Remedies for severe headaches first trimester

[anniz91]

Currently in my 9th week of pregnancy and I am getting the worst headaches. I have never experienced such intense headaches.

I don't really want to take medication for this. Is there anything that helped I.e natural remedies or things that I can try?

Have you tried using a heat pack or a cool pack? I used a first aid cold pack like the ones you use after bumps etc and lay down in a dark room and to a certain extent it helped.
Also a bit of caffeine within the recommended amount helped as I suspect some of mine was to do with sudden caffeine withdrawal

I like these, they stick on to your forehead so can move around still https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kool-Soothe-Migraine-Cooling-Strips/dp/B000KU954M/ref=ascdff_B000KU954M/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309940318982&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10216806790545342205&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046893&hvtargid=pla-562265753439&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

I just took paracetamol tbh.

I found acupuncture helpful.

Cola or coffee - caffeine was always the savior for my pounding headaches when painkillers didn't touch it.

The caffeine will help dilate the blood vessels - was my OBGYN who recommended it.

I’m 10 weeks today and getting bad headaches also - I mainly rely on 4head (the menthol stick) and when it gets bad I just take paracetamol.

@Aksbdt that makes sense I usually have a cup of coffee in the morning but due to nausea I stopped drinking it completely. I might try drinking one cup again 👍🏻

@justanotherlaura thank you I'll give them a try :)!

@Tisfortired I think paracetamol is my last resort too. I know it's safe but just want to avoid it where possible.

4head was a life saver for me. Really eased the headaches

@arianasky great :) I'll try that too!

Caffeine always made me sick when I had a headache early on. It’s a case of trying things to see what helps you. For me it was paracetomol, 4head roll and a lemonade lolly!

OP also make sure you're not dehydrated!

@Flederjo definitely not :)! I drink about 1.5L daily.

Are you at all stressed or do you use a computer for most of the day at work? Those were the causes of my first tri headaches! I was getting them almost daily

@bogoblin yes I have to use a computer 9-5 for work. But tbh I have been taking naps in between because I am just so tired. Think I need to cut down on your screen time with the phone as I have been using it far more than I usually do.

Warm not hot shower.

I found really massaging my neck helpful

I loved those stick on cooling things too

But really, paracetamol is very safe to take in pregnancy so a few of those and a Diet Coke would help massively

It might be a good idea to see your doctor or mw just to check your blood pressure is ok

I had a full on migraine a few nights ago and put a generous amount of olbas oil onto a tissue and sniffed the heck out of it. It passed within an hour or so.

When I was in first trimester I relied on olbas oil so much!

@anniz91 I know it's safe but just want to avoid it where possible. entirely your choice but surely you can see how illogical that is?

@LilacPoppy yes it is entirely my choice and your comment is a little bit judgmental don't you think?

Agree with PP re 4head, it’s brilliant! Would also recommend upping the water more, my midwife said minimum of 2 litres a day because you need to be more hydrated when pregnant. If you’ve stopped caffeinated drinks, it could just be a withdrawal headache so if you do start drinking coffee again that might help.

As loads of people have said. A full sugar drink with caffeine like coke 4head and the cold patches. I used to put one on the side of my head that was painful but also one on the back of my neck I found this really helped . Make sure you are eating as hunger can make them worse x

Freezing cold flannel and 4head worked for me.

Actually some very credible emerging research is suggesting caution may be warranted with paracetamol in the first trimester : www.nature.com/articles/s41574-021-00553-7

NHS guidelines haven’t changed yet and probably more studies are required, but just to balance out the picture - you’re not totally crazy OP.