Medical treatments
What to avoid
Some women prefer to use natural therapies to help deal with their headaches. Check with your caregiver and/or natural therapist.
Massage
Aromatherapy
Herbs or homoeopathy
Chiropractic or Osteopathy
Acupuncture
Massage. A massage to the neck, shoulders, scalp and temples can bring great relief when you have a headache. Applying a cool or warm cloth (whichever you prefer) to the back of your neck or forehead may also help. Some women will use tiger balm on their temples (at the side of their forehead).
Aromatherapy.Your aromatherapist may suggest using a drop of Lavender essential oil on your pillow to sleep at night, or a drop of spearmint oil on a tissue to inhale. (In general, essential oils should not be used before 12 weeks of pregnancy. Peppermint used to be recommended, but this is now considered toxic during pregnancy. Please see your aromatherapist before using essential oils.)
Herbs or homoeopathy. There are many remedies that a herbalist or homoeopath may suggest for your individual condition. See them for any suggested treatments.
Chiropractic or Osteopathy. Some women find a treatment by their chiropractor or osteopath helps, especially if their headaches are caused by their neck or jaw being out of alignment.
Acupuncture treatments can be helpful in relieving tension and muscle tightness. Treatments by an experienced acupuncturist may be helpful.
Medical treatments
If you contact your caregiver about experiencing a headache during pregnancy, they may suggest you take a mild pain killer. (This is usually a paracetamol, but check with your caregiver before doing this.) Minimise your intake as much as possible. If one does the trick then keep it at that, and never exceed the recommended dosages on the packet.
What to avoid
Be guided by your caregiver. However, painkillers with aspirin or codeine in them are not generally recommended.