Kopfschmerzen nach der Geburt? Entdecken Sie die besten Lösungen im Wochenbett

Headaches after birth? Discover the best postpartum solutions

August 25, 2024

Headaches in the postpartum period

The frequency of headaches after childbirth

Headaches after childbirth are a common phenomenon in the postpartum period. Many women report mild to severe headaches in the first days and weeks after delivery. Studies show that about 30-40% of women in the postpartum period suffer from headaches. These can vary can be very pronounced and have different causes.

Frequency of headaches	Percentage of women affected
A mild headache	20%
Moderate headache	15%
Strong headache	5%

Possible causes of headaches in the postpartum period

There are several reasons why women may experience headaches during the postpartum period. Some of the most common causes are:

Hormonal changes : After birth, there are significant hormonal fluctuations that can cause headaches.
Dehydration : During and after childbirth, fluid loss may occur, which can cause headaches.
Lack of sleep : Newborns often require a lot of care and attention, which can lead to sleep deprivation in mothers.
Stress and exhaustion : The physical and emotional strain of childbirth and the first few days with the baby can also cause headaches.
Back pain and tension : The strain during childbirth and breastfeeding in awkward positions can lead to tension in the neck and shoulder area, causing headaches.

Postpartum headaches can be caused by a combination of physical, emotional and hormonal factors. It is important to recognize these factors and take appropriate measures to relieve the symptoms.

Self-help for headaches

Relaxation techniques and rest periods

Postpartum headaches can often be triggered by stress and tension. It is therefore important to incorporate relaxation techniques to calm the body and relieve headaches. Here are some tried and tested methods:

Breathing exercises : Deep and conscious breathing can help relax the body and reduce stress.
Meditation : Regular meditation can help calm the mind and release tension in the body.
Gentle stretching exercises : Light stretching exercises can relieve tension in the neck and shoulders.

Adequate fluid intake and nutrition

Adequate hydration and a balanced diet are essential to avoid postpartum headaches. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, so it is important to drink enough water. Here is a table of recommended daily fluid intake:

Condition	Recommended fluid intake per day
Breastfeeding mothers	3 liters
Non-breastfeeding mothers	2 liters

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also help reduce headaches. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein are particularly beneficial.

Tips for sleep hygiene

Good sleep is crucial for recovery and can prevent headaches. Here are some tips to improve sleep hygiene:

Regular sleep schedule : Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Quiet sleeping environment : Make sure the bedroom is dark, quiet and cool.
Avoid screens before bed : Screens can make it difficult to fall asleep, so they should be avoided at least an hour before bedtime.

These self-help measures can help relieve postpartum headaches and improve overall well-being.

Medical treatment options

Painkillers and their use

Painkillers can be an effective way to relieve postpartum headaches. It is important to choose the right medications and use them according to the instructions. Commonly used painkillers include paracetamol and ibuprofen. Both medications are generally safe during breastfeeding, but should always be taken in consultation with a doctor.

Painkiller	dosage	Hints
Paracetamol	500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours	Maximum 4 g per day
Ibuprofen	200-400 mg every 4-6 hours	Maximum 1200 mg per day

Consult a doctor if headaches persist

If the headache persists despite self-help and painkillers, it is advisable to consult a doctor. A doctor can determine the exact cause of the headache and order further tests if necessary. He or she can also prescribe stronger painkillers or suggest other treatment options.

symptom	Recommendation
Persistent headaches	Consultation with a doctor
Severe headache	Immediate medical attention
Additional symptoms (e.g. fever, visual disturbances)	Physical examination

Alternative therapy methods

In addition to conventional medication, there are also alternative therapy methods that can help with postpartum headaches. These include acupuncture, massage and aromatherapy. These methods can help relieve pain and improve general well-being.

therapy	Description
acupuncture	Needles are placed at specific points on the body
massage	Gentle massage of the head and neck for relaxation
Aromatherapy	Using essential oils to relieve headaches

Postpartum women should consider the different treatment options and choose the one that suits them best. It is always important to discuss any treatments with a doctor to ensure they are safe and effective.

Hormonal causes of headaches

Influence of hormonal changes after birth

After giving birth to a child, a woman's body goes through a series of hormonal changes that can cause headaches. This change is necessary to recover from pregnancy and prepare the body for breastfeeding.

An important factor is the drop in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are greatly increased during pregnancy. This drop can disrupt the balance in the body and cause headaches.

hormone	Changes after birth
estrogen	Significant decline
progesterone	Significant decline
Prolactin	Increase to support breastfeeding

Hormonal effects on headaches

The hormonal changes have a direct effect on the central nervous system and can influence both the frequency and intensity of headaches. In particular, the decline in estrogen levels is often associated with the occurrence of migraines or tension headaches.

Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, increases after birth. While prolactin is important for breastfeeding, high levels can also cause headaches.

It is important to understand these hormonal influences in order to take appropriate measures to relieve postpartum headaches.

Preventive action

Postpartum headaches can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, there are several preventative measures that can help reduce the risk of headaches.

Stress management and relaxation techniques

Stress can be a major trigger for headaches, so it's important to learn techniques to help manage stress. Breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga poses can help calm the mind and release tension.

Technology	Description
Breathing exercises	Deep, slow breaths to calm down
meditation	Concentration on the present moment
Gentle Yoga	Stretching exercises to relax the muscles

Regular exercise and physical activity

Regular exercise can improve circulation and relieve tension, which in turn can help prevent headaches. It's important to choose activities that don't overexert the body, such as walking, light stretching, or swimming.

activity	Beneficial effect
walks	Promotes blood circulation, reduces stress
Stretching	Relieves muscle tension
To swim	Joint-friendly movement, promotes relaxation

Seek self-care and support

Self-care is essential during the postpartum period. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy and taking regular rest breaks are important to support the body. It is also helpful to seek support from family and friends so that you can take time for yourself.

measure	Description
Sufficient sleep	At least 7-8 hours per night
Healthy eating	Balanced meals, rich in nutrients
Seek support	Accept help from family and friends

By implementing these preventative measures, women can reduce the risk of postpartum headaches and better focus on their recovery and the well-being of their newborn.

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