Headaches During Pregnancy: What Are Your Options?
Pregnancy is an exciting and special time for many women. However, it’s also a time when many women find themselves dealing with a variety of discomforts, including headaches. While headaches can be a normal part of pregnancy, sometimes they can be especially bothersome and require treatment. Women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant should have a conversation with their healthcare provider to discuss the best options for treating headaches while pregnant.
When to Seek Help
Although headaches during pregnancy can be a common experience, it’s important to pay attention to the type and frequency of headaches you are experiencing. If you are experiencing especially severe headaches or headaches that occur often, you should reach out to your healthcare provider for help. It’s also important to contact your healthcare provider if you have a headache that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as blurred vision, confusion, fever, neck stiffness, or vomiting. These could be signs of a more serious condition and should be looked at promptly.
Treatment Options
If you are dealing with regular or especially severe headaches during pregnancy, your healthcare provider may discuss the following treatment options with you.
Lifestyle Changes – It’s important to make lifestyle changes that can help reduce the chance of headaches occurring or reduce the severity of headaches. This could include making sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy and nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding triggers such as stress, alcohol, and/or caffeine.
Over-the-Counter Medications – Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen can help provide relief from headache pain. That being said, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any kind of medication while pregnant.
Prescription Medications – Depending on the severity of your headaches, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take a prescription medication to help relieve the pain. It’s important to use any prescription medications with caution and only as directed by your doctor.
Alternative Treatments – There are a variety of alternative treatments that can help soothe headache pain during pregnancy. For example, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, massage, aromatherapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture may all be helpful.
When it comes to treating headaches during pregnancy, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. Although there are a variety of treatment options, it’s important to make sure they are safe and appropriate for you and your pregnancy.