Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesHow Long They LastWhen to See a ProviderHome TreatmentsMedical Treatments
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
How Long They Last
When to See a Provider
Home Treatments
Medical Treatments
Postpartum headaches are common. Causes can include simple things likehormonal changes, medication, and sleep irregularity.
This article looks at some of the common causes of postpartum headache and how these conditions are usually treated.
What Causes Postpartum Headaches?
Headaches are common in the first weeks after childbirth, occurring in around 1/3 of those who have just given birth. Around 75% of these headaches are not serious and resolve within a few weeks.
Hormonal Changes
A sharp drop in the hormone estrogen after delivery can lead to migraine and tension-type headaches.
A migraine is classically throbbing in nature, one-sided, and associated with nausea and/or vomiting, and a sensitivity to light and sound.
The pain of a migraine tends to be much more disabling than the pain of a tension-type headache, which causes a dull tightening or pressure sensation on both sides of the head. People who experience postpartum migraines typically have a prior history of migraines, but postpartum can be the first time they present due to the fluctuations in hormones after delivery.
Lifestyle Factors
After childbirth, most people experience significant changes in their eating and sleeping patterns. If you aren’t getting enough sleep or are eating poorly, you could experience headaches. Emotional stress can also contribute to postpartum headaches.
Medications
Many people receive medication during childbirth. If you have pregnancy-related hypertension, for example, you may be given medications such as:
These medications can cause headaches along with other symptoms like dizziness.
If you received Zofran (ondansetron) for nausea, you may also experience headaches.
Lactation Headache
Some people experience headaches duringbreastfeeding, but the reasons aren’t well understood. Some experts believed lactation headaches may be related to fluctuations in hormones, but studies have yet to find a clear link.
Preeclampsia/Eclampsia
Headaches may be a symptom ofpreeclampsia or eclampsia. Although these disorders usually present during pregnancy, developing after 20 weeks' gestation, you may not have any symptoms until after delivery.
Gestational Hypertension
Gestational hypertensionis a type of high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy. It develops into preeclampsia in around half of cases.People with this condition may also develop a postpartum headache.
Stroke
A stroke is an emergency that requires immediate medical care.
Postdural Puncture Headache
If you had an epidural during childbirth, you may experience a condition called a postdural puncture headache (PDPH). This occurs when the epidural needle accidentally punctures the membrane surrounding the spinal cord (called the dura).
When this happens, cerebrospinal fluid can leak through the puncture, causing headache, stiff neck, and other symptoms. PDPH headaches usually appear within five days of getting an epidural and tend to last around two weeks.
PDPH is associated with a high risk for more than just headaches; it can lead to serious neurological disorders, bacterial meningitis, ongoing low back pain, and postpartum depression.Be sure to speak with your doctor about any persistent headaches so you can be properly diagnosed and treated for this condition.
Rare But Serious Causes
Examples of rare but dangerous headaches that require immediate medical attention include:
What Causes Postpartum Hypertension (and How to Treat It)?
How Long Do Postpartum Headaches Last?
Postpartum headaches can last from several hours to several days, depending on the cause. Migraine headaches typically last between four and 72 hours while others may last for longer.
When Should I See a Healthcare Provider?
Other headache warning signs include:
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What Can I Do About Postpartum Headaches?
For both migraine ortension-type headache, pain medication, fluids, and sleep will be recommended.
If you are breastfeeding, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before taking any medications to relieve a headache. Some research suggests, though, that breastfeeding itself may help relieve headache pain.
In addition, try relaxation techniques that work for you such as meditation, light exercise, or breathing exercises.
Natural Remedies for Headaches During Pregnancy
If your headache has a more serious cause, you may need treatment at a hospital or prescription medication. Treatment depends on the cause of the headache.
Stroke requires immediate medical attention. Treatment may include thrombolysis, which is when medication is used to break up a blood clot. Sometimes surgery to remove the blood clot may be necessary.
If you have high blood pressure and protein in your urine, your healthcare provider will likely give you medication to bring your blood pressure down and/or medication (magnesium sulfate) to prevent seizures.If your symptoms don’t resolve with the above treatment, brain imaging may be recommended.
If you have a post-lumbar puncture headache, intravenous fluids, caffeine, or even a blood patch can be helpful. A blood patch is when your own blood is injected into the puncture site where your epidural was done. This compresses the hole, preventing any further spinal fluid leak.
Summary
If you experience a postpartum headache, contact your healthcare provider, or page your nurse if you are still in the hospital. There’s likely a simple solution, such as sleep, fluids, or pain medication.
Sometimes, postpartum headaches can have more serious causes such as preeclampsia or stroke. If you experience headache along with other symptoms such as fever or stiff neck, seek medical help right away.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Janvier AS, Russell R.Postpartum headache - diagnosis and treatment.BJA Educ. 2022;22(5):176-181. doi:10.1016/j.bjae.2021.12.004Labruijere S, Ibrahimi K, Couturier EG, van den Brink AM.Headache and hormones, including pregnancy and breastfeeding. In:Oxford Textbook of Headache Syndromes. Oxford University Press; 2020:484.Croke L.Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia: A practice bulletin from ACOG.Am Fam Physician. 2019;100(10):649-650.Guglielminotti J, Landau R, Li G.Major Neurologic Complications Associated With Postdural Puncture Headache in Obstetrics: A Retrospective Cohort Study.Anesth Analg. 2019;129(5):1328-1336. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000004336Stella CL, Jodicke CD, How HY, Harkness UF, Sibai BM.Postpartum headache: is your work-up complete?. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007;196(4):318.e1-7. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2007.01.034American Migraine Foundation.New Moms & Migraines: Understanding Postpartum Headaches.Yifu P, Lei Y, Yujin G, Xingwang Z, Shaoming L.Shortened postpartum magnesium sulfate treatment vs traditional 24h for severe preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.Hypertens Pregnancy. 2020;39(2):186-195. doi:10.1080/10641955.2020.1753067Additional ReadingKlein AM, Loder E. “Postpartum headache.“Int J Obstet Anesth. 19(4):422-30.Lee M-J, Guinn D, Hickenbottom S. “Headache in pregnant and postpartum women.” UpToDate, Lockwood CJ, Swanson JW (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA 2017.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Janvier AS, Russell R.Postpartum headache - diagnosis and treatment.BJA Educ. 2022;22(5):176-181. doi:10.1016/j.bjae.2021.12.004Labruijere S, Ibrahimi K, Couturier EG, van den Brink AM.Headache and hormones, including pregnancy and breastfeeding. In:Oxford Textbook of Headache Syndromes. Oxford University Press; 2020:484.Croke L.Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia: A practice bulletin from ACOG.Am Fam Physician. 2019;100(10):649-650.Guglielminotti J, Landau R, Li G.Major Neurologic Complications Associated With Postdural Puncture Headache in Obstetrics: A Retrospective Cohort Study.Anesth Analg. 2019;129(5):1328-1336. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000004336Stella CL, Jodicke CD, How HY, Harkness UF, Sibai BM.Postpartum headache: is your work-up complete?. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007;196(4):318.e1-7. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2007.01.034American Migraine Foundation.New Moms & Migraines: Understanding Postpartum Headaches.Yifu P, Lei Y, Yujin G, Xingwang Z, Shaoming L.Shortened postpartum magnesium sulfate treatment vs traditional 24h for severe preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.Hypertens Pregnancy. 2020;39(2):186-195. doi:10.1080/10641955.2020.1753067Additional ReadingKlein AM, Loder E. “Postpartum headache.“Int J Obstet Anesth. 19(4):422-30.Lee M-J, Guinn D, Hickenbottom S. “Headache in pregnant and postpartum women.” UpToDate, Lockwood CJ, Swanson JW (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA 2017.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Janvier AS, Russell R.Postpartum headache - diagnosis and treatment.BJA Educ. 2022;22(5):176-181. doi:10.1016/j.bjae.2021.12.004Labruijere S, Ibrahimi K, Couturier EG, van den Brink AM.Headache and hormones, including pregnancy and breastfeeding. In:Oxford Textbook of Headache Syndromes. Oxford University Press; 2020:484.Croke L.Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia: A practice bulletin from ACOG.Am Fam Physician. 2019;100(10):649-650.Guglielminotti J, Landau R, Li G.Major Neurologic Complications Associated With Postdural Puncture Headache in Obstetrics: A Retrospective Cohort Study.Anesth Analg. 2019;129(5):1328-1336. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000004336Stella CL, Jodicke CD, How HY, Harkness UF, Sibai BM.Postpartum headache: is your work-up complete?. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007;196(4):318.e1-7. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2007.01.034American Migraine Foundation.New Moms & Migraines: Understanding Postpartum Headaches.Yifu P, Lei Y, Yujin G, Xingwang Z, Shaoming L.Shortened postpartum magnesium sulfate treatment vs traditional 24h for severe preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.Hypertens Pregnancy. 2020;39(2):186-195. doi:10.1080/10641955.2020.1753067
Janvier AS, Russell R.Postpartum headache - diagnosis and treatment.BJA Educ. 2022;22(5):176-181. doi:10.1016/j.bjae.2021.12.004
Labruijere S, Ibrahimi K, Couturier EG, van den Brink AM.Headache and hormones, including pregnancy and breastfeeding. In:Oxford Textbook of Headache Syndromes. Oxford University Press; 2020:484.
Croke L.Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia: A practice bulletin from ACOG.Am Fam Physician. 2019;100(10):649-650.
Guglielminotti J, Landau R, Li G.Major Neurologic Complications Associated With Postdural Puncture Headache in Obstetrics: A Retrospective Cohort Study.Anesth Analg. 2019;129(5):1328-1336. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000004336
Stella CL, Jodicke CD, How HY, Harkness UF, Sibai BM.Postpartum headache: is your work-up complete?. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007;196(4):318.e1-7. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2007.01.034
American Migraine Foundation.New Moms & Migraines: Understanding Postpartum Headaches.
Yifu P, Lei Y, Yujin G, Xingwang Z, Shaoming L.Shortened postpartum magnesium sulfate treatment vs traditional 24h for severe preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.Hypertens Pregnancy. 2020;39(2):186-195. doi:10.1080/10641955.2020.1753067
Klein AM, Loder E. “Postpartum headache.“Int J Obstet Anesth. 19(4):422-30.Lee M-J, Guinn D, Hickenbottom S. “Headache in pregnant and postpartum women.” UpToDate, Lockwood CJ, Swanson JW (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA 2017.
Klein AM, Loder E. “Postpartum headache.“Int J Obstet Anesth. 19(4):422-30.
Lee M-J, Guinn D, Hickenbottom S. “Headache in pregnant and postpartum women.” UpToDate, Lockwood CJ, Swanson JW (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA 2017.
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