The causes of postpartum migraines and headaches. How to try to help prevent them, and what you can do to get relief when they strike.
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The Joy Of Postpartum!
I’m going to be honest with you. The six weeks postpartum can be gruesome. If you thought your pregnancy was tough, this can be a whole other level.
I’m sure you have heard all about the bleeding, pain down below, leaky nipples, and the absolute horror that is trying to pee. However what you may not be prepared for the headaches and migraines that can strike after giving birth.
As someone who gets occasional migraines I was warned by my midwife that this could happen. Although I had suffered with bad headaches during pregnancy I still wasn’t prepared for the sheer intensity and the frequency of the migraines I suffered after my baby was born.
Postpartum headaches and migraines are fairly common, with the majority of sufferers experiencing a headache within the first week after the birth.
There are various causes and types of postpartum headache and several treatment options depending on the type and severity of your headache.
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What Causes Postpartum Migraines And Headaches
Several things can contribute to postpartum headaches and migraines.
- Dehydration can occur after a long labor and delivery. Lack of fluids can cause you to have a headache.
- Hormonal changes will occur quite quite quickly after you have given birth. The dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone can cause migraines.
- Lack of sleep in the first days after your baby is born is natural but unfortunately can cause you to have headaches.
- Certain types of pain medication you may have been given can cause a mild headache after they have warn off.
- The stress of having a newborn baby to take care of as well the stress your body has gone through can cause postpartum headaches and migraines.
Understanding why postpartum migraines and headaches can happen will help you to prevent them more effectively.
The Types of Postpartum Headaches
Primary Headaches
Tension Headaches
Tension Headaches cause mild to moderate pain and are the most common type of headache. They tend to feel tight, almost like your head is being squeezed. They usually affect your neck and then move through your head.
Postpartum Migraines
Migraine headaches will cause a much stronger pain. They tend to affect one side of your head. The pain from a migraine can be so intense that it can cause nausea and vomiting. Your eyes may also be affected, as migraines can cause blurred vision and flashing lights.
Secondary Headaches
Secondary headaches are a symptom of an underlying condition. These headaches can be caused by several conditions after giving birth. However secondary headaches are much less common postpartum.
- Thrombosis of the veins
- Pre-eclampsia
- Meningitis
- Stroke
- A headache can occur after an epidural or spinal block
When To See Your Doctor About Postpartum Headaches
If you have any of these symptoms alongside your headaches you should contact your doctor.
- Fever
- Neck stiffness
- Headaches are severe and wake you up when you are sleeping
- Sudden onset of an intense pain in your head
- Headaches that come on after exertion or with a change in position
What You Can Do To Prevent Postpartum Migraines
There are a few things you can do to prevent or minimise postpartum migraines and headaches.
- Try to rest, take naps when you can. Also, I know this may be difficult but try to regulate your sleep pattern as much as possible.
- Stay hydrated. You are going to be busy with your newborn but take the time to make sure you are eating and drinking properly. Try to keep a water bottle with you so you can top up on fluids regularly.
- Try to reduce your stress levels. Take a little time out for yourself to do something calming and relaxing. Go for a walk, read a book, have a chat with a friend, or try some meditation or breathing exercises.
Tips For Treating Migraines And Headaches In The Postpartum Period
Over-the-counter Medication
Over-the-counter pain relief will usually be effective in treating your headache. If you are breastfeeding your baby it is advised not to take aspirin but Tylenol and ibuprofen are safe for you to take. If you are unsure of any pain medication always check with your doctor before taking it.
If you are suffering from migraines discuss with your doctor which medications are safe for you to take.
Exercise
Exercise causes your body to release endorphins which is the body’s natural painkiller. If you have a tension headache then 30 minutes of mild to moderate exercise may just be enough to chase away the pain. Of course this may not be possible if you have a migraine.
Cold Packs
As a migraine sufferer I often use cold packs to get relief. Apply one to your forehead and lie down somewhere quiet. They may not always completely cure the pain but they can make things a lot more bearable.
A Dark Room
Taking yourself off to a dark, quiet room and having a lie down with no interruptions can help stop your headache in its tracks.
This is especially effective when you have a migraine as light sensitivity and eye pain are common symptoms. The calm, peace, and quiet will also help you to relax.
Fluids
If you feel a headache coming on a couple of glasses of water might just do the trick. When you are busy looking after your new baby it can be easy to put off eating and drinking. As dehydration is a common cause of headaches rehydrating yourself maybe enough to fight off the pain.
Related Postpartum Posts
How To Deal With Postpartum Exhaustion
Why You Need To Take A Postpartum Sitz Bath
Alternative Therapies
If you do not want to take killers then some alternative therapies are said to to be effective in relieving headaches.
Massage is particularly good for tension headaches, and if you are brave enough acupuncture can help relieve migraines.
There are also several essential oils that can help with headaches and are safe to use while breastfeeding. Lavender, Chamomile, and Peppermint oil are thought to be particularly helpful.
Caffeine
This one probably surprises you but small amounts of caffeine really can help to take away the pain of a headache. It’s no coincidence that caffeine is an ingredient in a lot of over-the-counter pain medication.
Too much caffeine can make your headache worse so just just one cup of coffee will usually be enough to help with the pain.
Of course, if you are breastfeeding you may wish to stay caffeine free.
Sleep
When a headache or migraine strikes sometimes the only thing you can do to get relief from the pain is to go to sleep for a few hours.
This is particularly true of migraines. If I don’t catch one fast enough then all I can do is go to sleep in a dark room. As inconvenient as this may be sometimes it’s all you can do.
My second baby was born in the summer so I had to invest in one of these for when a migraine hit me during the day.
I hope these tips will help you get from relief postpartum migraines and headaches.
Postpartum Migraines And Headaches – How To Get Relief
