A 44-year-old member asked:
What causes headaches to increase during pregnancy?
3 doctor answers • 19 doctors weighed in

Dr. Marilynn Frederiksenanswered
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 49 years experience
Headaches: Headaches in pregnancy can be related to the hormonal changes which occur early in pregnancy, especially for women with migraine headaches. Frequency of headaches can increase early in pregnancy and then as pregnancy progresses decrease in frequency. Headaches in late pregnancy can be a sign of the pregnancy complication pre-eclampsia. Late pregnancy headaches are warning signs to call your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Peter Kurzweilanswered
Internal Medicine 52 years experience
Same causes +unique: All usual causes can occur during pregnancy, however, there are unique causes that may be serious. A hypertensive reaction, state of sodium (salt) retention that increases bp, a disorder called eclampsia or per-eclampsia with severe edema and/or BP and/or form of nephritis all could lead to headache. So, if any persistent ha, check with ob, who may request medical consultation with internist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed Apr 01, 2023

Dr. Nikolaos Zachariasanswered
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 28 years experience
Hormones.: Estrogen and Progesterone skyrocket during pregnancy and lower the migraine and headache threshold for predisposed women. Obese women can have pseudotumor cerebri and any woman may have preeclampsia. Stress can always cause tension headache. Acetaminophen (+/- codeine) is the mainstay of therapy during pregnancy. Metoclopramide 10 mg when taken with tylenol (acetaminophen) 1000 mg is very effective and safe!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
United Kingdom
A 30-year-old female asked:
Could pregnancy cause headaches and if so what's best way to cure them?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Christopher Wilsonanswered
Sleep Medicine 23 years experience
Yes: Pregnancy can cause headaches through a number of ways from hormone fluctuations to poor sleep to hypercoaguable states to pseudotumor cerebri. It's best to get checked out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
St Clair Shores, MI
A 24-year-old female asked:
What can cause headaches/migraines in pregnancy at 15 weeks?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
There are a great: Deal of hormone changes in the body during pregnancy. This can trigger headaches/ migraines. Please d/w your obstetrician. Take care.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 1, 2023
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.