What pregnant women can take for headache

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Headaches can occur during pregnancy due to stress, weather, food sensitivities and lack of sleep.
Pregnant women can't take most over the counter headache medications.
Acetaminophen is the only OTC headache medication that's safe for pregnant women to take.
Natural remedies like massage therapy and acupuncture are good alternatives to OTC medication.
What causes headaches in pregnancy?
When should I be concerned?
What can I do about headaches?

Women have few options for treating headaches while pregnant.
Acetaminophen seems to be the "gold standard" for over-the-counter medications.
It's always best to consult with your doctor about which treatments are best for you.

Knowing what's safe to take for your aches and pains while pregnant can be a challenge.

The internet is full of all kinds of "experts" who may or may not have the most accurate information on pregnancy-related health issues. That's why it's important to communicate with your doctor about what's best for you.

But since you can't always have your doctor on speed dial, it's nice to have quick access to factual information when that killer headache strikes.

INSIDER spoke to a few doctors who specialize in women's health about what's safe to take (and what you should avoid) for a headache during pregnancy.

Lack of sleep can lead to headaches. Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Headaches can occur during pregnancy due to stress, weather, food sensitivities and lack of sleep.

For women who suffer from severe headaches or migraines during their pregnancy, nine months can feel like forever. Dr. Susan Hutchinson, MD, headache specialist and medical advisor to Migraine X, told INSIDER you're more likely to experience migraines during pregnancy if you suffered from them pre-pregnancy.

She said the top causes of migraines during pregnancy include stress, weather-related changes like changes in barometric pressure, food sensitivities/preservatives, and lack of sleep.

Women who develop conditions like anemia or diabetes during pregnancy are also likely to experience a worsening in their migraine condition.

Pregnant women can't take most over the counter headache medications.

Scan the aisles of any drug store and you're bound to find tons of over the counter (OTC) medications for headaches. Unfortunately, most of them are off-limits when you're pregnant.

Dr. Hutchinson said to avoid prescription medication as much as possible while pregnant because they could potentially harm the developing fetus. She also advised avoiding anti-inflammatory medications such as Aleve, Advil, Motrin, and Aspirin.

Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in Tylenol. Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

Acetaminophen is the only OTC headache medication that's safe for pregnant women to take.

Dr. O. Lawrence Stitt, MD, an OB/GYN at Mercy Medical, told INSIDER that acetaminophen is considered a safer medication compared to the majority of the headache remedies available.

While acetaminophen can definitely help in a pinch, it's also important to note that there are other things you can do to prevent headaches during pregnancy.

Dr. Stitt said to make sure that your blood sugar is always within a normal range. "This can be best managed by eating small frequent meals, which can allow you to keep your blood sugar in a normal range and hopefully, avoid headaches," he added.

Natural remedies like massage therapy and acupuncture are good alternatives to OTC medication.

Dr. Hutchinson prefers natural treatments such as B-2 (Riboflavin) and Magnesium for prevention. She also recommends physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, adequate hydration, and essential oils like lavender and peppermint.

But what happens when preventative measures aren't working and an OTC drug isn't strong enough to alleviate headache pain?

Dr. Daniel Roshan, MD, assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine, told INSIDER that women who have a severe headache or a bad migraine might need stronger medications such as codeine, but anything that serious should only be given under the supervision of a doctor.

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Nearly all women have occasional headaches, but having a headache in pregnancy is not fun. And, managing headaches is especially tricky in the first trimester when you should avoid many medicines. Whether your headache is from tension or is a full-blown migraine, there are some things you should know.

What causes headaches in pregnancy?

The exact cause of a headache isn’t always clear. In the first trimester, changing hormone levels and blood volume may play a role. A dull, overall headache can come with stress, fatigue, and eyestrain. Sinus headaches may be more likely because of the nasal congestion and runny nose that are common in early pregnancy. Hunger and low levels of blood sugar can trigger headaches, too. Women who suddenly stop their morning coffee and sodas may experience caffeine withdrawal headaches. Those who also suffer with nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy can become dehydrated. This can also bring on a headache.

Migraine headaches are a common type of headache in pregnancy. These painful, throbbing headaches are usually felt on one side of the head and result from expansion of the blood vessels in the brain. The misery is sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. A small percentage of women with migraines also have an aura with the migraine. They see flashes of light or feel tingling in their arms and legs.

When should I be concerned?

When a headache is severe, or just doesn’t go away, or when you have dizziness, blurred vision, or changes in your field of vision, you should contact your healthcare provider. Headaches can sometimes be related to blood pressure problems in pregnancy. If they are persistent or severe and happen after 20 weeks of pregnancy, let your healthcare provider know. Although strokes during pregnancy are rare, migraines can increase a pregnant woman’s risk for them. If you have migraines, report them to your healthcare provider.

What can I do about headaches?

Steps to manage headaches include the following:

Avoid any known headache triggers, including allergens and certain foods, like monosodium glutamate, cured meats, and strong cheeses.
Smoking is never a good idea in pregnancy. You should also avoid secondhand smoke.
Try to eat well and drink plenty of fluids, especially if you are prone to morning sickness.
Reduce your stress level. Try a massage or cold pack to help with tension headaches.
If your headache is a migraine, rest in a cool, dark room with no noise, and try using warm or cold compresses or an ice pack.

There is good news, however. Most women have fewer headaches during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester. And those with a history of migraines often find there is improvement during pregnancy.