Headaches after childbirth, what are the causes?

Headaches after childbirth are common in mothers who have just gone through the delivery process, normal or Caesarean section. However, if after every delivery, the mother will always feel a headache? Is that normal? What causes headaches after childbirth?

Are postpartum headaches dangerous?

Symptoms of headaches after childbirth are symptoms that are quite common in women. This condition is even known to last within 24 hours to six weeks after a woman gives birth. Under normal conditions, the symptoms of headache that the mother feels after childbirth are of course only mild symptoms.

However, a headache that is felt more than 24 hours after delivery can be suspected as an abnormal condition. Therefore, if you have a headache that you feel is very disturbing, then you should tell this to the doctor who treats you.

What causes headaches after childbirth?

Actually, this condition can occur due to various things. The birth process that the mother experiences causes her body to undergo changes and adaptations, such as hormonal changes, the effects of anesthesia, or disturbed sleep patterns.

This can happen regardless of your type or method of delivery. If you give birth by Caesarean section, then the symptoms of this headache are very common. Because, to have a cesarean section you are given an anesthetic so you don't feel pain when the procedure is carried out. The anesthetics then cause side effects on the body, one of which is dizziness or headaches.

Meanwhile, dehydration, due to fatigue while straining during a normal birth process can also cause you to feel dizzy and have headaches afterward. Therefore, make sure to consume enough water to deal with dehydration that you are experiencing.

High blood pressure can also be the cause of this condition. This occurs especially in those who have preeclampsia / eclampsia.

How to deal with headaches after childbirth?

To relieve headaches after childbirth, you can rely on painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Although you can find these drugs easily at the nearest pharmacy without a prescription, it's best if before you take the drug, first discuss it with your doctor.

Apart from that, you can also slowly improve your previous interrupted sleep times. It will definitely be difficult to get a normal sleep pattern back because your baby is already there, but you can ask your partner to take turns taking care of the baby.

If the headache persists or the frequency is getting more frequent, consult a doctor immediately.

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