You can’t be too careful when you are pregnant. There are medicines that you cannot take. Even some foods, such as hot dogs (which can host listeria) have to be super-carefully cooked. It’s hard to keep up with! So now you are wondering, ‘how can i get rid of a headache while pregnant?” and it’s a valid worry. What is safe to take? Are there any non-medicinal alternatives that are safe for baby? Well, worry no more! In this article we are going to discuss how to get rid of a headache when you are pregnant.
How to get rid of a headache while pregnant
There are a number of ways of getting rid of that headache that are not only safe, but effective. While it is unfortunate, your previous methods are likely not going to be a good idea. You can’t just pop an ibuprofen or an aspirin and lay down. These medicines can go straight to your baby while it is developing and possibly cause a host of issues. It’s simply better to go the natural route. So, what can you do for a headache that doesn’t involve over-the-counter medication?
First, understand the ‘why’ of your headaches
What is it specifically that is causing your headaches? There are a number of factors that can spawn a headache and learning to recognize the cause will allow you the chance to prevent them in the first place. Here are a few factors that can contribute to or even generate a headache:
- Sleeping habits – Are you getting enough sleep? Missing sleep has a cumulative effect. Miss too much of it and a headache is almost guaranteed. Try to go to sleep at the same time each day to keep a regular schedule. Don’t be afraid to nap, after all, your body is very taxed right now. A little extra sleep can’t hurt. If you are having trouble sleeping you might try scented candles, soothing noise-machines, or simply a sleep mask to help ensure that you are getting the right amount of Z’s.
- Nutrition – Your body is going to be very sensitive in regards to your diet at this time. You will want to make sure to eat nutritiously as much as possible. This is not to say that you have to resist cravings… often these are your body’s way of saying that it needs a particular vitamin or mineral. That said, if you suspect there might be dietary factors to your headaches try eating healthy for a week to see if it helps. You might be pleasantly surprised.
- Stress management – If anything can give you a headache out of the blue, it’s stress! Your body is currently stressed and your emotions may be all over the place from hormones. The solution? Get a lot of ‘ME’ time. Pamper yourself a little. Bubble baths, favorite foods, and scented candles are a good example of little things that can make all the difference. Derail that stress and see if the headaches are still occurring.
- Fluid intake – Dehydration is not good for you or your baby. Make sure that you are getting the proper amount of fluids every day to help rule out dehydration as a source of your headaches.
Natural remedies for headaches during pregnancy
Maybe you have a good idea of what is causing the headaches but nothing seems to be helping. There are a few other things that you can try in order to soothe your aching head. Things like the following:
- Massage – Have your mate or a masseuse massage your shoulders, neck, and your temples (if the headache is situated there). As the tension drains you may find the headache draining with it.
- Cold or warm compress – Cold soothes and can help with some kinds of headaches. If you find the headache getting worse with cold, try a hot water bottle or warm compress so that the blood vessels expand instead of contract.
“Check with your doctor before personalizing your nutrition”
- Magnesium and Calcium – Check with your doctor before personalizing your nutrition, but sometimes an insufficient amount of magnesium or calcium in the body can bring about headaches.
- Breathing exercises – Have you learned some breathing exercises in preparation for the birth and for managing pain? Give them a try! If you haven’t learned any, a simple one is to breathe in for 3 seconds, hold it for 3 seconds, then exhale for 3 seconds. This can relax your body and sometimes does the trick.
- Meditation – Add the breathing and some calming visualizations for a meditation session directed at soothing your pain. Try this at a local park or in the secure comfort of your own home. You might find it is just the thing for headache pain.
How to get rid of a migraine when pregnant
Migraines are a different animal altogether. While some things help (such as pressing hard on a pressure point between your index finger and your thumb), it may be best to consult your doctor. Often they can prescribe a mix of acetaminophen and perhaps a mild narcotic or sedative that they consider safe. Alternately, have you considered acupuncture as an alternative headache remedy during pregnancy? While it sounds scary, it’s actually quite effective and has been in use for a very, very long time. An acupuncturist knows various pressure points to assist with different ailments and it may be that they can cure your headache in minutes! You’ll never know if you don’t try.
In conclusion
Well, there you have it! While you might be missing the ibuprofen, it is simply not a good idea for you or for your baby at this time. We hope that this list will give you a general idea of viable alternatives to get rid of those pesky headaches. Also, focus on the WHY of your headaches. The best remedy for a headache during your pregnancy is to learn to prevent it in the first place. Hang in there!
