Natural Remedies for Headaches During Pregnancy

Oh man the dreaded headaches during pregnancy! When I was first pregnant I got them all of the time and it felt like every day I would have at least one headache.

It was miserable!

I started tracking what was causing my headaches so I could prevent them in the future.

I wanted to treat my headaches naturally because I didn't want to affect my baby in a negative way with taking medication.

There are certain medications that are okay to take during pregnancy, but if you can avoid taking medication that is better for you and for your baby.

If you have to take medication make sure to talk to your doctor first before you take anything. My doctor did say that Tylenol was okay to take, but always ask your doctor.

Give these natural remedies a try first and save this list for later if you get another headache so it will be easy to find!

What Causes Headaches?

Headaches are most common during the 1st and 3rd trimester. Enjoy that sweet spot of the 2nd trimester. You may still get headaches through your whole pregnancy, like I did, and you may never get a headache.

Headaches are caused by the surge of hormones, increased blood volume, drop in blood sugar levels, stress, dehydration, poor posture (mainly in late pregnancy), and tension from carrying extra weight.

Natural Ways To Relieve Headaches

I have tried each of these natural ways to relieve my headaches during pregnancy so I know that they work!

The main key factor to making these remedies work is to understand what is causing the headache in the first place.

I would suggest that if you are having headaches to start tracking the cause of them. Are you dehydrated, tired, hungry, have tension, or sinus problems?

If you track these causes you will know which remedy you should start with and get the relief a lot quicker.

Some of these remedies can also help with the prevention of future headaches.

  • With a sinus headache apply a warm compress around your eyes and nose.
  • If you have a tension headache apply a cold compress or ice pack at the base of your neck.
  • Have your partner massage your neck and shoulders to relieve tension.
  • Take a nap.
  • Have a regular sleep schedule.
  • Acupuncture.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Go to a Chiropractor.
  • Mediate in a dark room.
  • Do some Yoga. These yoga stretches have helped my back pain, but also my headaches. So give them a try!
  • Exercise regularly. You can check out my fitness tab for pregnancy workouts!
  • Eat well-balanced meals.
  • Maintain your blood sugar by eating smaller, more frequent meals. Here is a list of healthy pregnancy snacks to maintain your blood sugar!
  • Take a warm shower or bath with Epsom salts.
  • Drink more water. If you are bad like me at remembering how much water you drank this water bottle is so helpful with tracking your water intake!
  • Manage your stress.

When You Should Call Your Doctor?

Your doctor is there to help you throughout your pregnancy. If you are getting headaches frequently you should talk to your doctor about it.

Call your doctor as well before taking any medications.

If you don't get relief from the above remedies or you are getting headaches more often and they are getting worse give him or her a call.

With getting headaches if its accompanied with blurry vision, sudden weight gain, pain in the upper right abdomen, swelling in the hands or feet then this could be a serious sign of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is rare, but can cause serious and even fatal complications for you and your baby. Preeclampsia usually occurs after week 20 if you are to have it.

If you have these symptoms with your headaches make sure to call your doctor right away. They will test your blood pressure and if you have protein in your urine to diagnose you with preeclampsia. Then they will give you the proper treatment to help you and your baby.

Also if you have any other concerns during your pregnancy please call your doctor because they will be able to help you. I just want you to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy strong baby!

If you have any other tips that have helped you with relief for your headaches comment them below to help other mammas out!