likely a result of those hormones. One hormone, in particular, progesterone, is responsible for many headaches during pregnancy. Progesterone causes your blood vessels to relax which is actually a good thing because it increases blood flow to your uterus and your growing baby. One not so nice side effect is that dilating blood vessels cause low blood pressure which often causes headaches and dizziness.
When does it happen?:
Hormonally induced headaches tend to start at about 6 weeks of pregnancy, and they get progressively worse until about 24 weeks of pregnancy when the rising progesterone levels finally plateau. After 24 weeks those progesterone levels start to fall, blood pressure starts to go back up, and headaches often get better.
What Can I Do?
While you can’t change hormones during pregnancy, there are things that you can do to lessen their effects.
So, what can you do?:
1. Be well watered: Get lots and lots of hydration, and by hydration, we really mean water (sorry, soda and juice don’t count!). Get at least 72 ounces or more of water every day.
2. Be well fed: Keep your blood sugar levels steady by eating multiple smaller meals and snacks throughout the day, ideally about 300 calories each every three hours.
3. Be well rested: Sleep during pregnancy is essential for a bunch of reasons including headache prevention. Get 8-9 hours of sleep every night and