Headache is such a common symptom in our daily lives that we often don’t even pay attention to it, but it can be our body’s warning sign that something more serious – or even something as special as – pregnancy is happening, and yes, it can be a symptom of pregnancy.

At the beginning of pregnancy, still in the first trimester, many women experience strong headache episodes during pregnancy or migraines, and they only suspect a possible pregnancy if it is accompanied by nausea, sleepiness, sensitivity and swelling of the nipples and missed period.

Causes of Headache

Headaches as a sign of pregnancy are almost always related to the woman’s hormonal increase during pregnancy, but there are many other reasons that can cause this discomfort during pregnancy1. One of them is the lack of caffeine in the body, since this is a substance consumed daily by most people and often in quantities greater than recommended. During pregnancy itself, women are advised to considerably reduce the amount of caffeine, and abstaining from it can lead to strong headaches. Other factors include:

  • Dehydration
  • Vision problems
  • Consumption of certain foods that trigger headaches
  • Low or high blood pressure

Another clear cause of headache is physical fatigue and daily stress, especially due to the rush of hormones that women experience – everything ends up feeling more exhausting.

Is Headache Alone a Sign of Pregnancy?

No, headache can be a sign of pregnancy, but it must be associated with other symptoms. If a woman has headaches daily, for example, it may be an isolated condition and not necessarily a symptom of pregnancy. But a headache and morning nausea combined with breast pain, for example, can indeed be a sign of the first symptoms of pregnancy!

Medication Precautions

The problem with firmly believing in the symptoms is that this can turn into a trap, since nausea and headache can happen for several reasons—even something as simple as a cold. It is always important to remember that a possible pregnancy requires care, and the well-being of the fetus must always come first, even in the case of a headache. Taking inappropriate medications2 like aspirin and anti-inflammatories can harm the baby.

Remember, headache alone is not always a symptom of pregnancy; it should be linked to the woman’s cycle phase and must also be accompanied by classic pregnancy symptoms to be considered a possibility. Be careful when interpreting symptoms, as they can be misleading3.

If the pain is very strong to the point of causing significant discomfort, it is advisable to consult your gynecologist, who can prescribe the right medication. Remember, only the simplest painkillers are recommended for pregnant women in cases of pain and fever.

Readers’ Questions:

Is migraine a sign of pregnancy?

Just like a headache, migraine attacks can occur for many reasons, including PMS. Migraine itself is not considered a pregnancy symptom, but some pregnant women may suffer from this symptom during pregnancy.

What can I take for headaches during pregnancy?

If you are experiencing frequent headaches during pregnancy, you must inform your obstetrician. Some tests may be conducted to determine the cause and recommend adequate treatment. Usually, the recommended medication for the treatment of pain during pregnancy is paracetamol, but we do not advise starting any treatment without medical recommendation.

See also: First Symptoms of Pregnancy