Pregnancy is good and bad for headaches.
The good news is, migraine headaches are uncommon during pregnancy. Most chronic migraineurs thoroughly enjoy pregnancy because it is one of a few times in their lives when they don’t suffer from migraine headaches.
The bad news is, other types of headaches, particularly tension type headaches, can become more common during pregnancy with the musculoskeletal strains and intentions of pregnancy and the anxieties and stresses associated with pregnancy.
You can always use acetaminophen at anytime during pregnancy for headache. If you’re less than 20 weeks, you can still use Ibuprofen or Naprosyn. Other medications like Excedrin Migraine can also be used on a limited basis.
A good massage, a relaxing bath, or just a good night’s rest may be the cure for a tension type headache.
Sometimes headaches have other causes, like sinus infections or allergies. If you suspect that your sinuses are the problem try and over-the-counter antihistamine and if this doesn’t work talk to your doctor.
Some women in the first trimester have caffeine withdrawal headaches. If you have recently cut out all caffeine because you’re pregnant these types of headaches are all too common. Remember that you can have up to 350 mg of caffeine per day. You may need to add a little bit of caffeine back in order to prevent headaches. Caffeine also is a treatment for some tension type headaches as well. Taking your acetaminophen with a serving of caffeine maybe just what the doctor ordered.