5 Safe, Natural Tips to help reduce headaches in pregnancy

Mar 11

Written By Evensong Women’s Health and Midwifery

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.