Behind the feeling of joy because a baby has been born into the world, not a few women complain of headaches after giving birth. This condition is generally harmless, but it can also be a sign of a health problem. Come on, identify the causes and how to overcome them.
As many as 40% of women complain of headaches after childbirth. Usually, this condition occurs in the first 6-8 weeks after delivery. The sensation of a headache varies, it can be pressure, tension, stabbing, or throbbing, and can be felt all over the head or only on one side.
Causes of Headaches After Childbirth
After giving birth, the hormone estrogen in the body can decrease significantly. nowThis decrease in hormone levels can trigger headaches.
The tendency to have headaches after giving birth can run in families. However, if you had frequent headaches before giving birth, after that you will also be prone to experiencing this.
In addition, there are several other things that can trigger headaches after giving birth, including:
- Fatigue
- Lack of sleep
- Dehydration from not drinking enough while breastfeeding
- Side effects of anesthetics used during childbirth
- Environmental factors, for example the air is too cold
- Sudden cessation of caffeine consumptioncaffeine withdrawal)
- Postpartum depression
Headaches after childbirth can also be a sign of health problems, ranging from mild, such as allergies and sinusitis, to severe, such as preeclampsia, meningitis, and blockage of the veins in the brain.
How to Overcome Headaches After Childbirth
Headaches after giving birth can certainly interfere with your activities as a mother. Apart from making you uncomfortable, you can lose focus on caring for your little one. However, you don't need to worry. If the headache still feels light, here are tips for dealing with it:
1. Get enough rest time
Caring for your newborn baby certainly takes up a lot of Mother's time. However, don't let Mother miss the break time, OK? Try to go to sleep when your little one sleeps. Mothers can also set aside a nap time of approximately 30 minutes to recharge energy.
Also, keep your cell phone away and turn off the lights and TV so you can sleep better. This method will make the headache you feel gradually disappear.
2. Consumption of healthy food and adequate fluid intake
So that the body is more energized and headaches subside, make sure you always eat healthy foods, such as eggs, fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits. You can also eat sweet snacks to increase blood sugar levels, especially if you are late to eat.
Don't forget to drink lots of water, OK? Adequate fluid intake will keep the body hydrated and eliminate annoying headaches.
3. Consume less caffeine
Headaches can occur because the blood vessels in the brain dilate. now, caffeine has the ability to constrict blood vessels. So, consuming caffeine can help relieve your headaches.
Make a cup of coffee or hot tea on the sidelines of Mother's break. However, make sure you don't consume too much caffeine, okay? Limit 1-2 cups of coffee or 2-3 cups of tea per day.
4. Use a warm or cold compress
A warm or cold compress is an easy and simple way to treat a headache after giving birth. To do this, dip a towel in warm or cold water, wring out the water, then place the towel on your head until you feel more comfortable.
5. Do activities you like
Take time mommy to do me time. Do whatever activity you like, for example, take a warm bath, read a book, exercise, take a leisurely walk, or talk with friends.
This will make your body more relaxed and reduce muscle tension, so headaches can subside.
6. Consumption of drugs
Mothers can take pain relievers to treat headaches after giving birth. However, be careful because not all drugs are safe for consumption by mothers who are breastfeeding.
Pain relievers that are safe for breastfeeding mothers to take include naproxen, paracetamol, and ibuprofen. Before taking medication, you should consult with your doctor first, yes.
Although generally harmless, headaches after childbirth should not be ignored. As mentioned above, headaches after childbirth can also be caused by serious health problems.
If the steps above do not relieve your headache, or your headache is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, fever, stiff neck, blurred vision, or seizures, see a doctor immediately.
