Home Remedies For Migraines During Pregnancy

Migraines are intense headaches that cause throbbing pain most often on one side of the head. Those who deal with them have recurring migraines. Other symptoms that accompany the throbbing pain of migraines include nausea and vomiting. Extreme sensitivity to sound and light are also fairly common. No one likes dealing with migraines, especially since they can last for hours or even days.

Migraines are typically treated with a variety of medications, including dissolvable migraine medication. Pain relief medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, are common. Unfortunately, most pills for migraine headaches aren’t suitable for pregnant women. Instead, they must turn to natural pain relief for migraines. The good news is there are plenty of ways to treat migraines naturally during pregnancy.

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Cold Compresses

Cold compress work wonders on relieving pain caused by migraines. The cold temperature of the compresses narrows blood vessels in the area, which reduces the pain signals sent to the brain. It also alters the signals from pain signals to cold signals. This is what the brain focuses on instead! Many reports indicate wrapping a cold compress around the back of the neck helps relieve migraines fairly well. Pregnant women can use a damp cloth as a compress, or a bag of frozen vegetables. Even an ice pack wrapped in a towel will work! Evidence shows cold compresses also reduce nausea, another common symptom of migraines.

Take In Some Real Ginger

Ginger is a powerful natural remedy, especially for migraines during pregnancy. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory. This means it replaces anti-inflammatory medications many people who get these headaches would normally take. Real ginger also significantly reduces nausea and thus, prevents vomiting, two other symptoms linked to these headaches. Ginger is especially great for pregnant women, since it also lessens morning sickness!

The best way of using ginger to relieve migraines is by drinking lots of ginger tea. This is particularly effective because ginger tea also increases hydration! Pregnant women can make their own ginger tea by boiling fresh ginger root in water. Powdered ginger can also be used in small amounts.

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Use Essential Oils

Essential oils are amazing home remedies for pregnant women. Lavender and peppermint essential oils are especially powerful when it comes to relieving migraines. Lavender has long been known to be relaxing. This reduces stress and lessens tension in the brain, relieving any pain felt within the body. Peppermint essential oil stimulates blood flow and relieves muscle contractions. It also has a cooling effect!

Pregnant women have 2 options when using these essential oils to get rid of their migraines. One is to put their chosen oil in a diffuser and inhale it for 30 minutes. The other is to carefully dab their pinky finger in the oil and rub the oil onto the sides of their forehead.

Drink More Water

Dehydration is a major cause of migraines. This is especially the case during the summer, since the body needs to replace more water due to the heat. Pregnant women also require more water than others since their body is hard at work creating a life! Pregnant women should drink at least 10 glasses of water a day, which is 2 more than the recommendation for the average adult. Drinking some more water on top of these 10 glasses when dealing with a migraine is an effective natural pain remedy. It is best, of course, to drink water throughout the day and not all at once. Pregnant women should carry a water bottle with them during the day and refill it as needed.

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Take Advantage Of Blackout Curtains

This kind of headache causes sensitivity to light. This sensitivity increases the pain people feel. The great news is there is a foolproof way to fix this in pregnant women: blackout curtains! When these curtains are closed, they block out all of the light coming from outside. The best blackout curtains are made of 3 layers. The most important of these is a layer of foam. This ensures the curtains completely block out the light from outside. They also dampen sound! This gives pregnant women a quieter room in which they can recover. These women must get the best blackout curtains possible and ensure they are closed firmly. Turning off all the lights in the room will magnify the effect a quiet and dark environment has on migraines.