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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

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

26 replies

Nickname1980 · 01/04/2016 17:35

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.... Sad

OP posts:
Kirjava · 01/04/2016 17:39

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 · 01/04/2016 17:39

Also try steam inhalation as it could be sinus related.

HD18 · 01/04/2016 17:45

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

Ricksheadtilt · 01/04/2016 17:45

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

CarrieLouise25 · 01/04/2016 17:48

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

Congrats! Almost scan time x

Utini · 01/04/2016 17:55

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 · 01/04/2016 17:59

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.

Original poster
Nickname1980 · 01/04/2016 18:16

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!!

OP posts:
ThePopAndCry · 01/04/2016 18:19

Cocodamol?

MintTpls · 01/04/2016 18:22

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

lovelychops · 01/04/2016 18:31

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

Lovelongweekends · 01/04/2016 18:35

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

Original poster
Nickname1980 · 01/04/2016 18:56

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

Also ordered everything suggested from the online pharmacy!!!

OP posts:
SignoraStronza · 01/04/2016 19:03

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

goldenpineapple · 01/04/2016 19:06

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 · 01/04/2016 20:46

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.

Original poster
Nickname1980 · 01/04/2016 22:41

Hahaha! signora That made me smile Grin

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!

OP posts:
SouthDownsSunshine · 02/04/2016 07:11

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 · 02/04/2016 07:18

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?

Flowers for you though, headaches are awful.

bessie84 · 02/04/2016 09:03

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 · 02/04/2016 09:10

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 · 02/04/2016 09:50

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 · 02/04/2016 18:50

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 · 03/04/2016 09:30

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

novemberchild · 03/04/2016 13:28

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