If you’re suffering from headaches during your pregnancy it’s important to understand what may be contributing to or causing them and how to safely alleviate discomfort.
Possible Causes of Headaches:
- Hormonal changes
- Nasal congestion
- Allergies
- Hunger (or low blood sugar)
- Fatigue
- Lack of sleep
- Food triggers
- Eye-strain
- Tension
- Stress & anxiety
- Caffeine withdrawal
- TMJ or Jaw tension
5 safe, natural tips to help reduce headaches in pregnancy:
- Apply a few drops of lavender oil, peppermint oil, or Tiger Balm to the temples; these have been shown to safely and effectively reduce headaches.
- Many headaches are a result of neck and shoulder tension, so don’t overlook the value of massage, a gentle osteopathic manipulation, or craniosacral therapy for headache prevention and relief.
- Magnesium can help reduce a tension headache; take 300 – 800 mg/day of magnesium glycinate, or if constipation is also a problem, magnesium citrate in the same dosage.
- Take 2 ginger capsules once or twice daily if you feel a headache coming on; it is a natural anti-inflammatory herb that is considered safe in pregnancy.
- Take a hot bath with 2 cups of Epsom salts, and 5-7 drops of lavender essential oil – the combination of magnesium in the Epsom salts, the aromatherapy from lavender, and hot water is deeply relaxing and can help relieve a headache.