Headaches during pregnancy

Headaches are one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy. Especially in the first trimester, headaches may occur more frequently than usual. Some common causes of headaches in pregnancy include:

  • Changes in hormones
  • Tiredness, including lack of sleep
  • Changes in blood circulation
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Dehydration (not drinking enough water)
  • Stress from upcoming family changes
  • Caffeine withdrawal

Types of headaches during pregnancy



Headaches and preeclampsia

A severe headache in the second or third trimester of pregnancy can be a warning sign of preeclampsia, or high blood pressure in pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a rare condition that affects about five to ten percent of pregnancies. Headaches caused by preeclampsia are persistent and throbbing. Women with preeclampsia may also have symptoms such as blurry vision or seeing spots, sudden weight gain (more than a pound in one day), pain in the upper right abdomen, and swelling in the hands and face. If you have any of these symptoms, or if you get a headache that is different from normal, call your doctor or midwife right away.