HEADACHE! Argh what can I do (apart from paracetamol)?

[Nickname1980]

I am 11 weeks now and the headaches have started. I got them with my DS and they lasted until 20-something weeks and were unbearable, but at least I didn't have a toddler to look afte (as well as a job- just had the job last time!).

Anyone got any tips? I've tried eliminating common trigger foods, but it doesn't make any difference. I've tried cold compresses, that helps for a few seconds. Paracetamol doesn't even touch these headaches!!

Maybe it's something I just have to put up with....

[Kirjava]

Try getting some 4head - you rub it on your forehead and it really helped me. I had a few weeks of headaches, they're totally miserable. I hope you feel better soon.

[Kirjava]

Also try steam inhalation as it could be sinus related.

[HD18]

I had terrible headaches in the early stages. I found the forehead rub and the gel cool strips worked wonders for me.

[Ricksheadtilt]

Make sure you're properly hydrated. Menthol (Vicks etc) can help. Ice on the back of your neck for 30 seconds x

[CarrieLouise25]

Second lots of water and 4head rub. Also lots of rest (if possible).

Congrats! Almost scan time x

[Utini]

I'm 14 weeks pregnant with my first and getting migraines nearly every day. Paracetamol doesn't do a thing.

I get some relief from 4head sticks. Other than that, I lie down in a dark room when they get bad and use a migra-cap - basically a hat with gel packs all the way round, which can be kept in the fridge or freezer.

[Ilovetorrentialrain]

Have you tried Tiger Balm? I swear by it for headaches - it really does have a strong smell though (I really like it) but if you stand that then well worth a go. It kind of replaces the headache pain with the sensation of the balm on your head. Not 100% but enough to be more than bearable.

[Nickname1980]

Ooh these tips are amazing! I actually thought there'd be nothing I could try! I am stocking up on all of them now, and boiling a kettle so I can try a steam inhalation!

Thank you!!

[ThePopAndCry]

Cocodamol?

[MintTpls]

Isn't Tiger balm a big no-no in pregnancy?

[lovelychops]

Lavender oil on your temples or in a bath and inhale. Good for headaches.

[Lovelongweekends]

Reading with interest as also 11wks and having the most horrendous headaches.

[Nickname1980]

I just did a steam inhalation as suggested by Kirjava, lovelongweekends, and it helped!

Also ordered everything suggested from the online pharmacy!!!

[SignoraStronza]

Shoulder rub and an orgasm always helps - can you get your dp on board?

[goldenpineapple]

Another 11 weeker with daily headaches here! I'm finding that if I eat little and often they don't set in as badly - if I let myself get hungry they seem to be much more severe.

[FifiRebel]

Kool n soothes (similar to 4head but I find them stronger) are my magical headache cure. If you think your headaches are sinus related, try NeilMed sinus rinse. It sounds gross but it does the trick.

[Nickname1980]

Hahaha! signora That made me smile

You're right on the hungry thing, golden, I discovered that if I don't eat enough I feel even worse too.

Totally trying Kool n smooth too now, Fifi, going to add it to my pharmacy order. I will try all these remedies!

[SouthDownsSunshine]

Lots and lots of water. I had a few days of awful headaches, and I forced myself to drink much more and it's really helped.

[LetThereBeCupcakes]

A friend who suffers from migraines has just had a piercing in her ear in the part that's the pressure point for the head and hasn't had a headache since (she has a really stressful job so really did suffer). For a less permanent solution can you speak to an accupressurist?

The other thing she used to swear by was sitting with finger tips in cold water, leaning forward with a cold compress on the back of the neck. I think it's something to do with the cooling relieving pressure?

for you though, headaches are awful.

[bessie84]

uffff, i feel for you, we are 26 weeks and had headache every single chuffing day from day 1. so came spying on your thread for tips, hope you feel better soonies x

[Tigerstar123]

I too got really bad headaches during pg. So bad once I had to come home from work and was off sick. Paracetamol wouldn't touch it so I went to the Dr. My headaches she thought was linked to my anaemia but did in fact prescribed some strong painkillers that you can take whilst pg. I didn't take them much but just when I got a really bad one. I didn't know we could be given anything stronger than paracetamol, but apparently so, so if they are that bad, it's worth a trip to the drs. Xxx

[eurochick]

Acupuncture relieved mine. The effect of one session lasted about two weeks. I'm happy to recommend by pm if you are in London.

[mascaraisamust]

4head, lots of water, cold compress on head, sleep and bizarrely regular snacks. I had them until about 17 weeks and they were horrid! Managed not to take paracetamol but laid in darkness a lot!

[ForTheLoveOfSocks]

Low blood sugar can also cause headaches I've found. Maybe try upping your sugar intake a bit and see what happens?

[novemberchild]

12 weeks, and suffering too! I resorted to some Calpol 6+, which helped. Also regular snacks and plenty of water.