Pregnancy Health Information Organization

Headaches

10% of pregnancy women suffer from migraine - a severe headache caused by dilation of blood vessels in the brain and is linked to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Headaches can also be caused by stress or tension in the head or neck in result from poor posture during pregnancy. Symptoms of migraines are a dull thudding in the head, which worsens if moving, pain on one side of the head or in the temples and numbness, vomiting, or visual disturbances. Severe, persistent headaches (especially those accompanied by blurred vision) during the third trimester may be a sign of high blood pressure and should be reported to your doctor.

Key Tips on coping with migraines and headaches:
- Get plenty of fresh air every day
- Get 20 minutes of gentle exercise each day
- Sleep and rest as much as possible
- Drink plenty of filtered of mineral water
- Try to reduce your stress levels.
- Identify your headache triggers and avoid them
- Change positions slowly
- Popular migraine medications are not safe to take, including Ibuprofen

Diet and Nutrition

- Stabilize blood sugar levels by eating slow-release carbs (oatmeal, bread, legumes, etc) and protein regularly
- Avoid eating migraine-causing foods including chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruit, and cheese.

Complementary Treatments

Western Herbalism
- chamomile tea
- ginger tea

Aromatherapy
- 4 drops of lavender oil applied on compressed temples relieves a headache.

Massage

Homeopathy
- for sudden pain resembling a tight band - Aconite 6c
- sudden, violent headache - Belladonna 6c
- Irritability and pain that is worse from movement that lasts all day - bryonia 6c

Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

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The information on this website is compiled and written by;

Vancouver Pregnancy & labour (labor) Acupuncturist

Raeghan Siemens, R.Ac., DTCM
Raeghan Siemens has always had an interest in medicine;
but she found her true passion in Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture.
Her special interests are treating Pregnancy related issues and aiding women through labour (labor).

Raeghan practices at Acubalance Wellness Centre Ltd. in Vancouver BC Canada.

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