Headaches in pregnancy - any remedies?

[oldermama2021]

Hi,
I am 16 weeks pregnant and for the last week I have had a constant headache. Had my midwife appt and bp etc was all ok and she said that it is normal for some people to have headaches. Does anyone have any remedies that seemed to work? I felt really tired yesterday, and that coupled with the headache made me feel sick...but wasn't. Does anyone have any advice? Thank you.

Try and take small naps if you can and a cold compress on the back of your neck or forehead and a couple paracetamol.
Nice relaxing bath too if you have one, but getting some naps in should help you loads!

paracetamol and codeine , perfectly safe at this stage of pregnancy. Avoid codeine the last two weeks before giving birth.

4head has been my saviour. I suffer with migraines ordinarily but they have got worse since being pregnant. I try to not take too much paracetamol. But I have found 4head really good to use just to take the edge off. Especially as I get mine behind my eyes. I feel your pain because it is horrible

I suffered badly. Didn’t want to take paracetamol so used cold flannels and napped.

Thank you @lockdownpregnancy, @AldiAisleofCrap, @KB13 and @peachypetite I will definitely try the paracetamol, cold compress and 4head. I used to take 4head before - will give it another try! Anything is worth a shot! The headaches are awful. Thank you all!

You can try upping your fluid intake too.

I don't think the weather is helping at the minute though, I hardly ever get headaches but have had a number over the last 3 weeks.

Oh gosh OP i feel for you-in both my pregnancies I had a solid headache from week 14-20.....woke up one day and it was just gone
From recollection I took paracetamol and nurofen but not a lot else helped-it was horrid but did pass

I'd avoid codeine as it can be addictive and can make any rebound headaches worse.

Try two paracetamol and a can of cold red coke. It always helps me.

I struggled with bad headaches around 16 weeks too. I think they lasted from around 12-17 weeks and then went away 🤷‍♀️

What helped me when I had one was: drinking lots of water , a coffee , paracetamol and a bath! Massaging my temples and using a cold compress also helped too !

Thank you @BernardsarenotalwaysSaints, @MobLife, @QuestionableMouse and @MichelleOR84 I will definitely try these suggestions out....will try anything to see if it helps! Thank you.

@oldermama2021 I had headaches basically daily from about 4-13 weeks - it was awful!

Not much helped for me except laying down as much as possible, 4head gives like 5 mins of relief. I found that 'freeze gel' on the forehead helped the most! Sounds weird but I randomly tried it and that was the most relief I could get! Not a miracle cure but may be worth a try 😊

Thank you @H8624 I will give anything a try!

I use these if I've got a migraine.

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B077P5DFFW/ref=sspa_mw_detail_3?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8

I keep them in the fridge but chuck them in the freezer for a few minutes to get really cold. They're soft so they don't poke your head too.

You can also nuke them to make them warm which is also nice!

Nasal strips. I found mine was due to my sinuses!

Are you taking pregnacare? This gave me major headaches!!
Have you had your eye sight tested?

Thanks @QuestionableMouse these look good!

Hi @OverTheRainbow88 I don't pregnacare as I found the preconception ones didn't agree with me. I have also recently had an eye test and all was ok there...think these are just pregnancy related.

They're really nice. Also cheap so you're not out much if they don't work.

More water, cold cloth, more sleep if possible and paracetamol. It should pass in a few weeks.

4Head has been my saviour.

I know we're allowed paracetamol but even before getting pregnant I avoid taking medication unless I'm really desperate.

Made a silly mistake with the 4Head yesterday though, the headache had moved to my face so I put it under my eyes. I felt like PJ in Byker Grove for a good 10 minutes!

There’s a magic gel migraine relief cap you can buy on amazon that you pop in the freezer. It’s a god send. I would have two paracetamol if really bad also. They do eventually go but that period between 16-20 weeks can be tough.

Make sure you are drinking lots of water. Dehydration causes headaches.

Thanks @QuestionableMouse have ordered some, so fingers crossed!
Thanks @WhyIsItSoHardToPickAUsername, @IamC, @Kodiak83 and @Aquamarine1029 going to try all those - water, paracetamol and 4 head....and hope that these pass quickly. Thank you for your help.

Hope they work for you!

4head is good or tiger balm in small doses

lloydspharmacy.com/products/migraine-koolnsoothe-migraine-soft-gel-sheets-x-4?variant=32657485103167&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj9LXja3F6wIVzd_tCh2OOwQBEAQYASABEgI31_D_BwE These are amazing and have helped me out without taking any pain killers x