Headaches & Migraines
Tension headaches and migraines triggered by hormones, stress, and physical changes. Common in first trimester, may improve in second.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Common in first trimester, often improves in second, may return in third
📊 How Common
Affects about 35-40% of pregnant women
Overview
Headaches during pregnancy can range from mild tension headaches to severe migraines. They're particularly common in the first trimester as your body adjusts to hormonal changes.
For women who already experience migraines, pregnancy can either improve or worsen them. Some women find their migraines disappear during pregnancy, while others have more frequent or severe episodes.
While most pregnancy headaches are harmless if annoying, severe or persistent headaches, especially in the second half of pregnancy, can be a sign of more serious conditions like preeclampsia.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Very common due to dramatic hormonal changes
Second Trimester
Often improves as hormones stabilize - many women get relief
Third Trimester
May return due to fatigue, poor sleep, and physical strain
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Hormonal changes, especially fluctuating estrogen and progesterone
- •Increased blood volume and circulation changes
- •Low blood sugar from eating irregularly or morning sickness
- •Dehydration from not drinking enough water
- •Caffeine withdrawal if you've cut back suddenly
- •Poor posture from growing belly
- •Stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep
- •Sinus congestion (pregnancy rhinitis)
- •Eye strain from vision changes
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Rest in a quiet, dark room with eyes closed
- ✓Apply cold or warm compress to forehead or back of neck
- ✓Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- ✓Eat regular small meals to maintain stable blood sugar
- ✓Get adequate sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule
- ✓Practice relaxation techniques: deep breathing, meditation, prenatal yoga
- ✓Gently massage temples, neck, and shoulders
- ✓Take a warm (not hot) shower or bath
- ✓Get fresh air and take short walks
- ✓Improve posture, especially if sitting at a desk
- ✓Use a pregnancy pillow for better sleep positioning
- ✓Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) - safe in pregnancy, but consult doctor first
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Sudden severe headache unlike any you've had before
- ⚠Headache accompanied by vision changes (blurriness, spots, flashing lights)
- ⚠Headache with fever, stiff neck, or neurological symptoms
- ⚠Persistent headache that doesn't respond to rest or medication
- ⚠Headache with severe swelling in face, hands, or feet
- ⚠Headache accompanied by upper abdominal pain or nausea after 20 weeks
- ⚠Headache following a fall or injury to the head
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: