Pregnancy symptoms: Headaches and nausea during pregnancy?
Headaches and nausea in pregnancy? Many different symptoms can occur during pregnancy, even in the first few weeks. Nausea, fluid retention or heartburn are common, but headaches, constipation or itching are also common. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms are part of pregnancy. If you are very bothered or worried about them, please talk to us. We can think with you and see if there is a solution. Here is an explanation of some common symptoms during pregnancy.
Nausea and pregnancy
Many women experience nausea during the first 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy. For some women, the nausea lasts longer. Nausea is sometimes accompanied by vomiting. An empty stomach often makes the nausea worse. Try to eat small amounts of food regularly throughout the day. For example, have a biscuit or cracker before getting up. To keep yourself hydrated, it’s important to drink small amounts of fluid throughout the day. Contact us or your GP if you cannot keep anything down or are so nauseous that you cannot function. Your GP may be able to prescribe medication to help with nausea. You can read more about tips for severe pregnancy nausea on the ZEHG Foundation website (www.zehg.nl).
Headaches and pregnancy
You may have headaches throughout your pregnancy. This can be caused by hormonal changes, dehydration, tiredness, tension or, in some cases, pre-eclampsia. If you are already prone to migraines, this can also be a cause of headaches during pregnancy.
Before the 20th week of pregnancy, headaches are usually harmless. Take good care of yourself, drink plenty of fluids, eat well and get plenty of rest. You can take normal doses of paracetamol if you like. If the headaches are severe or you are worried, see your doctor.
Headaches are often harmless after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but they can be a symptom of pre-eclampsia. You may also have other symptoms such as fluid retention, spotting, upper abdominal pain, nausea or pain between your shoulder blades. If you have a combination of these symptoms and a headache, you should always call your midwife. Short-term headaches after 20 weeks are usually harmless and can be relieved by taking paracetamol.
Heartburn
Heartburn is common in pregnancy and is not harmful. It occurs because the muscles that control the closure between your stomach and oesophagus become more relaxed due to pregnancy hormones. Your growing belly also presses against your stomach. You can use antiacid medicines such as Rennies to help with this, or ask your pharmacist for a suitable remedy for pregnant women.
Constipation
Pregnancy hormones make your bowels work more slowly, which can lead to constipation. Constipation means that you have fewer bowel movements than usual. It is important to eat a diet high in fibre (whole grains, green vegetables and fruit) and drink plenty of fluids. Read more in this booklet (link to booklet on iron-rich diet and constipation).
Want to read more about common pregnancy symptoms? Visit our pregnancy symptoms page.
Would you like to register with us, for example in Utrecht East? Use our handy and easy registration form: Registration form.
