What causes headaches to increase during pregnancy?

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.

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.

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!