By: Chad Melius
This post will give a brief reply to this popular question, to help relieve any anxiety suffered by women who may be concerned about whether childbirth is imminent.
Headaches may sometimes be a sign of labor, but they are not always so. A combination of symptoms is a more reliable signal that the baby is on the way.
In all stages of pregnancy, headaches are a fairly common occurrence. The primary cause is the estrogen produced by the placenta. Or they may result from dehydration due to nausea and/or vomiting.
In the third trimester, headaches may be due to poor posture caused by weight gain.
If a headache in this later stage of pregnancy does not go away after taking a headache remedy such as Tylenol, a serious condition known as preeclampsia ( high blood pressure ) may be the culprit. Although this is not a sign of labor, it is a serious problem, and should be reported to the doctor or midwife in charge.
Signs of labor, which ordinarily begin up to two weeks ahead, include headache, but this alone is not enough to indicate that labor is beginning. If other signs are also present, such as blurry or tunnel vision, pain in the lower abdomen, and/or swelling in the extremities, it’s time to call the doc.
Disclaimer: The author has consulted the opinions of several doctors, as published on the internet, but is not a physician himself. Please check our Legal Page for more information.