One of the most common complaints I see in clinic with my pregnant clients are frequent headaches, fatigue and nausea which all worsened with dehydration.
I am Riannon Page, a fertility Naturopath and the founder of Mungbean Health and my clinic supports clients from preconception to postpartum and beyond.
Headaches are most common in the first and third trimesters due to the many changes taking place in the body. From diet changes to increased blood volume in the body, there are many reasons why you might experience a pregnancy headache. Here are just a few of the reasons a pregnant woman might experience headaches.
- Hormonal Changes
The rise in oestroegn, can trigger headaches, especially in the first trimester. Although this isn’t something we have total control over, there are some great ways to minimise nasty side effects like ensuring your bowels are opening daily and you are staying well hydrated (hello Hydramama).
- Stress
In times of early pregnancy many feelings can arise, such as stress and anxiety! This can also worsen due to sleep disturbances and lowered energy. Be kind to yourself as you digest the information of a new pregnancy and get outside (even if only into the backyard) for some fresh air and put those bare feet on the ground.
- Caffeine Withdrawals
I see so many clients going from drinking multiple coffees per day, down to zero in a matter of weeks due to pregnancy nausea and trimester 1 taste changes which can leave your energy plummeting and your head pounding! Hydration in your bestie here, so make sure you are sipping on Hydramama to maximise your hydration.
- Dehydration
Some women will struggle to even get down water due to their severe nausea (Hyperemesis Gravidarum), so finding a nice alternative such as Hydramama can be a life saver for many. The flavour ginger & apple is what I recommend for these clients to allow the ginger to also play its role in lowering that nausea.
Please note: If you are experiencing frequent headaches always run it by your obstetrician or midwife and naturopath to rule out anything more serious as although very common, they can occasionally be a sign of more serious pregnancy conditions. Sometimes headaches can be linked to more serious issues such as preeclampsia, high blood pressure (hypertension) and gestational diabetes, so always let your healthcare practitioner know so they can do the appropriate testing.
3 expert tips to support your pregnancy and keep those unpleasant headaches at bay.
# 1: STAY HYDRATED
Purchase a new water bottle to help you drink more water plus have 2x sachets of Hydramama per day (flavour of your choice as they are all as effective as each other). I suggest to keep a few sachets in your handbag, in your car, at work, in your home cupboards and even in your pockets at all times so you are never without them!
# 2: REDUCE CAFFIENE SLOWLY
If you normally drink 2 coffees per day and can still tolerate the taste, reduce down slowly to 1 per day, then a half, then a quarter strength etc. This will allow the body to get used to the drop in caffeine, without triggering the negative withdrawals. Keeping hydrated will also be key here.
# 3: FOCUS ON RELAXATION
Although it may feel like your world has just changed in an instance, incorporate some relaxation practices into your day. Getting outside in nature, deep breathes outside, spending time at the beach/bush/park etc, or even just getting outside and staring at a tree can be so beneficial for the nervous system.
Remember, you’ve got this mama! You can do it! If you need any additional support, find us at @mungbean_health or visit the website www.mungbeanhealth.com.
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