Pregnancy & Headaches

[Phteven]

I have been getting lots of headaches since getting pregnant. Does anyone know of any drug free remedies?

[Melinda]

I have had a lot of headaches as well. Unfortunately I don't know of any drug-free remedies, but panadol is quite safe to take during PG. I try to avoid it where possible, but if I really need something, then I will take a panadol or two. It always helps just to get into a dark room for a while and to lie down for a while....and sometimes putting a cold face washer on my forehead helps.

[Snowgirl]

hmmm.. unhappy to report that i had my first migraine in ages today - and first one while p/g
i usually vomit up aspirin anyways, so what i usually do is just go to bed, make it really dark and go to sleep. what others recommend is also cold compress on the head and warm one on the feet - but i am not sure if that just works for migraines or headaches too.. but maybe worth a try.

there is also a peppermint oil which you can rub on your temples and is supposed to help ( i believe peppermint oil is safe in pregnancy - any herbalists here??)

snowy

[BellyBelly]

Something I used to do which was fabulous - get a heat wheat pack (a long shaped one) and while lying down, drape it over your face, eg. eyes and temples. It was soooooo good.

It's not a good idea to put any undiluted oils on the skin as it's very concentrated, so perhaps this one you would be best tackled with someone qualified. I am sure you could burn it in an oil burner though, also try burning lavender also geranium for headaches. Yummy! If you check out the aromatherapy article on the main site, I have listed many different ways of using oils.

Good luck!

[Melinda]

Just wanted to point out that asprin is a no-go during PG unless it has been specifically prescribed for you by a Doctor (there are sometimes reasons why PG women must take a low dose of asprin, otherwise it should be avoided). So, if you have a headache, just go for panadol if you do need to take something.

[caddie]

good point tootie im glad someone is on the ball!

[mouse_9_2001]

I'm not pregnant but to cure my headache I usually have a cool but wamr shower and just sit there and close my eyes and let the water pour over my head and it seems to help alot , or i do the same thing but in the bath and just put my head a little bit under the water..
other then that i take come panadol and have a lie down for an hour or so untill it goes away..

there was something in england when i was pregnant that the doc gave me it was called tiger balm or something i honestly cant remember but u rub it on your temples and my god it was fabulous!! it got rid of my headache in litterally minutes it was fantastic, i only wish i could remember exactly what it was called so i could use it again

Lesley

[Orkids]

There is also a pressure poing in the webbing between your thumb and pointing finger. If you squeeze the muscle in there it can help headaches (helps mine anyway). FWIW I got some NASTY headaches in the first trimester, but havent had them lately.

[Phteven]

Thanks for the tips. Its nice to know that I can pop a panadol if the headaches get too nasty but I'll try to stick to the other cures.

[christy]

I woke up at 4am with an awful migrane last night... took a panadol and massage from DH with a heat pack afterwards... and got back to sleep amazingly enough... its still sore, but nothing like what it was!!

Christy

[{sarah}]

Anyone have a suggestion for something stronger than Panadol that doesn't have Codeine in it?? I'm allergic to Codeine Danni's trick has helped, but not enough.

[Antheia]

Not sure if its accessable to you(or if you're into this kinda thing)...

But mixing essential oils of 3 drops of lavender and 2 drops of camomile in a base oil(like sweet almond) of about 10mil and massage it around your temples, neck and shoulders.

[{sarah}]

Bummer, shops closed, but I'll get those tomorrow, thanks Tegan

[Danni]

has anyone tried nurofen migraine? I know it says it is safe for breastfeeding (it really works!)

[{sarah}]

Wouldn't it have the same ingredients as the regular nurofen that's not allowed in pregnancy though?

[diva det]

another suggestion is accupuncture- esp a gyno/ob one- work wonders
if anyone want details of a melb based one- just PM me!
odette

[Danni]

from the back of the "nurofen migraine" box:

Do not take:
* During pregnancy except with your doctors advice
* during the last 3 months of pregnancy

So maybe check with your doc and you should be able to take it apart frmo the last tri?

[Danni]

i am so glad it helped you sarah!!

the hotter the better-- and although it burns for a few seconds, it really works