Headaches and Migraines During Pregnancy: You Don’t Have to Just Put Up With Them
Headaches and Migraines During Pregnancy: You Don’t Have to Just Put Up With Them
Headaches are common during pregnancy, but that doesn't make them any easier to deal with.
A pregnancy headache can make it difficult to concentrate at work, look after your children, exercise, drive or simply enjoy your day. For women who experience migraines, pregnancy can be particularly challenging when an episode brings pain, nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.
You may have been told that headaches are just another part of pregnancy. But you don't have to simply put up with ongoing headaches or migraines because you're pregnant.
As a pregnancy osteopath in Milford, Auckland, I work with women experiencing headaches and migraines throughout pregnancy, looking at the factors that may be contributing to their symptoms and adapting treatment to their individual needs.
Why do headaches happen during pregnancy?
Pregnancy involves enormous changes throughout your body.
Hormonal changes, tiredness, stress, dehydration, changes to your sleep, altered posture and the physical demands of pregnancy can all contribute to headaches.
As your pregnancy progresses, your posture and the way you move can also change. Your growing bump may alter how you sit, stand and sleep, while increased demands through your neck, shoulders and upper back can contribute to muscular tension.
Some women notice headaches after spending a long time at a computer, driving, looking down at their phone or trying to find a comfortable position in bed.
Others may find that their usual migraine triggers become more difficult to manage during pregnancy.
What can pregnancy headaches feel like?
Headaches can vary considerably from person to person.
You may experience:
A dull or aching pain
Pressure around your forehead or temples
Pain around or behind your eyes
Tightness through your neck and shoulders
A headache that develops after sitting at your desk
Head pain associated with neck stiffness
Headaches that worsen when you're tired
Migraine-type pain
Nausea or sensitivity to light or sound
Headaches that make it difficult to concentrate
If you've experienced migraines before pregnancy, you may already recognise your typical symptoms. However, a new or significantly different headache during pregnancy should always be discussed with your midwife, GP or appropriate healthcare professional.
When a headache makes everyday life harder
It's easy to underestimate just how disruptive headaches and migraines can be.
You might be trying to work through a headache while staring at a computer screen.
You might find yourself avoiding exercise because you can feel a migraine coming on.
You may struggle to drive because concentrating feels difficult.
Or perhaps you're trying to look after older children while desperately wishing you could lie down somewhere quiet and dark.
Pregnancy doesn't stop because you have a headache.
You may still need to:
Get the kids ready in the morning.
Drive to work.
Sit at a desk.
Cook dinner.
Do the school run.
Bend down and pick things up.
Exercise.
Go shopping.
Chase after your toddler.
Get through a full day at work.
When headaches become frequent or severe, these ordinary tasks can suddenly feel exhausting.
That's where getting some support can make a difference.
How can an osteopath help with headaches during pregnancy?
When you come to see me, we'll start by talking about your headaches in detail.
I'll want to understand when they occur, what they feel like, what seems to trigger them and how they're affecting your everyday life.
I'll also assess how your neck, upper back, shoulders and surrounding areas are moving and functioning.
Depending on your individual presentation, osteopathic treatment may include gentle soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation, articulation, stretching and other appropriate hands-on techniques.
Treatment is adapted to your stage of pregnancy and your comfort.
Rather than simply focusing on where you feel the pain, I take a whole-body approach and consider how different areas may be contributing to your symptoms.
For example, if you've developed neck and upper-back tension from working at a computer, sleeping differently or carrying additional weight through pregnancy, we can look at how these factors may be influencing your headaches.
It's not just about treatment on the table
Osteopathic care isn't only about what happens during your appointment.
I'll also give you practical advice that may help you manage the physical demands of pregnancy and your individual headache triggers.
This might include looking at:
Your working and sitting position
Computer and screen use
Driving posture
Sleeping positions
Pillow positioning
Neck and shoulder tension
Exercise and movement
Taking regular breaks
Hydration and general self-care
Ways to manage the physical demands of caring for older children
Sometimes small changes to the way you move or position yourself throughout the day can make everyday life feel more manageable.
Headaches and Migraines During Pregnancy: You Don’t Have to Just Put Up With Them
Headaches are common during pregnancy, but that doesn't make them any easier to deal with.
A pregnancy headache can make it difficult to concentrate at work, look after your children, exercise, drive or simply enjoy your day. For women who experience migraines, pregnancy can be particularly challenging when an episode brings pain, nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.
You may have been told that headaches are just another part of pregnancy. But you don't have to simply put up with ongoing headaches or migraines because you're pregnant.
As a pregnancy osteopath in Milford, Auckland, I work with women experiencing headaches and migraines throughout pregnancy, looking at the factors that may be contributing to their symptoms and adapting treatment to their individual needs.
You might be trying to work through a headache while staring at a computer screen.
What about migraines during pregnancy?
If you experience migraines, you already know how much they can interfere with your life.
A migraine can mean cancelling plans, lying in a dark room, struggling with nausea or being unable to tolerate normal levels of noise and light.
Pregnancy can make managing migraines more complicated because some medications and treatment options may not be appropriate during pregnancy.
It's important to discuss your migraine symptoms and medication with your midwife or doctor, particularly if your symptoms have changed.
Osteopathic treatment can be considered as part of a broader approach to managing musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to your headaches or migraines.
You don't need to wait until the headache becomes unbearable
You don't have to wait until headaches are stopping you from functioning before seeking help.
If you're regularly experiencing headaches during pregnancy, if they're affecting your sleep or work, or if you're finding yourself avoiding activities you normally enjoy, it's worth having them assessed.
And remember — being pregnant doesn't mean you have to accept feeling uncomfortable all the time.
When should you seek medical advice?
Most headaches during pregnancy are not caused by something serious, but some headaches require prompt medical assessment.
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience a sudden or severe headache, a headache that is very different from your usual headaches, or a headache accompanied by symptoms such as vision changes, significant swelling, high blood pressure, weakness, confusion, seizures, fever or other concerning symptoms.
Your midwife or GP can assess you and advise whether further investigation is needed.
Pregnancy osteopathy in Milford, Auckland
I'm Sarah, a pregnancy and postpartum osteopath in Milford, Auckland, and a mum of two.
I've been working clinically for more than 10 years, with more than 8 years specialising in pregnancy and postpartum care.
My approach is warm, practical and individualised. I'll listen to what you're experiencing, understand how your symptoms are affecting your everyday life and tailor treatment to your stage of pregnancy.
Whether you're struggling with pregnancy headaches, neck tension, migraines or other pregnancy aches and pains, you don't have to simply put up with it.
If headaches are getting in the way of work, sleep, exercise, looking after your family or enjoying your pregnancy, I'd love to help.
Ready to feel a little more comfortable?
You can book an appointment with me in Milford, Auckland and we'll work together to understand what's going on and find an approach that's appropriate for you and your pregnancy.
You deserve to feel listened to, supported and comfortable during your pregnancy.
