headache relief?

[moonmama22]

I've been waking up with horrible headaches for the past 8-10 weeks or so- some days are worse than others, but today was awful and lasted most of the day. Has returned now - I don't want to go to sleep, because I know that I will wake with one again. I think it's partially sinuses, but I get migraines a lot when I'm not pregnant also... I've tried humidifiers, wearing wet socks to bed, hot showers, hot washcloths on my forehead, ice packs, and nothing works. I really don't want to take anything, but is there a safe decongestent? Or any other ideas??? I can't do this for another 20 weeks...

[at_the_hip]

I too get migraines, which are usually the worst in the 2nd tri. The only thing that seems to help is to take tylenol with caffeine (with a coke or something similar). If I can break the 'cycle' of constant headaches, it seems to bring relief.

[COgirl19]

I see your due date is July so you are at least 12 weeks? My midwife gave me a list of things you can take for various ailments after that point. Here is what she lists for sinuses:

Sudafed
Actifed (will make you sleepy!)
Saline nasal spray

Some antihistamines that may help are
Tavist D
Benadryl
Claritin - I took this last pregnancy when I had a cold and it was helpful.

For headaches, topical lavender oil is safe and she said is helpfu.

Sorry you are so miserable momma. I hope one of these can help. I know we are always afraid to take something but don't make yourself miserable either. Hope you feel better.

[MyFillingQuiver]

Crashing from August

I'm sorry you are suffering...I can relate! My pregnancies are either reduced headaches, same, or increased....

Well, this time they are worse. Not good for a mama who HATES taking meds anytime, let alone in pg. I have to take fioricet (tylenol, butalbital, caffeine) when they are bad. Both OB's and my midwife prefer me taking it to suffering because of vasoconstriction and raised BP being part of migraines...however, especially in the 1st trimester I tend to suffer for a while before surrendering!

Mine are triggered by hormones-can't change that, and dry winter air/heat. I use a humidifier to help, but hormones rule....

If they continue, and don't subside w/natural treatment-always my first choice, ask your provider about safer choices for migraine. Suffering can be worse.

Research shows quality magnesium supplementation can help. Valerian is useful for migraine, though some discourage it in pg.

Hoping you feel better...I know how hard these can be.

[curvyred]

I also get migraines, though less frequently than I used to. At 17 weeks, I had a headache ( NOT full-blown migraine) that lasted about ten days. I actually went to the midwife for a bp check just to make sure everything was ok on that front. Have you checked in with your OB/midwife?

I finally got some relief with massage, which had never been one of my pain relief methods. My neck and jaw were so tight that it hurt to get the massage, but the headache cleared within a day or so afterwards. If you've tried everything else, that may be something to check out! I know it gets hard to sleep in the normal positions and I think my awkward positioning lead to the headache (which was always worse in the morning.)