What Can I Take For My Headache While Pregnant

What Causes Headaches In Pregnancy

The exact cause of a headache isnt always clear. In the first trimester, changing hormone levels and blood volume may play a role. A dull, overall headache can come with stress, fatigue, and eyestrain. Sinus headaches may be more likely because of the nasal congestion and runny nose that are common in early pregnancy. Hunger and low levels of blood sugar can trigger headaches, too. Women who suddenly stop their morning coffee and sodas may experience caffeine withdrawal headaches. Those who also suffer with nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy can become dehydrated. This can also bring on a headache.

Migraine headaches are a common type of headache in pregnancy. These painful, throbbing headaches are usually felt on one side of the head and result from expansion of the blood vessels in the brain. The misery is sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. A small percentage of women with migraines also have an aura with the migraine. They see flashes of light or feel tingling in their arms and legs.

Safe Treatments For Migraine In Pregnancy Lactation Menstruation

Migraine is more common in women than in men with a ratio ofapproximately 3:1.1 Researchers say that migraine usually begins andbecomes more prevalent in women around the time of puberty, which suggests thatfemale sex hormones may play a role in the increased burden of migraine inwomen. In a study published in Headache,researchers explored the epidemiology and treatment of migraine duringpregnancy, lactation, and menstruation.

Migraine in women is most prevalent during reproductive years, with an estimated 21% to 28% of this population experiencing migraine every year.1 Of these women, up to 80% will continue to have migraines throughout pregnancy, with the highest activity occurring during the first trimester. Migraine with aura tends to present for the first time during pregnancy, as 70% of women who report migraine with aura while pregnant had no history of aura.1 Additionally, more than half of women with migraine will continue to experience headaches during the first month after delivery.1

Natural Remedies For Headaches During Pregnancy

Claudia Chaves, MD, is board-certified in cerebrovascular disease and neurology with a subspecialty certification in vascular neurology.

Many women are hesitant to take medications during pregnancy especially during the first trimester when their baby’s organs are developing. So finding natural remedies for headaches in pregnancy can be a lifesaver.

Let’s explore some natural remedies for both treating and preventing headaches during pregnancy.

Here are a few ideas from the American Pregnancy Association:

• For a sinus headache, apply a warm compress around your eyes and nose.
• For a tension headache, use a cold compress or ice pack at the base of your neck.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to maintain your blood sugar. This may even help prevent headaches.
• Get a massage, especially around your shoulders and neck.
• Rest in a dark room.
• Practice deep breathing.
• Take a warm shower or bath.
• Use good posture, especially in the third trimester

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When To See Your Doctor

Headaches in pregnant people are particularly concerning during the third trimester, when risk for preeclampsia rises.

If you experience vision changes or seeing spots, call your doctor immediately as this is a sign of preeclampsia.

To diagnose preeclampsia, doctors will check for elevated blood pressure and may conduct a follow-up urine analysis.

If preeclampsia is ruled out, and your headache persists and is not responding to treatment especially Tylenol it’s still important to talk with a doctor to identify the root cause.

Imaging including MRIs are safe during pregnancy and should be utilized by people with severe headaches, Columbo said. MRIs can help diagnose migraines, which could inform your treatment options.

After you’ve figured out the cause, your doctor might recommend medication, like a combination of Benadryl and Reglan to treat headaches. If your doctor says the medication is safe, take it, Columbo says.

“Don’t make yourself suffer needlessly,” he says.

About Migraine Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches are quite common in pregnancy. The most common are tension headaches and migraine headaches. Most headaches come and go, but others may be more bothersome or may be caused by other complications. It is important for women to consult their doctor about any headaches they may have before, during, or after pregnancy.

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When Can I Take Medicine During Pregnancy

If youre newly pregnant , you may want to rethink taking unnecessary over-the-counter drugs. The first 12 weeks of your pregnancy are a critical time for your baby in terms of organ development. Many doctors recommend avoiding all over-the-counter drugs during this time. Doing so can help to avoid birth defects and other serious problems that could arise from potentially harmful medications.

Most doctors agree that its safer to take over-the-counter medications during the second trimester. However, you should be aware that some medications could impact your babys nervous system or birth weight during this time. Taking medications after 28 weeks is also discouraged, because they can impact your baby after birth. The medications can cross into your babys system, and baby may not handle it the same way you do, leading to things like breathing difficulties. Always tell your doctor what medications you take and find out if that choice is appropriate during your pregnancy.

What Is The Cause Of Headaches During Pregnancy

While pregnant, headaches are frequent especially during the first trimester, but this isn`t necessarily a rule. They may also occur in the following months , or they might disappear completely.

The most common causes are:

• Hormonal changes.
• Lack of sleep.
• Increased blood volume and circulation.

If you experienced migraines before conceiving, then the chances for them to occur more often are pretty high.

Headaches can be caused by visual disturbances as well, which in turn are related to hormonal changes triggered by pregnancy. If you experience sight issues, it`s a good idea to talk to an ophthalmologist. Fortunately, in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, headaches occur more rarely or even don`t occur at all, the body managing to adapt to the new hormonal structure.

Headaches might be a sign of: anemia, cold, HELLP syndrome, asthma, preeclampsia, toxoplasmosis, varicella, migraine and sinusitis.

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Is It A Headache Or Something Else

It isnt always easy to tell what kind of headache youre having, but the most common types of headaches during pregnancy are tension-type headaches, migraines and cluster headaches.

Tension headaches are the most common kind of headache in pregnant women. It can feel like someone is trying to squish your head like a watermelon. If you carry your stress in your shoulders and neck, you may be more susceptible to this kind of headache.

Migraines are a particular type of headache that occur on one side of the head. For some women, migraines can get worse the first few months and then improve in later stages of pregnancy. For others, they may experience no change, decrease or difference in their migraines.

Cluster headaches are less common but can occur during pregnancy. Youll suddenly have severe pain around your eyes or temples usually about the same time every day.

The good news is that there are plenty of pregnancy-safe things you can do to prevent and relieve the most common pregnancy headaches.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Migraine Headaches

About 15 to 20 percent of pregnant women have migraines. Over half of women find that their migraines occur less often in the last few months of pregnancy. However, migraines may worsen after delivery, during the postpartum period. Although migraine headaches may cause severe pain for the mother, there are no dangers for the developing fetus.

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When To Call The Doctor

Most of the time, a headache is just a headache, and it will go away once you eat something or get a little rest.

A bad headache that does not go away in a few hours, gets worse, or keeps coming back could be a sign of a pregnancy complication, so you should call your doctor.

You should also notify the doctor:

• Before taking any medication or herbal supplement to treat your headache to be sure that its safe
• If your natural treatments are not working
• If you have a fever, pressure around your eyes, or a stuffy nose
• If you get a headache and you have a history of high blood pressure
• If you get a headache after you hit 20 weeks pregnant
• If you have pain along with other symptoms such as nausea, blurry vision, abdominal pain, or swelling in the body
• If you have head pain after falling and hitting your head

How Do I Treat Headaches During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you want to try and relieve your headache by natural means if possible, however your health care provider may recommend acetaminophen.

You may want to try to relieve your headache with one or more of the following natural remedies:

• If you have a sinus headache, apply a warm compress around your eyes and nose
• If you have a tension headache, apply a cold compress or ice pack at the base of your neck
• Maintain your blood sugar by eating smaller, more frequent meals this may also help prevent future headaches
• Get a massage massaging your shoulders and neck is an effective way to relieve pain
• Rest in a dark room and practice deep breathing
• Take a warm shower or bath
• Practice good posture
• Get plenty of rest and relaxation

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When To Call The Doctor About Headaches During Pregnancy

Many women, even those who haven’t previously experienced a lot of everyday headaches, will get them during pregnancy. The vast majority of pregnancy headaches are primary meaning your head hurts, but theres nothing serious or anything to worry about.

But if your headaches persist for more than two or three hours or you have other symptoms , let your practitioner know right away.

In rare cases, so-called secondary headaches signal something else going on in your body, such as hypertension or risk factors for preeclampsia, and youll want to make sure you get both the headaches and the underlying conditions taken care of ASAP.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

What Could Be Causing Your Headache

Its absolutely essential to figure out the cause of the headache before attempting to treat it, said Dr. James Bernasko, Director of the Regional Perinatal Center at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Pregnancy headaches can range from “the merely inconvenient to the actually life-threatening, so context is particularly important, Bernasko added.

Possible causes include:

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When Should I Talk To My Doctor

Although many medications are thought to be safe during pregnancy, its important to discuss any medications youre taking with your doctor. Thats especially true if you have a high-risk pregnancy. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking an over-the-counter medication, contact your doctor immediately. You should also contact your doctor if you think you have the flu or experience dizziness, vaginal bleeding, severe vomiting, high fever, reduced fetal movement, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. The flu can increase the risk of birth defects or premature labor.

What Lifestyle Changes Can I Make While Im Pregnant To Improve Migraine

Lifestyle measures and behavioral treatment options are important for everyone with migraine, but even more so if youre pregnant, because we want to avoid medications as much as possible, says Starling.

One thing I always discuss with people are the SEEDS for success in migraine management, which is a mnemonic that reminds people of things they can do to improve migraine, she says.

• S stands for good sleep hygiene. That means going to sleep around the same time and waking up around the same time every day, says Starling.
• E is exercising, and she recommends about 20 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three days a week.
• E stands for eating regular meals, so not fasting or skipping meals, says Starling. This is really important: Try to eat multiple small meals throughout the day.
• D is short for dehydration, or preventing dehydration, by drinking lots of water throughout the day, says Starling.
• S stands for stress response or stress management. Not stress reduction necessarily, but more managing the way that you respond to stress, she says.

There are also some behavioral treatment options that have proven to be beneficial in evidence-based, randomized, controlled trials. These include biofeedback training, cognitive behavioral therapy training, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, says Starling.

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Is There Anything I Can Do To Relieve The Pain Of Headaches

• Relaxation and stress reductionRest, relaxation and finding coping strategies to help you deal with stress can all help. Resting or sleep is often recommended alongside pain relieving treatments so why not try it on its own. Another option is to find a relaxation technique to suit you, such as yoga or meditation.
• See a physiotherapistIf your headaches are related to muscle tension or posture changes, treatment from a trained physiotherapist is the best option. A physio session may include massage, manipulation, mobilization and exercises that you can continue for yourself at home.
• Eat little and oftenLow blood sugar is a common headache culprit so regular meals are recommended try eating smaller, more frequent meals. If you’re on the go, keep some snacks like nuts, crackers or fruit in your bag.
• Exercise regularlySome evidence shows that regular exercise and improved fitness can reduce the frequency and severity of tension type headaches and migraines BASH 2007: 36 38 . It works on headaches because exercise helps to balance your blood sugar, improves breathing and breathlessness, triggers your body to release feel-good endorphins and leaves you with a sense of well-being.
• Try acupunctureNeedle acupuncture treatment is considered safe and may be effective for headaches and morning sickness, although more research is needed to be sure.

How Can I Treat A Migraine Attack While Pregnant

For migraine attacks that occur during pregnancy, there are several nonspecific migraine medication options, meaning they were not designed specifically to treat migraine, says Starling.

If a medication is needed, usually my first choice is to start the patient with Tylenol and sometimes combine that with the drug Reglan , she says.

Metoclopramide is typically used as an anti-vomiting medication, but it actually has benefits for stopping the migraine attack itself, and that, in combination with the acetaminophen, can be really helpful, she says.

Sometimes I’ll even add a little bit of Benadryl in there, too, because that can help with providing some sleepiness or sedation. The idea is that the combination can help someone take a nap, and when she wakes up, the migraine attack will hopefully be done, says Starling.

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What Is The Best Treatment For Headaches While Pregnant

If youre hoping to stop a headache naturally, there are plenty of pregnancy-safe steps you can take to battle your symptoms based on the common headache types:

• For tension headaches and migraines: Lie in a dark, quiet room for a few minutes or if you’re at work, close your eyes and put your feet up. You can also put an ice pack or cold compress on the back of your neck for 20 minutes while you relax. Deep breathing and quiet meditation are two more smart ways to channel calming vibes.
• For sinus headaches: A stuffy nose is very common in pregnancy, so try steam inhalation to relieve congestion and a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Apply hot and cold compresses to the achy spot, alternating 30 seconds of each for a total of 10 minutes, four times a day. Drinking lots of fluids, especially herbal tea or broth, can help clear stuffiness. And ask the doctor whether you could have a sinus infection and if theres a safe nasal decongestant you can use.
• For all headaches: While you shouldnt take ibuprofen or Aleve when you’re pregnant, acetaminophen can bring relief and occasional use is considered safe for pregnancy. Always check with your practitioner for the right dosage and never take any medication without getting your doctors okay first.

Migraine Medications That Are Safe During Pregnancy

Thanks to stable levels of migraine-preventive estrogen that occur during pregnancy, women who frequently experience these debilitating headaches often get a reprieve from them when they’re expecting. For those in the minority who still get migraines, the question of how to treat them is an important one. While there are several effective medications for the treatment of migraines, not all are considered safe for a developing baby.

Migraine painif experienced during pregnancyis often severe enough to require medication. Sometimes other migraine symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, also must be treated with drugs as well.

Fortunately, there are a number of effective migraine medications that the Food and Drug Administration considers safe to take during pregnancy. Before reaching for your regular prescription, make sure that it is included in this list . If it’s not, discuss these safer options with your healthcare provider.

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Mild And Severe Allergies

Mild allergies may respond well to lifestyle measures. If you need some extra help, the following OTC oral antihistamines are generally considered safe:

• diphenhydramine
• loratadine
• cetirizine

If your allergies are more severe, your doctor may suggest taking an OTC corticosteroid spray at a low dose along with an oral antihistamine. Options include:

• budesonide
• fluticasone

You may also try the following lifestyle changes:

• Avoid going outdoors or opening windows on high pollen days.
• Take off clothing youve been wearing outdoors. Rinse off pollen from skin and hair with a quick shower.
• Wear a mask while completing outdoor chores or enlist the help of someone else for tasks like mowing.
• Rinse nasal passages with saline spray or a neti pot.