What Headache Medicine Is Safe for Pregnancy?

It is normal for pregnant women to have headaches occasionally, but you have to be careful since the medicines you take can affect your growing baby. Even though your options are limited, there are a few safe pain relievers you can take for headaches during pregnancy.

Causes

According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), several things can cause headaches during pregnancy, including low blood sugar, dehydration and stress.

Importance

It is important to be careful when taking medicine during pregnancy because some medicines, such as aspirin, could harm the baby. Aspirin is dangerous to take because it can affect the baby's blood flow and possibly be fatal.

Types

If you need to take medicine for a headache, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered safe throughout the entire pregnancy. Ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are considered safe to take up until the third trimester.

Warning

If your headaches persist, see a doctor, as this could be a sign of a pregnancy complication, such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure).

Considerations

There are several things pregnant women can do to try to relieve a headache before taking medicine. Some non-medicinal options include putting a cold compress at the base of the neck, taking a warm bath or getting a massage.

References

• American Pregnancy Association: Headaches
• Disney Family.com: Pain Medicine

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