How to get rid of a bad headache while pregnant

Headache and migraine remedies that are safe during pregnancy | Your Pregnancy Matters

Occasional, mild headaches during pregnancy usually are nothing to worry about.

Most women deal with headaches at some point in their lives. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that one in five women had a severe acute headache or migraine in the previous three months. Additionally, migraines are more common in women than men – approximately 18 percent of women have them compared to 6.5 percent of men.

Because headaches and migraines are so common, it’s probably no surprise that many women deal with them during pregnancy. For the majority of pregnant women, occasional headaches or migraines are no cause for alarm, and most standard treatments are safe. However, suffering a severe headache at key times during or after pregnancy can indicate a serious medical emergency.

Common types of headaches and treatment options

Primary headaches

Primary or acute headaches arise once in a while and typically pass after a few hours. Tension headaches are the most common type and are characterized by muscle tightness and localized pain in the head and neck.

Primary headaches in pregnant women usually can be treated at home. Rest, a neck or scalp massage, hot or cold packs, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as Tylenol, aspirin, or ibuprofen can reduce the pain. However, if you start to have frequent or severe headaches, talk to your doctor to determine the cause.

Migraines

Migraines tend to be episodic (frequent and long-lasting) and typically cause additional neurological symptoms, such as:

● Blurred or tunnel vision

● Hallucinations

● Light sensitivity

● Nausea and vomiting

Studies have shown that migraines can be triggered by hormonal changes, including right before your period or as a result of taking oral contraceptives. Interestingly, some women who have migraines find that the frequency or intensity of their symptoms decreases during pregnancy. Research does not suggest, however, that pregnancy triggers the onset of migraines – if you have your first migraine during pregnancy, it’s likely coincidental.

Treatment during pregnancy is fairly similar to standard treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs are generally safe and effective during pregnancy when used in a limited manner. Midrin is a commonly prescribed headache medication that contains acetaminophen along with a mild sedative. Midrin also has vasoconstrictive properties, which means it narrows the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow and pain.

Sumatriptan, commonly known as Imitrex, is another medication that reduces blood flow to the brain. It works best to stop a migraine if it’s taken as soon as symptoms present. Most nausea medications prescribed to women with migraines are safe to use during pregnancy, but I suggest reviewing the medications you take for migraine relief with your obstetrician at your first prenatal visit, just to be safe.

Certain drugs called ergotamines have a stronger vasoconstrictive effect and can adversely affect fetal growth. They also can stimulate uterine activity. Because of this, they absolutely should not be used during pregnancy.

Severe migraines might require hospitalization so you can receive fluids, pain medication, or anti-nausea medication through an IV if you are unable to keep medications down.

"Most women don’t require special care for headaches and migraines during pregnancy, and most standard remedies are safe. However, certain types of headaches require immediate medical attention to avoid potentially harmful health issues."
– Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.D.

When headaches are secondary to other problems

Headaches can result from other conditions, some of which are life-threatening:

● Stroke: Sudden and severe headaches might be a sign of a stroke. Women who have strokes during pregnancy or after delivery typically describe the pain as the worst headache of their lives. They also might report other symptoms, such as speech problems, vision issues, or functional problems on one side of the face or body. At the emergency room, the doctor will evaluate you for stroke symptoms, such as visual changes, facial drooping, and arm or leg weakness. If you are having or had a stroke, we will get you emergency treatment at our Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center.

● Preeclampsia: A headache with preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure) can indicate a dangerous spike in blood pressure. The doctor will assess you and might admit you to the hospital for management of blood pressure and treatment to prevent seizures.

● Spinal fluid leak: A headache after an epidural or spinal block can indicate a spinal fluid leak, especially if it worsens when you sit or stand up. The most effective treatment is an epidural blood patch, in which the doctor injects a sample of your blood into the leaking area, essentially plugging the hole. This therapy provides dramatic relief right away.

Occasional mild headaches are common in women. The vast majority are no cause for alarm and can be treated at home, with guidance from your doctor. However, if your symptoms are severe or something just doesn’t seem right, it’s much better to seek care and be safe rather than sorry.

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18 Tried-and-True Remedies to Get Rid of a Headache While Pregnant — Holistically Loved

February 14, 2014

Andrea Abenoza-Filardi

Pregnancy, Natural Remedies

February 14, 2014

Andrea Abenoza-Filardi

Pregnancy, Natural Remedies

Headaches are a pain in the neck...

Especially during pregnancy! They are also a pain in the head, scalp, and/or sinus. For some reason pregnant women seem to suffer most from headaches during the 1st and 3rd trimesters. If you are one of those unlucky ones, don't worry I have 18 tried-and-true, natural remedies you can try.

Headaches can be caused by...

The surge of pregnancy hormones, increase in blood volume, low blood sugar, stress, tension, lack of sleep, constipation, dehydration, not enough protein intake, food allergy-sensitivity or dietary insufficiency (especially in calcium, iron, and/or magnesium). They can also be caused by body, ligament and posture changes that naturally occur throughout pregnancy.

What can you do when you have a headache?

Lie down with a cool cloth to your forehead.
Get a neck, shoulder and foot massage.
Get plenty of sleep, take naps if you need to. Go to bed earlier.
Make sure to drink 2 - 3 quarts of filtered water a day.
Eat mini-meals throughout the day. Make sure you are getting some protein at every meal.
Playing relaxing music and practicing your breathing techniques. Practice slow, deep, abdominal breathing. Inhale and exhale to a slow count of 4.
Warm bath with Epsom salts may help. 1 - 2 cups should do it. (No warmer than 100 degrees.) Soak for a good 15 minutes and relax. Listen to some chill music too.
If you have a sinus headache, apply a warm compress around your eyes and nose or do a steam bath. You can try using a net pot to clean out your sinuses.
Try acupuncture.
Go see a chiropractor.
Reduce stress by practicing meditation or guides visualizations.
Eat some protein or foods rich in iron.
You may need more calcium and magnesium. You should be taking 500-800 mg. of magnesium glycinate a day and 1000- 1500 mg. of calcium a day. (Always talk with your healthcare provider before adding more supplements.)
Drink a warm glass of milk with cinnamon and honey.
Eat a handful of almonds.
Make a rice sock. Supplies: 1 large (new) sock. 1-2 pounds of rice (any kind; the amount will vary based on the size of your sock) A needle and thread or a ribbon. Fill the sock with rice then sew the top tightly closed or tie it closed. Place in the microwave for 1 – 2 minutes until hot but not too hot that it will burn you. Place it around your neck. Bonus: Add a few drops of essential oil to the rice to create an aromatherapy sock. Peppermint and lavender essential oils are great for relief of headaches. Do not use lavender during 1st trimester (1st 12 weeks).
Try a cup of relaxing tea.

Relaxing Tea recipe by Aviva Jill Romm, M.D. The Natural Pregnancy Book.

1 tsp. of chamomile (only one cup of chamomile a day during the 1st trimester)
1 tsp. of lemon balm
½ tsp. of lavender
½ tsp. of fennel seeds

Steep in a cup of hot water (covered) and drink hot. You can add milk and honey for flavor. (Check with your healthcare provider before using any "herbal remedies".)

18. Try homeopathic remedies. For example:

Byonia - Busting or splitting headache. Movement makes the headache worse.
Natrum muriaticum - pounding headache. Pain over eyes, cold cloth, lying down, and a quiet dark room brings relief.
Aconite - sudden violent headaches, throbbing temple.

Two or three doses of 30c. Take every 15 minutes.

When should you call the doctor?

Before taking any medications, not all medications are safe during pregnancy.
Severe headaches starting after the sixth month can be a sign of toxemia or preeclampsia.
Your headaches get worse.
You experience headaches that are different than normal such as a migraine.
Your headaches are accompanied by: blurry vision, sudden weight gain, pain in the upper right abdomen, and swelling in the hands and face.

More information

Pregnancy is a time when you need lots of support, love, comfort, affection, healthy-nourishing foods, rest, and a stress-free environment. (Okay, I know that a stress free environment is difficult in this day and age but stress affects your growing baby as much as it affects you.) But try to reduce stress as much as possible. You have to be your own best friend, take care of you and your growing baby. Love yourself as if you were your own child and believe me, you and your baby will benefit. You are your baby's nutritionist, teacher, nurturer, protector and healer. Check out my page just for expecting moms.

Want more natural remedies for pregnancy discomforts?

18 Tried-and-True Remedies To Get Rid of a Headache While Pregnant is part of my e-book.

Tried & True Natural Remedies For Common Pregnancy Discomforts

$5.00

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Question: Do you have a natural remedy that has helped you get rid of a headache in the past? I would love to hear about it. Please leave your reply in the comment box below.

If you find this information useful please feel free to share it with your friends and loved ones.

Resources:

William Sears, M.D. & Martha Sears R.N. The Pregnancy Book. Little Brown Co. New York, NY, 1997.

Chopra D., M.D., Simon, D., M.D., and Abrams, V., C.C.E., I.B.C.L.C. A holistic Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth, Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives. Published by Three Rivers Press NY 2005

Roman, A., M.D., The Natural Pregnancy Book, Published by Celestial Arts, Berkley Ca. 2003

Nicholas, F., and Humenic, S., Childbirth Education, Practice, Research and Theory 2nd Edition. 2000

Simpkin, P.T., Whalley, R.N, B.S.N., Keppler, R.N.,M.N, Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn, Published by Meadowbrook Press, New York, 2001

CAPPA Childbirth Education Course

National Headache Foundation, http://www.headaches.org

Harms, Roger W., M.D. Mayo Clinic Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy, Part 3.

Feder, L. M.D., Natural Baby and Childcare: Hatherleigh Press, Long Island, NY.

February 14, 2014

Andrea Abenoza-Filardi

Pregnancy, Natural Remedies

Tagged: Natural Remedies, Headache, Tried-and-True Remidies, Headache during pregnancy, Natural remedies for headache, sinus pressure, pregnancy headache remedies, natural headache remedy pregnant, how to get rid of a headache while pregnant, how to get rid of a headache when pregnant

Andrea Abenoza-Filardi

Pregnancy: how to beat a headache without pills | 74.ru

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A fairly common companion of pregnancy (especially during its first trimester) is a headache. Every fifth expectant mother suffers from this disease. The causes of pain can be so different that it is not always possible to immediately make a diagnosis. In addition, such a pattern was revealed: in the early stages of pregnancy, as a rule, blood pressure decreases, which may well provoke headaches and dizziness. Pregnant women often react sharply to weather changes - increased meteosensitivity can also be the cause of ailments. nine0003

A common cause of headache is migraine, in which attacks develop due to changes in the tone of the head vessels. It just so happened that in women this disease is much more common than in men, however, it should be noted that the frequency and severity of migraine decreases with the onset of pregnancy, especially in the second half, which is associated with changes in hormonal levels. Usually, with this ailment, it “aches in the temples”, a throbbing headache may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting. In the classic form of migraine, headaches are usually preceded by "flies" or flashes before the eyes. nine0003

Headache of moderate intensity is common, covering the head, squeezing it like a hoop, or pulling. It is usually associated with stress, physical or emotional strain. In some cases, it may be associated with muscle strain: in particular, the muscles of the neck and upper shoulder girdle during prolonged work in an uncomfortable position.

In addition to hypotension (low blood pressure), headache can also be caused by hypertension (high blood pressure), which is one of the symptoms of a serious pathology of pregnancy - late toxicosis (preeclampsia). Pain is often accompanied by swelling and protein in the urine. nine0003

The treatment of headache during pregnancy is very limited, since most drugs have a negative effect on the course of pregnancy and the formation of the fetus.

Lie in a comfortable position in a dark, ventilated room, in silence. Usually the pain goes away after a short sleep. Head massage can also help: make circular movements with your fingertips, while trying to relax as much as possible. Another simple but very effective way is washing your hair with warm water or a cold compress applied to the temporal or occipital region. nine0003

Mint, rosehip, chamomile decoctions can be used to relieve headaches. They have a calming and analgesic effect. With reduced pressure, strong sweet tea helps. Before pregnancy, did a cup of coffee help with pain? Most likely, now this method will have to be abandoned: doctors do not recommend strong coffee to pregnant women.

Try to eat fractionally and in small portions. Feeling hungry can also trigger a headache. Snack not on chocolates and chips, but on dried fruits, cookies or an apple. nine0003

Do not forget that good sleep is very important for a pregnant woman. However, a significant increase in sleep time can also trigger a headache.

Try to walk more, breathe fresh air. If you work at a computer, remember to get up every 30 minutes, do some light exercise, or just walk down the hallway.

Be sure to remember: it is important to know and believe that you can and should cope with a headache without pills. This is very important not only for you, but also for the baby. Be healthy! nine0003

Galina KIM

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Migraine during pregnancy: what to do

Migraine is a benign disease, it does not affect the course of pregnancy and fetal development. However, migraine and pregnancy is a combination that requires a responsible attitude. Especially with frequent migraines (more than 2 times a week) and migraines with aura, since:
- drugs approved for use, few,
- and the approach to the treatment and prevention of migraine during this period is extremely individual: it depends on the frequency, severity and duration of headache, the degree of impact on life.
Our neurologist Daria Korobkova conducted a live broadcast on the clinic's Instagram account, where she told how migraine and pregnancy are connected, why attacks become more frequent or disappear, and answered subscribers' questions. The ether was saved, see “Air recording: migraine during pregnancy and GV. nine0003
We will tell you about migraine during breastfeeding separately.

The statistics of clinical observations of migraine during pregnancy looks like this:

In 60-70% of pregnant women with migraine, headache attacks become less frequent, milder, or even completely disappear in the second and third trimesters. This is due to the stabilization of estrogen levels. By the beginning of the second trimester, it rises 6 times and its fluctuations stop.

In other women, migraine during pregnancy either remains unchanged or worsens. But as the duration of pregnancy increases, the proportion of such women gradually decreases:

If at the end of the first trimester the frequency and intensity of attacks persist, then it is most likely that migraine will disturb the woman during the entire period of pregnancy and after childbirth too.

How to manage migraine during pregnancy?

The main thing here is to learn how to control seizures and, if necessary, seek medical help.
1. Follow lifestyle advice:
- get enough sleep; nine0003
- drink enough fluids;
- eat fractionally and without long breaks;
- rest;
- avoid stressful situations. This is one of the main provocateurs of migraine. Psychotherapy, relaxation and stress management are here to help you.
1. Keep a headache diary. This will help you take control of migraine triggers.
  nine0112
Yes, these simple recommendations are sometimes enough to make seizures less frequent! Pregnancy is a special state of a woman. If in other periods of life we do not take such recommendations so seriously, then in this situation it is worth trying to change the philosophy of life and attitude towards ourselves =)

How to relieve an attack?
1. Favor non-drug methods. Sometimes, in order to relieve an attack, it is enough to eliminate an unfavorable factor:
- dry biscuits, ginger, or applesauce may help with nausea;
- for dehydration - diluted juice or other liquid;
- sleep, walking or breathing exercises can also help to cope;
1. If the attacks are severe, interfere with your life, then under the supervision of a specialist, you can resort to drug therapy.
PARACETAMOL is considered the safest and can be taken throughout pregnancy. nine0003
All other drugs have nuances. For example:
- ibuprofen can be taken in the second trimester, and in the first trimester it is better to limit, in the third trimester the drug is contraindicated for use;
- aspirin is prohibited in the 3rd trimester and is undesirable for taking in the first two, as it can cause extremely undesirable consequences;
- It is strictly forbidden to use ergotamine and opioid analgesics;
!Other than paracetamol, we do not recommend the use of any medication without a doctor's prescription.
Learn more