Many new mothers complain about constant headaches after giving birth. Of course, the birth of a new person is associated with fundamental changes in the lives of parents. But, in addition to everyday problems, women often face very tangible he alth problems. Weakness, dizziness, insomnia, postpartum migraines are symptoms that should never be ignored.
So why does my head hurt after giving birth? Causes, accompanying complications, methods of effective and safe treatment - this is information that should be thoroughly studied.
Postpartum migraines: what are the symptoms to look out for?
The birth of a child is a special, almost magical period for every woman. Nevertheless, pregnancy and childbirth are a serious test for the body. In the first months after the birth of a baby, a newly-made mother has toface a lot of problems. And many women complain that their head hurts after giving birth.
Of course, discomfort can have a different character. For example, some people complain of sharp, throbbing pains in the temples, while other patients report the appearance of pressing, dull pains in the back of the head. Unpleasant sensations can be present all the time, although quite often mothers of newborn babies complain that discomfort is constantly present. Sometimes the pain is so severe that it causes nausea and vomiting.
Sometimes migraines are accompanied by other symptoms, in particular, dizziness, weakness, muscle pain, fever, digestive disorders, etc. You should definitely pay attention to these signs - these are important diagnostic criteria, the presence of which tell your doctor.
Why does my head hurt after giving birth? High blood pressure
Many women complain that their head hurts after childbirth. Migraines are often the result of high blood pressure. It is worth noting that in most cases, pregnant patients experience hypertension, but sometimes the problem persists after childbirth. High blood pressure is accompanied not only by pain - women complain of sudden weakness, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea.
Migraines after epidurals
It's no secret that childbirth is a verypainful. And sometimes patients are prescribed epidural anesthesia. In this case, with the help of a special needle, the anesthetic medicine is injected directly into the spinal space. Thus, pain can be completely eliminated - while the patient remains conscious and can easily follow all the instructions of the obstetrician.
However, sometimes spinal puncture leads to a short-term violation of the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, and this, in turn, often causes headaches. In the first 24 hours after anesthesia, the patient should observe strict bed rest - this reduces the likelihood of side effects.
Pain due to low hemoglobin levels
As you know, childbirth is often accompanied by blood loss, especially when it comes to a full-fledged operation. Blood loss entails a decrease in hemoglobin levels, sometimes to critical values.
Reducing the number of red blood cells, in turn, leads to oxygen deficiency. If your head hurts after childbirth, then this may indicate oxygen starvation. Proper nutrition and iron supplementation help to correct the situation.
Hormonal changes
If after childbirth the head began to hurt, then this may indicate a violation of the hormonal background. Pregnancy, childbirth, lactation - all these changes are accompanied by fundamental changes in the level of certain hormones. The work of the endocrine system affects the functioning of all organ systems. Often hormonalrestructuring is accompanied by migraines.
Chronic fatigue
If your head often hurts after childbirth, then this may be the result of severe overwork. The appearance of a child changes not only the hormonal background and the appearance of a woman, but also her whole life. Sleepless nights, extra housework, stress and constant worry about the baby - all this affects the physical condition of a woman. The new mother, as a result, has difficulty sleeping (for example, cannot fall asleep despite being very tired). Often she does not eat properly, stops resting - the result of this is physical exhaustion, which is accompanied by weakness, fever and headaches.
Postpartum depression
According to statistics, most new mothers experience some form of postpartum depression. Its symptoms are constant fatigue and apathy, loss of interest in life, frequent headaches, drowsiness, inadequate emotional reactions. In most cases, women manage to cope with a similar problem. Nevertheless, severe postpartum depression is a good reason to see a doctor. This is a serious violation that should never be ignored.
Other causes of postpartum migraines
Many women complain to the doctor that their head hurts every day after giving birth. Sometimes migraines appear as a result of the progression of various pathologies. The list of causes includes cervical osteochondrosis. Biasintervertebral discs often leads to compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels that carry blood to the brain - this is accompanied by headaches.
Migraines can be the result of the progression of vegetovascular and neurocirculatory dystonia. That is why in no case should the problem be ignored - it is worth talking about headaches to your doctor.
Diagnosis
It is very important to see a doctor if migraine attacks become more frequent. To begin with, the specialist will familiarize himself with the symptoms and take an anamnesis. In the future, the patient is referred for additional studies. For example, it is important to conduct a general and biochemical blood test. Sometimes additional tests are performed on the level of hormones. The doctor also measures blood pressure. If indicated, an electrocardiogram, a chest x-ray, and intracranial pressure are checked. Additionally, you may need to consult a psychologist.
Painkillers
What should I do if my head hurts after giving birth? Do not self-medicate - it is better to immediately contact a specialist. As you know, any drug taken during breastfeeding can affect the condition of the child. Only a doctor can find safe medicines.
As a rule, pain is relieved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Paracetamol is the safest during lactation. Well cope with headaches drugs such as "Ibuprofen", "Nurofen",Aspirin, Ketoprofen, Indomethacin, Diclofenac.
Sometimes combined medicines are used, which contain both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other components that help to quickly relieve pain and normalize blood circulation in the brain. Such drugs as Solpadein, Pentalgin, Benalgin, Citramon are effective. Of course, in no case should you use medicines without the permission of a doctor.
List of other drugs
Anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics certainly help with pain. But migraines can be the result of various pathologies, and sometimes it is very important to eliminate the causes of discomfort. After a thorough diagnosis, the doctor will be able to draw up the correct treatment regimen:
- If severe headaches occur, your doctor may prescribe opioid analgesics.
- In some cases, it is advisable to take antidepressants (the most commonly used are Melipramine and Amitriptyline).
- If there are problems with the heart and blood vessels, beta-blockers are used.
- If migraine attacks are accompanied by convulsions, then anticonvulsants are used.
- Nootropics help improve blood circulation in the brain, have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system.
- If necessary, include antiemetics in the treatment regimen (if migraine attacks are accompanied by vomiting).
It is worth noting that many of these drugs should never be taken during lactation, soduring therapy, breastfeeding will have to be stopped. In any case, such strong drugs cannot be used without permission.
In addition, patients are advised to take vitamin complexes and antioxidants. Such drugs help to establish metabolism, improve the functioning of the immune system. If there is a decrease in the level of hemoglobin, then iron preparations must be introduced into the therapy regimen.
Headache after childbirth: what to do? Traditional medicine
As you know, taking medications sometimes negatively affects the child's body, because the active substances of the drugs and their metabolites can be excreted along with breast milk. That is why you should not choose pills on your own. If you have a severe headache after childbirth, and attacks appear constantly, then you should turn to alternative methods of therapy:
- Aromatherapy has been proven to help with headaches. Sessions can be carried out independently - you only need an aroma lamp and essential oils. Peppermint, lavender oils, etc. have calming properties. By the way, such procedures are especially effective if migraines are caused by stress, overwork and high blood pressure.
- You can relieve an attack with the help of tinctures and decoctions of herbs. Chamomile and fennel teas are considered useful. By the way, some plants simultaneously improve lactation and have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the baby's digestive system.
- Some experts recommend head massage. The procedure can be performed independently or you can ask one of the relatives. Massage improves blood flow to the scalp, irritates the tissues, resulting in a redirection of nerve impulses - the headache goes away or at least weakens.
- Cold compresses are also effective. It is enough to apply something cold to the head in order to narrow the vessels that carry blood to the brain. This helps to quickly reduce intracranial pressure and, consequently, relieve pain.
- By the way, essential oils can be used for more than just aromatherapy. For example, you can lubricate the temples and the skin on the back of the head with mint oil, which has an irritating effect, thereby easing a pain attack.
Of course, such remedies cannot replace full-fledged therapy, so you should not refuse the medicines prescribed by the doctor.
Prevention: how to prevent a migraine attack?
If you constantly have a headache after childbirth, then this is an occasion to reconsider your daily schedule. Following some rules, you can prevent the development of migraine attacks:
- For starters, be sure to review your work and leisure schedule. Of course, at night the child often wakes up, and in the daytime women are busy with housework. But you should understand that if you sleep less than 6-8 hours a day, then the chances of coping with a headache are minimal. If resting at night is not possible, then you need to adjust your regimen in order to sleep during the day.
- Doctors recommend spending time outdoors - it will benefit both the child andmother. Oxygenation of the blood helps to cope with headaches.
- Pay more attention to nutrition. From the diet should be excluded foods that cause fluctuations in blood pressure. The list of prohibited foods includes chocolate, sweets, fried meats and sausages, citrus fruits, coffee, cheeses, dried fruits, bananas, pickled foods. On the other hand, it is important to saturate the body with vitamins and minerals. Nutrition should be as varied as possible and satisfy all the needs of the body of a nursing mother and baby.
- Spend less time at the computer and TV, do not read in low light. Sometimes headaches result from eye strain.
- Keep fit. Regular exercise, whether it's a workout in the gym or a short morning run, helps to normalize blood pressure and improve blood circulation, even out hormonal levels.
- Learn to deal with stress. Breathing exercises, a relaxing bath, yoga - all this helps to bounce back and get rid of anxiety.
- If a headache still appears, then you should not take antispasmodics without the permission of a doctor. These drugs cause vasodilation, which in turn can increase discomfort.
In any case, you must remember that a child needs a he althy mother. That is why it is worth first of all to monitor your own condition. If after childbirth your head hurts every day, then you should not hesitate - seek help from a specialist!
