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Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

I'm nervous about taking medication during pregnancy. Any ideas for treating a headache without meds?

Re: I'm nervous about taking medication during pregnancy. Any ideas for treating a headache without meds?

Good thinking -- I definitely recommend trying non-pharmacological pain relief methods first. These are also great techniques to try after pregnancy. (Though, if you do want to take medication, Tylenol is usually safe. Check with your provider before taking anything else, even something prescribed to you before pregnancy.)

[ ] Go to a room away from noise and dim the lights.

[ ] Try placing a cool compress on your forehead or over your eyes.

[ ] Eat small, frequent meals to make sure your blood sugar levels don’t drop.

[ ] Stay hydrated -- keep a water bottle with you at all times.

[ ] Consider enrolling in prenatal yoga or stress management classes, if your headaches are caused by tension.

[ ] Take regular time for low-impact exercise -- daily, if possible.

Most importantly, talk with your provider if you are experiencing frequent headaches, or the pain is not relieved by Tylenol and/or simple relief measures. Headaches, particularly when combined with high blood pressure, can be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Maria Kammerer | May 18 , 2009 3:13 PM

re: Q: Headache Relief w/o Meds?

This may not be doctor recommended, but it works for me and some of my other prego friends. Try drinking a 1/2 can of caffeinated soda. My headache usually clears up pretty quickly after that.

babylove2-3 | October 01 , 2007 11:43 AM

re: Q: Headache Relief w/o Meds?

Like the first comment this may not be doctor recommended... Sex actually helps. It gets your blood flowing in other places and relieves the pressure on your head. This is a headache tip prego or not.

ameek1 | October 15 , 2007 10:42 AM

re: Q: Headache Relief w/o Meds?

I suggest a tension breaking exercise, its proven to open up the the cerebrospinal fluid and decrease tension in the back of your neck:Get two tennis balls, put them in your husband's tube sock, tie a knot so that it is close to the balls, and packs them in tight. Lie on the floor (prop one hip up on a pillow so that you're partly sidelying on not on your back). Put the tennis balls horizontally, directly under the bony portion of your skull (start at your neck, and run your hand up until you feel the bump. Place your head/neck directly over the balls, and allow them to balance. This will feel slightly painful at first, the goal is that your quiet your breathing, and sink into the balls, breaking up the tension. Build up you time to 15 minutes.The only reason NOT to do this is aneurysm or hemorrhage of the brain. Hope this helps, also, a little heat to neck/shoulders at the end of long day is a great pre-cursor to this exercise. P.S. I'm a P.T., I use this all the time, its very safe!

mrsmacy | December 10 , 2007 6:42 AM

re: Q: Headache relief w/o meds?

try a little bit of coffee if soda doesnt work. thats what i did when taking tylenol didnt work and i'm happy now(headaches made me really cranky)

Chrissye_precious | September 09 , 2008 3:50 PM

re: Q: Headache relief w/o meds?

my sister told me about rubbing A5-35 on the back of your neck. I found that with this pregnancy I have been having a lot of really bad headaches and doing this helps.

2_B_A_WIFE | September 29 , 2008 2:34 PM

re: Q: Headache relief w/o meds?

I had really bad headaches my first trimester and was also worried about taking medicine. Laying down and placing a cold pack under my neck & one on my forhead helped a lot. When it got really bad I got a pregnancy massage & had them focus on my head,neck & shoulders which made me feel much better.

browndragon | October 27 , 2008 12:26 AM

re: Q: Headache relief w/o meds?

I suffer from migraines, so my doctor prescribed a different med for me. It contains caffeine. So the soda idea isn’t too far off. I’m hoping that the farther along I get, the less frequent the headaches are.

Delila80 | January 14 , 2009 1:26 PM

re: Q: Headache relief w/o meds?

go to the chiropractor. I always feel better when I'm adjusted. The chiropractor can help with lots of things during pregnancy, from headaches and tension to helping a breach baby turn. It's amazing!

Amanda1178 | June 28 , 2009 7:30 AM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

I have migraines and had one this past Monday. i went to a herbal store and purchased peppermint oil and dabbed a little on my temples and nose. That helped to releive my headache. My migraines were simply laughing at the Tylenol, which did not work at all. The caffeine idea should work as one of themeds i took prior to the baby for my headaches had caffeine in it.

DiveristyMama302 | August 06 , 2009 11:04 AM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Recently when I had a headache I took a relaxing shower with a dab of tiger balm on my temples , it's a muscle rub as well and really helps me relax. I also take a wash rag in the shower and hold it over my face to relax my facial muscles. I went straight to bed and woke up refreshed.

Lauraely1 | September 29 , 2009 8:30 PM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Thankfully so far I haven't had too many problems with headaches that I couldn't just sleep off but I've had a lot of sinus pressure. My mom talked to an herbalist about what is safe for pregnant women with congestion. The woman told her peppermint oil is safe and not only does it help break up the congestion but it also helps get rid of headaches. It really does work too, all i have to do is just sniff it and it is totally safe for me and baby.

justmarried822 | November 08 , 2009 12:24 PM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Peppermint Extract/oil. I have had migraines all my life due to a food allergy to MSG (which is in just about anything these days) Peppermint oil, which can be found in most natural food stores, eases your pain almost immediately. You just rub a dab of it on your forehead and as ridiculous as it sounds, it works better and faster than any pills I've ever taken.

coletheresar | March 06 , 2010 10:46 AM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

I tend to get headaches around my head/neck/shoulders area. I lay down in a quiet spot, get comfortable and close my eyes. I use a WARM COMPRESS on the head/neck/shoulders area - works every time!

Erica1618 | March 22 , 2010 10:36 AM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

I came to look for headache relief suggestions and tried the peppermint oil--it works, almost immediately! Thank you!

makeroomfor | June 06 , 2010 1:24 PM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

I suffer from migraines pre-prego and now, even worse during the pregnancy. Tylenol is poo for migraines or even headaches. I was taking two of them every four hours like clockwork. Cold compresses work well for headaches, however the stronger the headache the colder the compress I've learned. I ended up putting a baggie of ice (no towel or anything) over my forehead and eyes and that gave me most relief. I ended up being prescribed Imitrex for my migraines and that's not even doing the trick. I heard Aleve is safe for pregnancies though, so if Tylenol doesn't help...perhaps try that.

krazyshay1987 | August 20 , 2010 11:01 AM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Oh my gosh - the peppermint thing is awesome! Peppermint extract works fine (I had some in my pantry) .... so much better than trying to find a quiet dark room in this house! I literally put some on a paper towel and held it under my nose. Also, cold compress on the neck is nice.

jedmonds | November 17 , 2010 5:56 PM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

I suffered from migraines pre-pregnancy, but unlike the previous person said... ALEVE is NOT SAFE during pregnancy!! It can cause harm to your unborn child. My headaches get worse with each pregnancy (this is my third) and my ob/gyn has always prescribed me fioricet, it's a pregnancy safe migraine medicine, which I now use all the time =)

Karoliina239 | November 21 , 2010 11:20 AM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

I use ice prego or not. Put it between you thumb and index finger (like a pencil) on the hand opposite your headache, (If your left side hurts then put it on the right...) and lay down. Works great especially for migraines!

Hardygrlswthrt | April 24 , 2011 4:19 PM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

I suffer from migraines prego or not and Tylenol does nothing...I have been icing my head/neck then going for a massage which has helped me A TON!!! This can get pricey so I do a 30 min for small headaches and 60 min for serious ones

eagilpin | August 02 , 2011 11:32 AM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

You should consult with your doctor to know whether it is safe for your baby if you take a pain relief pill. There are medicines without any side effects. In the medical field research works are being conducted on different elements like Cannabis Seed to find out their uses in pain relief. Though, I am not sure whether it is safe for pregnancy condition or not. Your doctor could give you proper advice.

aman2u | October 21 , 2011 7:01 AM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

I'm in week 12 and I've had a headache for two weeks! Tylenol hasn't done much and the only thing that really works is heat and massage. I'm a massage therapist and I know first hand how well massage and aromatherapy can work. Peppermint oil is GREAT! But just make sure it is diluted in a carrier oil or you could actually burn the membranes in your nose and throat from inhaling it and even burn your skin from it. Just be cautious and inhale on! :)

karissalmt | December 21 , 2011 1:15 PM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

I'm my 6th week, and have had headaches off and on for the past two weeks, including today. I was on the board just now looking for some relief. The recommendations for peppermint oil sounded good, but I'm at the office now. I remembered that I had some strong peppermint gum it my desk, and as soon as I started chewing my sinuses opened up and my headache lifted. The gum did in 10 seconds what the Tylenol couldn't do in an hour. I guess in a pinch an Altoid would work, too. Thanks to everyone for the advice!

dal2aus | December 22 , 2011 9:25 AM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Vicks vapor rub also works great! Just rub some on your temples and behind your ears and it works great.

skyeblade2 | December 30 , 2011 5:45 PM

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

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Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

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Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Re: I'm nervous about taking medication during pregnancy. Any ideas for treating a headache without meds?

re: Q: Headache Relief w/o Meds?

re: Q: Headache Relief w/o Meds?

re: Q: Headache Relief w/o Meds?

re: Q: Headache relief w/o meds?

re: Q: Headache relief w/o meds?

re: Q: Headache relief w/o meds?

re: Q: Headache relief w/o meds?

re: Q: Headache relief w/o meds?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

Q&A: Headache relief without medication?

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