What can I do to treat a headache in pregnancy?
To treat a headache, paracetamol is thought to be safe to take while pregnant and while nursing. However, it is advised to take the medication for the shortest amount of time at the lowest dose. If paracetamol doesn’t relieve your headache, consult a doctor or midwife.
Since headaches are most frequent in the first trimester, it is always advisable to take into account easy steps that could help avoid them entirely:
There are some headache medications that you shouldn’t take while pregnant. Avoid the following:
HEADACHES IN EARLY PREGNANCY – THE FIRST TRIMESTER
You may experience headaches in the first trimester due to the fluctuating hormone levels and blood volume during the first trimester of pregnancy. Stress, exhaustion, and eyestrain can all contribute to a general, dull headache.
Headaches in pregnancy – The third trimester
However, the causes can vary, including stress, sinus congestion, eye strain, fatigue/lack of sleep, allergies, dehydration, and many more. Headaches are more common during your third trimester of pregnancy. It’s crucial to remember that you should consult your GP or midwife if you have concerns about your headaches.
What can I take for a headache while pregnant?
When it comes to headache relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is thought to be the safest over-the-counter pain reliever to take during pregnancy, provided it is used as directed. It is always advisable to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medications while you are pregnant. Don’t take more acetaminophen than is recommended daily, and only use it when necessary because it may not be safe to take it for long periods of time.
Speak to your obstetrician or midwife if your headaches aren’t improving as they might be able to recommend some other safe alternatives.
Ask your doctor what medications you can take if you frequently experience severe migraines. Triptans, a common class of migraine medications, have generally been shown to be safe during pregnancy, but if you’re taking them, you might need to be watched by a neurologist or a maternal-fetal medicine specialist (MFM) during your pregnancy.