Headache Remedies

Rest assured – just because you are pregnant, doesn’t mean you have to suffer! You have plenty of safe,
effective options at your disposal to find relief and even prevent future headaches. In pregnancy, they can be
caused by many different things, from nutrition to hormones to stress. Before you decide to take any
remedies, natural or not, it’s important to rule out the most common causes of headaches in pregnancy:

• Dehydration: This is the number one cause I see for headaches, especially in our ridiculously dry climate in Colorado. While drinking to thirst is good advice, some of us need to be a bit more aware of our fluids.
  • To rule this out, drink a large (32 oz.) glass or bottle of water over the course of 30 – 60 minutes when you feel a headache coming on and try to rest
• Nutrition: Headaches can also be easily caused by low blood sugar or a lack of protein. Women with high metabolisms are often more susceptible to these headaches.
  • To rule this out, eat a large, protein-heavy snack or small meal. Make sure you are eating protein with every bite throughout the day, setting a timer if you must. Some may need to eat as often as every two hours during the day! Carry protein snacks with you everywhere you go.
• Sleep Deprivation: Getting enough sleep in pregnancy can be difficult, whether it’s your first baby or your 10th. It’s important to get on top of your sleep as soon as possible in your pregnancy to keep these manageable.
  • Do whatever it takes to sleep and nap. We can help you troubleshoot the cause for your lack of sleep, and strategize with you what to try. The most common helps are correct positioning and snacks nearby.
• Spinal Misalignment: Sometimes, headaches are simply a matter of a “crick in the neck,” or other anatomical reasons. These misalignments tug on our muscles in one direction, while other muscles try to compensate.
  • See a chiropractor who specializes in pregnancy as soon as possible! Often an adjustment on a regular basis, or as needed, can completely eliminate the issue.

Remedies to Try:

Prevention:

• Daily Prevention Protocol, for those who suffer chronic headaches or migraines and the above is not working. Take every evening about an hour before bed:
  • 3 mg melatonin
  • 400 mg riboflavin (5 phosphate if you can find it)
  • 400 mg magnesium (citrate, lactinate, or glycinate if possible)

For Mild Headaches:

• 8 oz. fresh celery juice with ginger and lemon
• 500 mg turmeric in capsules every 3 hours (source: Aviva Romm)
  • No more than 4 capsules daily
  • Make sure the capsules contain black pepper extract for absorption
  • This is a great substitute if you are used to ibuprofen
• 2 ginger capsules once or twice daily
• Aromatherapy
  • Diffuse lavender and peppermint for 30 minutes at a time, every 2-4 hours
  • Dilute 5-10 drops peppermint in a carrier oil, apply a dab or two to your hands, cup your hands around your nose, and inhale deeply 3 times. Repeat as often as necessary.
• Herbal Teas
  • Hops, Skullcap, Chamomile, or Lavender, strongly brewed
  • All of these also aid with sleep.

For Moderate Headaches:

• Ice/Heat protocol
  • Apply ice on back of neck for 10 minutes
  • optional step – may skip straight to heat Dilute 10 drops of Frankincense or Lavender Essential Oil plus 5 drops Peppermint oil in 1 tsp. coconut oil or other carrier oil. Massage into back of neck, and anywhere else you feel the headache (avoid eye area).
  • Apply heat from rice sock or heating pad on back of neck for 10 minutes over top of oils.
• Homeopathic Belladonna 200c
  • 3-4 doses, 5-15 minutes apart, depending on severity. The more severe, the more frequently you should dose. Stop after 4 doses.
  • Avoid using within 45 minutes of any essential oils for full effectiveness
• 1⁄2 tsp. cramp bark tincture and 1⁄4 tsp. black cohosh tinctures every four hours
  • NOTE: AVOID BLUE COHOSH in pregnancy! ONLY black cohosh may be used.

For Severe/Strong Headaches/Migraines:

• Midwife’s Mock Excedrin
  • 1000 mg acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • 50 mg diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • 1000 – 2000 mg magnesium glycinate (won’t cause loose stools, citrate will)
  • Ice or heat on back of neck
  • Go to bed!
• Midwife’s Mock Excedrin Migraine – take all of these within a space of 15 minutes
  • 1000 mg acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • 25 mg diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • 1 cup of coffee or 2 cups of strong black tea (with caffeine)
  • 1 bottle of Recharge or Body Armor (or other similar electrolyte drink)
  • Go to bed!