Why do I have headaches postpartum?

Last reviewed June 19, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom linePostpartum headaches are usually from hormone shifts, sleep loss, dehydration, or stress, and sometimes a post-epidural spinal headache; but a severe headache with vision changes, swelling, or upper tummy pain can signal postpartum preeclampsia and needs urgent care.

Postpartum headaches are common and usually caused by hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, dehydration, stress, or caffeine changes. But because a severe headache can occasionally signal a serious problem, it's important to know the warning signs.

Common, less serious causes

• Hormone drop after birth (similar to hormonal headaches around your period)
• Sleep deprivation and exhaustion from newborn care
• Dehydration, especially while breastfeeding
• Stress and tension
• Caffeine changes if you've cut back

A specific cause: post-epidural headache

If you had an epidural or spinal, a leak of spinal fluid can cause a distinctive headache that's worse when you sit or stand and better when you lie down. Tell your provider - it's treatable.

When a headache is a red flag

Seek urgent medical care for a headache that is:

• Severe, sudden, or the "worst ever"
• With vision changes, swelling in the hands or face, or upper tummy pain (possible postpartum preeclampsia)
• With fever, a stiff neck, confusion, weakness, or seizures

What helps mild headaches

Rest, fluids, regular meals, and provider-approved pain relief like paracetamol. Ask before taking anything new while breastfeeding.

Femora helps you log headaches and other symptoms so you can flag concerning patterns.

Important: what is postpartum preeclampsia