Advil is unsafe, can't do Tylenol...what do I do for headaches?

[nova22]

I feel really stupid, but I'm in my sixth pregnancy and just recently learned that Advil/ibuprofen is not safe during pregnancy. I had a stabbing headache while visiting my BIL, who is a doctor, and when I asked him for ibuprofen he told me why I shouldn't be taking it, then recommended acetaminophen instead.

When I take acetaminophen, though, my throat gets swollen and scratchy, and hurts for the rest of the night. It's not life-threatening or anything but it disrupts my sleep and usually it is just as bad as the headache. At my BIL's my head really hurt, and he said I could do a low dose of Benadryl to see if that helped my throat, and if it did we would know for sure that it is an actual allergic reaction to Tylenol. The low dose of Tylenol w/out Benadryl didn't bother my throat but it also didn't help my head, so an hour or so later, I took another low dose. It was right before bed and I didn't want to bother BIL for Benadryl at that point, but the second dose did me in and I was up all night because my throat was swollen and it was hard to swallow.

When I get a really nasty headache, what do I do?? I have five kids (ages 7, 6, 4, 3, and 1) - I can't just go lay down whenever a headache strikes. I used to go to the chiro for headaches but finances are rough right now, and I can't take all the kids with me b/c of the waiting room size and wait time so I have to arrange for someone to watch them. I don't get headaches every day or anything, but when I do, I'm out of commission. Hellllp!

[Tresa]

I would absolutely NOT take tylenol if your body has that type of reaction to it, omgosh!

I miss ibuprofen too. A LOT. It's the only thing that really kills my headaches.

Diagnose them first...are they hormonal? Tension? Migraine? Sinus? Dehydration? Blood sugar swings? Do you need a nap?

Mine are usually from eating poorly and not drinking enough water...and usually in combo with a blood sugar swing and/or needing a nap. And I have two littles, so "nap" means laying down for 30 minutes and maybe actually being unconscious for a few minutes at a time...sleeping like a ninja, ready to pounce and intervene at any moment.

Hot/cold therapies on my neck and head help. Tiger balm on my neck and shoulders and upper back helps.

[JessieBird]

Poor you! I find that ice works really well for headaches during pregnancy, even better than tylenol. I hold an ice pack to my head where it hurts and force myself to hold it there to that point where the pain of the cold is almost unbearable. Ta da! Often my headache is completely gone. The effect lasts about 2-4 hours, then I repeat. Doesn't work every time but worth a try.

[lillymonster]

I wonder if magnesium would work? Maybe add a mag/cal supplement?

Don't take tylenol, that surely sounds like an allergic reaction, regardless of whether Benedryl makes it go away it or not.

[liberal_chick]

I thought ibuprofen was only a nono in the last 2 or so months of pregnancy...

[MissMorgan]

A mag/cal supplement (like Natural Calm) or caffeine works for me. (YES - I drink caffeine. Momma being in lots of pain is a lot worse than a bit of caffeine.)

[nova22]

Thanks for all your advice so far, everyone! Hopefully it will be a while before I have to worry about it, but I have a few rice packs in my freezer that might work well for a headache cold thereapy.

liberal_chick ~ BIL said the third trimester is when you should avoid Advil, but since one of the possible complications is placental abruption and my last baby was premature because of placenta problems, I would rather not risk it. But yes, you're right about that.

MissMorgan, you won't hear any judgment from me about caffeine...I don't use it because it gives me a headache (add that to the list of things that gives me a headache, ugh) but that doesn't stop me from eating chocolate.

[Just1More]

I was going to say drink a coke. I know, I know, caffeine. BUT...you can have HFCS and carmel coloring and caffeine...OR shellac and all the other junk in tylenol.

But, I also get a lot of mileage out of an ice pack, or a hot shower. And, if I am sure to stay hydrated and take my iron, I'm good. Eat protein.

[47chromosomes]

I was also going to suggest you try a little bit of coffee or tea that is caffeinated. My family practitioner for my first two pregnancies always told me caffeine is not really that bad so long as you are not taking in a lot, plus I should think in your case it would be the lesser of the evils if tylenol is giving you such a reaction. A little cup of coffee might do just the trick to help relieve some of your pain, and keep you in the game with your kids.

[Aliy]

I'd ask you where your headach is concretated. have you tried using the tigger point in your hand ( between the thumb and fore finger) just try and find some ways with your body to relieve the discomfort

[HeatherB]

My first thought was also ice. It's not my go-to, but I've had some really killer headaches respond to that and nothing else (while pg). The magnesium is a good idea, too. And, yes, caffeine can absolutely help if it's a vascular headache - avoid it if it's sinuses, though!

FWIW, my MW advises avoiding ibuprofen throughout pregnancy. I took some without thinking very early on, but apparently even then it's a no-no. She does say she prefers aspirin over advil in pregnancy, though Tylenol is safest (when you're not allergic to it!).

[Baby~Braatens~Mama]

Drink lots of water. An amazing number of headaches are caused by dehydration. And sleep. I would drink a large glass of ice water and take a short nap, making sure the light and noise is limited. Caffeine can help, it did with my migraines. I hope you find something that helps you feel healthy soon!

[St. Margaret]

I've heard you should avoid using the point btw thumb and pointer, during pregnancy... I think it was just someone on MDC but it might be worth looking into...

OP, good luck! I got terrible headaches while I was working and pregnant, and ice did help, as did staying well ahead of thirst with drinking lots of water and eating a lot really regularly-- but just being SO tired and having to be so "on" (teaching) did me in a lot. It sucks!