctor or midwife with any concerns or questions you may have!
The symptoms described are for information purposes only and in no case replace any medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment prescription by a doctor. We recommend that you always seek the advice of your doctor and/or midwife.
