There are several unpleasant or even painful symptoms associated with pregnancy. One of these symptoms might be headaches. Around 35% of pregnancies result in headaches. In many cases, throughout the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, headaches might become less frequent or milder. While there are several headache treatments on the market, pregnancy restricts your options. Knowing which drugs are safe to use while pregnant is crucial. Pregnant and suffering from headaches and want to know what medicine for headache while pregnant? Don’t worry, there is a safe medicine for headaches during pregnancy for relief. This post covers the best pregnancy headache medication.
In this post, we’ll go through the headache drugs you may and can’t use while pregnant. We’ll also provide some valuable advice on how to treat and control your headaches.
Table of Contents
Pregnant Headaches.
Pregnancy may produce tension, sinus, and migraine headaches. To treat your headache, identify it.
1. Stress-induced headache.
Most headaches are tension headaches, which cause tightness around the head and neck. Stress may cause them, but many physical causes can also. Poor lighting or extended computer usage may induce eyestrain and headaches.
2. Sinus pressure, headaches.
Sinus headaches, caused by inflammation from an infection or allergy that blocks mucus drainage, are rarer.
3. Headaches from muscle tension.
Tension headaches are extremely common during pregnancy. A 2017 research published in the Journal of Headache and Pain found that tension headaches make up 26% of all headaches experienced by pregnant women.
It is possible for the pain to range from minor to severe when tension builds up in the brain. Many times, those who experience it say it feels like a tight band is around their skull.
4. Migraine-causing headaches.
The risk of migraine headaches increases during pregnancy. Reliable estimates indicate that up to 10% of pregnant women get migraine headaches without an aura. Migraines cause severe pain, nausea, and light or sound sensitivity. Weather, a woman’s menstrual cycle, and unexpected snacks all cause migraines.
Migraine headaches may vary in intensity from a little throb to agonizing, radiating pain. Severe responses may be triggered by light, music, and even certain scents. Just two of the numerous negative symptoms of a migraine episode are nausea and dizziness.
5. Clusters of headache pain.
Cluster headaches are one of the rarest types of migraines, occurring in just around 0.3 percent of all pregnancies.
Sharp, terrible pain, often on one side of the head and near one eye, is the defining of Pregnant and suffering from headaches want to know what medicine for headache while pregnant? Don’t worry, there is a safe medicine for headaches during pregnancy for relief. This post covers the best pregnancy headache medication. nature of cluster headaches. Other symptoms that may manifest include localized edema, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
My Head Hurts—Why? Causes of headaches while pregnant.
Stress, hormones, and physical strain cause pregnant headaches. The quick and deep changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy may result in a wide range of indications and symptoms. Pregnancy headaches are a normal ailment. 39% of women who are pregnant or just gave birth report having headaches as a frequent problem. From one trimester to the next, the particular cause of a headache associated with pregnancy could alter.
The following section discusses a number of the causes of pregnancy headaches, some of which are more common at certain stages of pregnancy. Pregnant and suffering from headaches and want to know what medicine for headache while pregnant? Don’t worry, there is a safe medicine for headaches during pregnancy for relief. This post covers the best pregnancy headache medication.
1. Pregnancy hormones.
Tension causes most first-trimester headaches. Seattle’s Swedish Headache Center director Sheena Aurora, M.D., suspects hormonal changes. She believes that “the hormones stay continually high” during the second trimester, therefore pregnancy aches diminish.
2. The first trimester of pregnancy.
Throughout the first three months of pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences quick and significant changes. The body is overrun by hormones, and blood volume rises. It’s also possible to acquire weight quickly. Together, these changes might make people more vulnerable to migraines and stress headaches. Other pregnancy symptoms might either trigger or exacerbate these headaches.
The following are some examples of typical causes or aggravators of headaches:
- ill health and vomiting
- Availability of poor-quality food
- High levels of stress
- Low blood sugar
- Dehydration
- lack of sleep
- Changes in visual perception
- light sensitivity
- Condition of being inactive
In reaction to certain diets, a pregnant woman may also feel irritation or other symptoms, such as headaches. While dairy and chocolate are often mentioned as offenders, different foods might cause different responses in certain individuals.
2. Second and third seasons.
A woman’s body has probably adapted to the hormonal changes that may have contributed to her headaches earlier in her pregnancy throughout the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Pregnant and suffering from headaches and want to know what medicine for headache while pregnant? Don’t worry, there is a safe medicine for headaches during pregnancy for relief. This post covers the best pregnancy headache medication.
Nonetheless, tension headaches may continue in some pregnant women as a result of hormonal changes.
A headache later in pregnancy might mean:
- Excessive weight
- Muscle strain
- High blood pressure
- Poor health
- Inadequate sleep
- Poor diet
3. Hypertension connected to pregnancy.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects many pregnant women. Preeclampsia is the term used to describe when a pregnant woman with normal blood pressure suddenly develops high blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 25 pregnant women in the United States suffers from preeclampsia (CDC). Preeclampsia increases the risk of certain medical emergencies, such as seizures and stroke. If the mother has this disease, the fetal oxygen levels may fall.
One of the preeclampsia symptoms is a chronic headache. Additional indications include:
- Vision problems such as blurring or spotting
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gaining weight fast
- Experiencing pain in the upper abdomen
- Having difficulties breathing
- Swollen hands and face
One of the many reasons it’s so important to follow your prenatal medical checkups is that these symptoms are not always present.
4. Strain.
The pressure of bearing a growing child may induce third-trimester headaches. The sensitive nerves in the back of the skull may be irritated by neck and shoulder muscle spasms. Sleeping with your head awkwardly might cause muscle cramps and discomfort.
5. Headache triggers.
If you have headaches during pregnancy, consider the reasons. Keep a headache journal to identify peak headache periods.
Pittsburgh native Margaret Delle pinpointed a reason for her severe headaches. The midwife suspected dehydration. “I drank plenty of water as she advised. Great result!” Dehydration causes dizziness and black urine. Dr. Schapiro says the uterus draws so much blood. Your uterus supplies blood for fetal growth. “If you fall behind in your hydration intake, other parts of the body are burdened.” Some may have headaches.
Some individuals find that eating smaller, more frequent meals prevents headaches, while others find that getting enough sleep or practicing good posture helps ease the underlying causes of their headaches, such as low blood sugar, exhaustion, or muscle stress. Waiting out coffee withdrawal headaches may help. Dr. Aurora believes caffeine withdrawal headaches last two to three days. Pregnant and suffering from headaches and want to know what medicine for headache while pregnant? Don’t worry, there is a safe medicine for headaches during pregnancy for relief. This post covers the best pregnancy headache medication.
Symptoms.
Headaches during pregnancy may appear in a variety of ways. They could provide a variety of uncomfortable feelings, for instance.
There are two categories of headaches from a medical standpoint: primary and secondary. Primary headaches do not signify a problem with the body’s processes, however, secondary headaches occur when an underlying illness is a cause. A secondary headache may be accompanied by a number of other symptoms.
We’ll examine the various types of headaches associated with pregnancy in the sections that follow. Pregnant and suffering from headaches and want to know what medicine for headache while pregnant? Don’t worry, there is a safe medicine for headaches during pregnancy for relief. This post covers the best pregnancy headache medication.
Treatments.
With tried-and-true home remedies, many pregnant women get relief from a primary headache. A few potential home treatments are listed below:
- Apply a compress to the area for ten minutes at a time, either warm or cold.
- Yoga, swimming, or tai chi are all excellent ways to unwind, as are occasional gentle motions like sitting or standing with proper posture.
- It’s a good idea to avoid coffee and alcohol,
- sleep in a dark room with a comfortable pillow over your head, and
- take regular, big sips of water.
- By maintaining a diet diary and searching for trends, a woman who has recurrent headaches may find relief.
Pregnant women should initially attempt to treat any unpleasant symptoms themselves before seeing their doctor about treatment options.
1. Prenatal Diabetes or Low Blood Sugar.
Avoiding some headaches is tougher. Warm compresses may help sinus infections. Dr. Schapiro suggests using a humidifier to “loosen and cleanse” mucus. See a doctor if you have a high fever and pain. You may need antibiotics. An ice pack or cold compress on the back of the neck might relieve a tension headache. “You’re restricting the swelling blood vessels,” Dr. Schapiro says.
2. Pregnancy Migraine Therapy.
Even if a headache gets past your defenses, you can treat it. Tylenol is excellent for pregnancy pain. ACOG recommends Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pregnant discomfort. If your headache is severe, certain drugs may be appropriate.
3. Safe and unsafe OTC drugs.
Doctors are comfortable prescribing Tylenol (acetaminophen) within dose limitations. Dr. Aurora advises two to three 500-milligram tablets each week.
NSAIDs are not suggested by doctors (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are painkillers. They also warn against using triptan-containing medicines like Imitrex, Amerge, and Relpax to treat headaches and migraines due to a lack of evidence.
Kim Battista of Bridgeport, Connecticut has had migraines throughout her pregnancy. Four months, three sinus infections. Unpleasant! Battista took Advil and lay down for 20 minutes if he got a headache. But with a 16-month-old at home, there’s no relaxing. No Advil during pregnancy! Pregnant and suffering from headaches and want to know what medicine for headache while pregnant? Don’t worry, there is a safe medicine for headaches during pregnancy for relief. This post covers the best pregnancy headache medication.
4. Painkillers.
Nevertheless, nothing is known about the hazard to fetuses, therefore your doctor may give Darvocet or Fioricet, which include acetaminophen plus a mild narcotic or sedative if you require anything stronger than Tylenol. Battista says, “I first tried to avoid drugs.” I felt better “after eventually caving up and taking Fioricet.” The Mayo Clinic advises seeing a doctor before starting any medicine, particularly butalbital-containing ones like Fioricet, which may increase birth defects.
When you experience pain, take medication. Dr. Aurora believes prolonged headaches activate pain-producing nerves. First, visit your doctor, who knows your health and prescriptions.
What painkillers are safe to use while pregnant?
There isn’t much information available on safe headache treatments to use while pregnant. Even still, up to 70% of pregnant women who suffer from migraines use medication to get some relief. It’s critical to understand which headache remedies are secure to use when pregnant. It may aid in reducing your baby’s chance of developing health issues and pregnancy difficulties.
Before taking any medicine while pregnant, always check with your doctor. Use the least quantity of medicine necessary to treat your headache, if any. And use them for the smallest amount of time. Pregnant and suffering from headaches and want to know what medicine for headache while pregnant? Don’t worry, there is a safe medicine for headaches during pregnancy for relief. This post covers the best pregnancy headache medication.
1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
One of the most often utilized drugs during pregnancy is acetaminophen (Tylenol). This painkiller is used by up to 65% of pregnant moms in the United States.
Yet, some research indicates that consuming acetaminophen while pregnant can have an impact on the growth and development of the unborn child. Most of this research point to a connection between acetaminophen usage during pregnancy and children who are more likely to exhibit symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or be on the autistic spectrum (ADHD).
Many of these studies, however, have contradictory results or are of poor quality. Several studies were only done on animals (not humans). To be sure that acetaminophen is safe during pregnancy, additional study is required.
Further comforting results come from more prominent research comparing acetaminophen to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Research has shown that acetaminophen is less likely than NSAIDs to cause birth abnormalities. More about NSAIDs will be covered later.
This ambiguous information might be perplexing. Nonetheless, acetaminophen is advised by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). They see it as a low-risk drug for managing pregnancy-related discomfort. Nonetheless, they stress that drugs should only be used as required. Take as little as possible, and only after consulting a healthcare professional.
Which painkillers are unsafe to use while pregnant?
Several headache treatments are unsafe to use while pregnant. Preterm birth, miscarriage, and birth abnormalities are possible side effects of several drugs. A preterm birth is one that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. To determine if additional headache drugs are safe, further study is required.
These are some headache drugs that you should either avoid using while pregnant or discuss with your doctor. Pregnant and suffering from headaches and want to know what medicine for headache while pregnant? Don’t worry, there is a safe medicine for headaches during pregnancy for relief. This post covers the best pregnancy headache medication.
1. NSAIDs.
NSAIDs are often used to treat headache discomfort. They include over-the-counter (OTC) medicines including aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve). Moreover, there are NSAIDs on prescription such as celecoxib (Celebrex).
Avoiding NSAIDs during 20 weeks of pregnancy or later is advised by the FDA. NSAIDs increase the possibility of severe renal issues in developing children. Low amounts of amniotic fluid may also result from these drugs. After 30 weeks of pregnancy, using NSAIDs increases the chance that the baby may have cardiac problems.
The safety of using these drugs before 20 weeks of pregnancy is less certain. There is some evidence that using NSAIDs in the first trimester of pregnancy may cause miscarriage. As a result, several medical professionals advise against using NSAIDs at any point in pregnancy.
2. Triptans.
The American Academy of Family Physicians states that severe headaches during pregnancy may be treated with sumatriptan (Imitrex). Therefore, you should only use sumatriptan after carefully discussing your options with your doctor.
The triptan family of drugs includes sumatriptan. It is the triptan in pregnancy that has been examined the most. Nevertheless, there is conflicting evidence on its safety during pregnancy.
Research on the use of rizatriptan (Maxalt) or sumatriptan (Sumatriptan) during pregnancy revealed cases of miscarriage. Preterm births and low birth weight babies were also documented. According to other studies, third-trimester sumatriptan usage led to issues with the umbilical cord. Nevertheless, further research failed to support the claim that triptans increased the incidence of severe birth abnormalities.
Triptans’ safety during pregnancy cannot be determined with certainty due to these conflicting outcomes. It’s advisable to first go through these dangers with your doctor. Pregnant and suffering from headaches and want to know what medicine for headache while pregnant? Don’t worry, there is a safe medicine for headaches during pregnancy for relief. This post covers the best pregnancy headache medication.
3. Ergot-derived.
Older migraine treatments include dihydroergotamine (Migranal), which is an ergot derivative. These days, their usage is less widespread. These drugs are not secure. And you should stay away from them during the whole pregnancy.
The constriction of the brain’s blood arteries caused by ergot derivatives relieves migraines. Yet, they also constrict the uterus’ blood arteries. This might reduce the blood supply to a developing fetus, which could cause birth abnormalities and low birth weight babies.
Contractures may also be brought on by ergot derivatives. Preterm birth may result from this.
3. More headache remedies.
Newer headache treatments have been available throughout time. Examples include Nurtec ODT and Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) (rimegepant). These drugs are rather recent. As a result, there is currently little knowledge of their safety during pregnancy. These drugs are now advised to be avoided if you are pregnant.
4. Medicines containing Caffeine.
It could be a good idea to stay away from caffeine-containing drugs. The combination of acetaminophen and caffeine in Excedrin Tension Headache is an example of this drug. Limiting the quantity of caffeine you take daily is made easier by avoiding these items.
According to ACOG, taking in less than 200 mg of caffeine daily is probably safe. The risk of miscarriage or premature delivery does not seem to be increased by this amount. One 12-oz cup of coffee or fewer each day will allow you to stay inside this restriction.
Yet some research suggests the opposite. Several investigations discovered that caffeine use during pregnancy may increase the risk of problems even at shallow doses. These included low birth weights, stillbirths, and miscarriages. Pregnant and suffering from headaches and want to know what medicine for headache while pregnant? Don’t worry, there is a safe medicine for headaches during pregnancy for relief. This post covers the best pregnancy headache medication.
5. Medicines containing butalbital.
Avoid using any butalbital-containing headache drugs while pregnant. Examples include the medications Fioricet (butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine) and Bupap (butalbital/acetaminophen).
Barbiturates like butalbital help you relax and reduce anxiety. It may have an impact on your unborn child if it crosses the placenta. According to studies, using butalbital while pregnant may cause certain cardiac abnormalities.
In addition, long-term usage of butalbital might lead to addiction. This may result in drug dependence on your unborn child. Your newborn may display symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome after birth (NAS).
Seizures, shrill wailing, and difficulty feeding are symptoms of NAS. Long-term health issues might result from NAS if it is not addressed.
What additional remedies may I use while pregnant to cure a headache?
It is advised to use as little medicine as possible when expecting. It is advised to initially attempt alternative headache pain relief techniques.
Alternative treatments and some lifestyle modifications may help reduce headache symptoms. The followings are some recommendations and natural headache pain relief methods:
- Remember to obtain adequate high-quality sleep and take a little nap.
- Locate a room that is quiet, dark, and free of distractions.
- To relieve discomfort, use hot or cold compresses on your neck, head, or stomach.
- For momentary comfort, massage your temples or head.
- Three to five days a week, spend 30 to 60 minutes working out.
- Eat frequent, nutritious meals and remain hydrated by drinking a lot of water.
- Look for ways to relax, such as yoga and breathing techniques.
- Consider acupuncture or acupressure.
- Try cognitive behavioral therapy you can (CBT).
Treatments for Headaches Naturally During Pregnant.
Deep breathing, massage, and applying ice packs to the back of the neck are all-natural ways to relieve pregnant headaches. Although some medical professionals advise using Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy with caution, it has long been considered safe for infrequent use. These natural treatments are intriguing to many expecting women since they are not only drug-free but also easy to use.
Many all-natural remedies and precautions against headaches during pregnancy are provided in this article. Pregnant and suffering from headaches and want to know what medicine for headache while pregnant? Don’t worry, there is a safe medicine for headaches during pregnancy for relief. This post covers the best pregnancy headache medication.
Prenatal headache advice from the American Pregnancy Association:
- In order to treat a sinus headache, place a warm compress over your eyes and nose.
- To ease a tension headache, use an ice pack or cold compress at the base of your neck.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to maintain a constant blood sugar level. By doing this, headaches could possibly be avoided.
- Have a massage, focusing on your neck and shoulders in particular.
- Sit in silence in a dark place.
- Practice deep breathing.
- Take a warm shower or bath.
- Have a good posture at all times, especially during the third trimester.
How to Stop Headaches.
The greatest course of action is to avoid headaches in the first place. Here are a few simple lifestyle adjustments a pregnant woman may make to stop headaches before they start. The good news is that in the second and third trimesters, many migraineurs have relief, and this is especially true for those who experience headaches.
- Try to stay away from anything that might cause a headache. If you know that you get headaches whenever you eat specific foods or smell certain smells, then you should try to avoid such things. Keeping track of the times you have a headache might help you figure out what’s causing them.
- Make time every day for some kind of exercise. Try going for a walk or doing some other little aerobic activity every day.
- Having balanced meals at regular intervals throughout the day
- Spend at least 30 minutes every day walking and practicing healthy stress-reduction techniques like yoga, biofeedback, and relaxation training.
- Consider taking magnesium or coenzyme Q10 supplements to avoid migraines.
- Always with your doctor before taking any medication or dietary supplement.
Most important Tips.
- Take control of your stress levels. Look for positive methods to handle pressure.
- Learn to unwind and put your worries aside. Exercises like yoga, massage, and visualizing a peaceful scene may help.
- It’s important to eat on a regular basis. It’s possible that keeping to a regular eating schedule and eating healthily will help stave off headaches. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Maintain a consistent pattern of sleep. Pregnancy headaches might be exacerbated by a lack of sleep.
- Put biofeedback into consideration. This mind-body approach involves training yourself to regulate physiological processes like muscular tension, heart rate, and blood pressure in order to avoid or alleviate headaches. If you’re experiencing pregnancy-related headaches and would want to explore biofeedback as a treatment option, talk to your doctor about getting a referral to a biofeedback therapist.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.) may be used by the vast majority of pregnant women for the treatment of infrequent headaches. Your doctor may also suggest trying different drugs. Don’t use any kind of medicine, including natural remedies, without first seeing your doctor.
Other strategies include:
- Reducing labor
- Drinking plenty of liquids
- Physical therapy
- Acupuncture
Seeing a doctor.
If the pain is severe or accompanied by nausea or sight loss, a doctor will want to see you immediately. Your symptoms may be caused by preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related blood pressure disorder. Rarely, pregnancy may disclose a health issue. Unless her blood pressure increases during pregnancy, a woman with a brain vascular lesion may not have any symptoms. This unlikely case would need hospitalization for monitoring.
Conclusion.
The most secure option for treating a headache during pregnancy is acetaminophen. Some drugs might damage your infant. Nonetheless, it is advised to initially attempt medication-free headache pain relief methods.
See your doctor or pharmacist if you experience a headache while pregnant. They can assist you in selecting safe drugs to consume. If you do need medicine, it is recommended to take it for the shortest amount of time at the lowest dosage.
