Headaches During Pregnancy

Tension, stress, hormones, dehydration, caffeine withdrawal…  There are so many potential culprits behind those persistent, pregnancy-related headaches.  Headaches during pregnancy are a common ailment that typically peak during the first trimester, but it’s not uncommon to experience headaches throughout the entire duration of your pregnancy.  Now that I’ve given you the potentially not-so-awesome news, here’s the good news.  Headaches usually aren’t indicative of a serious underlying problem.  #Winning!  With that said, if your headaches aren’t manageable and you are suffering from them more days than not, you do want to be sure to bring them to the attention of your care provider. Better safe than sorry is a great policy to subscribe to, especially when it’s your health we’re talking about.  And as always, these suggestions are not to be construed as medical advice and are merely suggestions from my own experience.  Please discuss any frequent, recurring, severe or unmanageable headaches with your care provider.

Try: Mini Can of Coke + A Green Apple

Don’t ask me why this combination works but for those headaches that just won’t quit try drinking a mini can of coke and eating a green apple.  Is it the combination of carbs + sugar + caffeine that makes this remedy so effective?  Who knows and who cares – the only part that really matters is that it works.

Try: Extra Strength Tylenol

For the days where regular ole’ Tylenol just isn’t getting the job done, upgrade to extra strength.  Extra strength Tylenol is safe for use during pregnancy.  Please read the label on your specific bottle, or speak with your care provider, for dosage directions.

Try: Tylenol with Coffee

If your Tylenol on it’s own isn’t getting the job done and you want a gateway option before popping extra strength, try taking your regular dose Tylenol with a little bit of coffee.  It is said that the caffeine in the coffee works to dilate blood vessels in your head which helps to relieve that pressure.  Can’t stomach coffee?  Use another caffeine source. Maybe not energy drink strength though.

Try: Upping Your H20 Intake… And then some

You’ll quickly learn that this is basically THE go-to answer for almost any pregnancy related grievance but the importance of sufficient hydration during pregnancy cannot be stressed enough.  From my experience, even if you think you’re definitely drinking enough water, you aren’t (sorry).  The analogy I always use is to “flood your body” with water.  And if that isn’t clear enough and you need a measurable goal, aim for 4 litres of water a day and then try to get in, well, more.

Try: Peppermint Oil

Just a small dab of peppermint oil on your temples and the back of your neck should do the trick.  As always, before apply any essential oil to your body, make sure you can actually stand the smell first – because once it’s applied, there’s no getting it off until you get into the shower. As a side note, do not use peppermint oil if you are breastfeeding.

Try: Magnesium

Magnesium is the nutrient those of us in North America are most deficient in and being magnesium deficient can cause a few issues.  One of them being – you guessed it – headaches!  85% chocolate is a great food source of magnesium but if you’re looking to simplify your life (and want to save your chocolate consumption for chocolate you actually enjoy…), magnesium supplements are available in powder or capsule form.

Try: Bringin’ the Heat

Honestly, is there anything heat can’t fix?  Don’t answer that, there are definitely some things that cannot be cured by heat.  Anyways, here’s one way heat can help! Apply a hot water bottle or a heating pad to the back of your neck.

Try: Hot + Cold Therapy

Place a cold compress on the back of your neck and submerge your feet in warm water.  Listen, I won’t pretend to know why this works but I suspect it has something to do with sending conflicting signals to the nerves in these areas that gives your body something else to focus on other than the headache.   With that being said, I know many people who have tried this with success.

Try: Massage/Chiro

Not just a frivolity!  There are real health benefits to making massage and chiropractor a regular part of your wellness routine.  One of them being that their body-work through touch and proper ailment can relieve your headaches by easing any tension that has built up in your body.  It’s important to see a registered massage therapist or chiropractor who has experience working on pregnant women.