What Medications Can Be Taken for Headache During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a delicate period that requires a high degree of responsibility from the future mother. It’s very important what a pregnant woman eats, drinks, whether she has given up bad habits, and how she feels. The struggle to feel well during pregnancy is one of the toughest. Headaches frequently visit a pregnant woman. But which headache medications can be taken during pregnancy? How can you safely chase away pain for the baby’s sake? Do traditional methods work? How can you prevent the onset of pain?

Causes of headaches

Choosing headache medication during pregnancy should be done with consideration not only for the baby’s safety but also for the underlying causes of the headache. Broadly speaking, these can be divided into primary and secondary types.

1. Primary headaches occur independently. They can arise due to external factors such as loud music, changes in weather, alterations in atmospheric pressure, prolonged unpleasant noise, etc.
2. Secondary headaches occur as a result of some underlying condition. It is essential not only to select headache medication during pregnancy but also to identify the cause, to address it and eliminate the uncomfortable and potentially dangerous syndrome.

When are headaches generally considered safe? 

If pain occurs in the 1st or 2nd trimester, is not constant, it’s necessary to take the right medication and seek advice from a gynecologist at the next appointment. Such a headache can take various forms, from compressive to pulsating sensations in the temples and occiput, to nausea and photophobia. It’s important to ensure maximum safety for yourself. 

1. If you are driving, be sure to stop and take medication. 
2. If you start feeling unwell around people, try to alert someone about your worsening condition. 
3. Always keep safe pain relievers and clean water nearby.

Although periodic anxieties generally do not indicate the presence of a serious illness, it’s necessary to be vigilant. Consult a doctor at a regular appointment, record the date and time of the pain’s occurrence, as well as the suspected cause.

When you need to urgently see a doctor and undergo an examination

In some cases, it is necessary to urgently consult a specialist to find out which headache medications can be taken during pregnancy, as well as the cause of the headache. Contact a doctor if: 

1. If the headache is accompanied by neurological symptoms.
2. When the headache is sudden, the discomfort intensifies over time and is accompanied by nausea, vision disturbances, or other unusual symptoms.
3. If the discomfort worsens while lying down.

Paying close attention to your own health will help avoid problems with fetal development, ease the process of carrying the baby, and simplify upcoming childbirth.

Main Groups of Headache Medications

Five groups of effective drugs can be composed. Each has its active ingredient as the fundamental component. 

1. Group No. 1 — Analgesics. 

Medications in this group can be opioid and non-opioid. The former are characterized by components that cause drug tolerance. They are prescribed by doctors in extreme cases, and the use of such drugs should be under strict supervision of a specialist. Analgesics do not cause an anesthesia effect and have a comprehensive pain-relieving effect. 

2. Group No. 2 — Antispasmodics. 

Medications that help eliminate spasms of cerebral vessels. Myotropic and neurotropic are among the effective agents. Some medications in the myotropic group are allowed for use during pregnancy.

3. Group No. 3 — Vasoactive.

The drugs in this group eliminate cerebral angiodystonia, normalize vascular regulation, and restore normal venous blood outflow from the cranial cavity. They will help to quickly deal with migraines. 

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4. Group No. 4 — Dehydrating agents.

They provide normalization of intracranial pressure, which leads to the elimination of pain sensations.

5. Group № 5 — Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

A comprehensive group of medications that is very popular among buyers. Analgin, Paracetamol, Aspirin, Diclofenac, and other popular drugs are included. Some headache medications during pregnancy are specifically from this group.

It is worth noting that pregnant women can take a very narrow range of medications. Selection of remedies should be done cautiously.

List of effective headache pills

The list of effective medications for non-pregnant women is quite extensive. Dozens of drugs that can be purchased and taken without a doctor’s prescription. During pregnancy, the situation is completely different. The list of headache medications during pregnancy is very short. 

Among the safe medications that can be taken in any trimester, only Paracetamol can be noted. It is the only medication that will help you recover and not harm the baby. However, it is important to remember the necessity of taking headache medicine moderately during pregnancy. A number of other medications can also be noted. For example, ibuprofen. It can be taken during the second trimester. However, the medication is not suitable for treating headaches in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Which medications are dangerous for pregnant women?

Some medications are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. They can cause not only discomfort, nausea, dizziness in the expectant mother, but also lead to serious consequences. Here are several headache medications during pregnancy that are strictly prohibited:

1. Aspirin. Although it may seem like a simple, well-understood remedy found in every first aid kit, during pregnancy it can lead to fatal consequences. It is especially advisable to completely avoid taking it in the third trimester.
2. All opioid medications are prohibited. They are dangerous for the baby.
3. Despite that observations of women taking triptans did not show negative consequences, taking them is dangerous because clinical studies have not been conducted.
4. Painkillers for headaches during pregnancy containing phenobarbital and codeine are prohibited.
5. Under no circumstances should you take phenazepam and ergotamine.

In fact, almost all medications are prohibited during this delicate period. And while in complex clinical cases this can become a real challenge, during natural headaches for pregnant women alternative soothing methods can be found.

What helps with headaches besides pills?

If you have a headache, it can be treated not only with medication. For minor headaches, you can use a few simple remedies. They can become your daily companion throughout pregnancy, alleviating headaches for overall relaxation and calmness.

1. Take a warm shower. It is an excellent remedy for headaches during pregnancy. Do not forget to adjust the temperature. It should be optimal to feel comfortable.
2. A good remedy for pain is Chinese acupressure massage. Gently press and release the points located in the depressions on the sides of the nape 15-20 times.
3. Consuming plain non-carbonated water, lingonberries, and strawberries can help. Water restores the water balance, the imbalance of which leads to headaches. Fruits help to dilate blood vessels.
4. Tea, tea, tea, and again… You get it. Moderately hot chamomile tea reduces tension, oxygenates the brain, and calms you. 
5. A good remedy for headaches during pregnancy is rest. If you feel a strong pain, try to rest as soon as possible. Your body might simply be signaling fatigue. If possible, try to sleep.

Aromatherapy is often recommended. You can indeed resort to this method, but be cautious with aromas during pregnancy. Some can cause irritation, even if they were previously favorites, others may lead to nausea, and some can cause allergies.