[Submitted Question]

I have never been prone to headaches but the other day I had a crushing headache that totally incapacitated me. Could this be related to my pregnancy? If so, will I get them more often and should I see my doctor about it?

[WombToBloom]

It could be related to your pregnancy. Many women get tension headaches, especially in the first trimester. These are generally thought to be harmless, though painful.

If it was a migraine (“crushing” sounds more migraine than tension) and you haven’t had one before, you might want to call your doctor just in case he or she wants to have you evaluated. While migraines don’t seem to create or signal some high risk element to the pregnancy, it’s worth making sure that there’s not another issue – such as a sinus infection or preeclampsia.

[journeybirth]

It could be related to pregnancy - I experienced pregnancy migraines with all of mine. I found drinking lots of water (I think I averaged 100 oz a day) and eating more protein helped mine.

[DoulaMom]

Call your midwife or OB for a blood pressure check, number 1. Also, have you started or stopped eating something? Lack of caffeine sometimes is the cause. Many moms stop coffee/soda when they get pregnant. Unless you have BP issues in the past, you can safely ingest SOME caffeine during a pregnancy. Are you eating more nuts for protein? They give some people migraines. As does the stress of being pregnant (mental and physical).

[Knoxville Doula]

By a certain point in your pregnancy, a woman's blood volume DOUBLES -- this can definitely lead to some headaches. Be sure you are getting enough rest, taking breaks during the day, putting your feet up. Stay hydrated, and be sure you are taking in enough nutrition in small meals throughout the day.

As your tummy expands, so does the pressure on your back, neck, and posture. Try to have good posture and again, take some breaks to stretch. Look in your pregnancy books for some good pregnancy stretches and/or exercises or try to take a walk each day. Treat yourself to a prenatal massage by a trained professional once in a while, and enlist your partner to rub your neck and head a few times a week. (Trade off with him/her sometimes, too!)

If the problems persist, speak to your doctor about it to make sure you aren't having high blood pressure problems or gestational diabetes.

[tariq456]

Check your blood pressure.High or low blood pressure in pregnancy is the major cause of Headache and it is harmful for the body.Be sure that you are taking proper food ad water!