There are a few side effects that come hand in hand with being pregnant. Here we look at headaches and pregnancy.

The increase in frequency of headaches while pregnant is considered to be due to additional blood flow and changes to your hormones. Other factors, such as increased in stress levels and excess caffeine, also contribute.

Approximately 20% of women will experience headaches while being pregnant and most find that they occur less in the last few months, although they can worsen after the baby is born.

Cold packs, soothing, sleep and darkened rooms are all methods of treatment for headaches, without taking drugs.

If your headache is due to tension, try applying cold compresses to aches along the back of your neck. Balanced, healthy diets, eaten in several small meals a day can help reduce headaches.

When sinus headaches occur, warm compresses have be known to help. Apply these to to your temples, forehead and either side of your nose as these are the areas occupied by your sinuses.

Close your eyes and think of being in a peaceful place as a reduction in stress will help you have a healthy pregnancy. Doctors, therapists and counselors can also offer good advice if the methods you are trying to reduce stress are not working.

Contact your doctor prior to consuming any medication, even over the counter ones like ibuprofen and aspirin. acetaminophen can be safe to take while pregnant, although it is still better to consult your doctor first.