Tension Headaches during pregnancy

Tension headaches are one of the most common symptoms during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. They can feel like a squeezing pain or a steady dull ache on both sides of the head or the back of the neck, if you've always been susceptible to tension headaches, pregnancy can make the problem worse. The cause of increased tension headaches during pregnancy is not well known, but increased hormone levels, increased blood volume and circulation may play a part, especially in early pregnancy. Also some dietary changes such as reduction or elimination of caffeine from your diet may contribute to the headache. Other causes include lack of sleep or general fatigue, sinus congestion, allergies, eyestrain, stress, depression, hunger, and dehydration. If you have headaches in your first trimester, you'll probably find that they diminish or even disappear during the second trimester, when the flood of hormones stabilizes and your body grows accustomed to its altered chemistry. Acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for tension headaches during pregnancy. In one study, 43 pregnant women who suffered from tension headaches during pregnancy were randomly divided into two groups. One group received conventional treatment (life style modifications and stretching), another group received Acupuncture treatments. No important adverse effects related to acupuncture treatment or to pregnancy's outcome were reported. Significant improvements were demonstrated for pain at the end of the trial in the study group, 3.9 vs 1.7 difference in favor to acupuncture group (p < 0.05). This group also used less medication and had a greater improvement in mood and sleep when compared with the control group (Guerreiro et al; 2012). At Acuwellness center, we offer services such as Acupuncture, and Massage therapy to help you with your tension headaches during pregnancy. Please contact us at 818-642-3512 to set up an appointment. References: Guerreriro, J.B, Nakamura, M.V, Corderio, J.A., Kulay, L. (2012). Acupuncture for tension-type headache in pregnancy: A prospective, randomized, controlled study. European Journal of Integrative medicine, 4(4): e366-e370