I am 5 weeks, I do not know what is okay to take for a headache. Please help.?

Question

This is my first pregnancy and I just don't want to do anything wrong. I get major migraines that sometimes put me in the hospital. I need to take something so that a normal headache does not turn into one of those migraines. Thanks.

Answer 1

tylenol is the only safe over the counter medication during pregnancy, my doctor prescribed me tylenol with codeine for my migraines, he says it is absolutely safe, but many other women on here will disagree with that...talk to your doctor and listen to his advice.

EDIT: Ibuprofen should not be used in the third trimester because it can cause a heart valve to not close properly.

Answer 2

I totally hear ya on the migraines ... I get them too and they suck. DO NOT take anything but Tylenol. From what I read, Tylenol is safe. but IBprofin (like advil or mortin) can cause seriously birth defects to the heart ...esspecially 5 weeks along like you are, because your little baby's organs are just starting to develop. Congrats and GOOD LUCK (esspecially with those pesky headaches!!)
Hey, just to let you know...I use to be addicted to Excedrin Migraine (seriously) I took 4 to 6 every single day. NOTHING helped with my headaches but excedrinWhen I started trying to concieve, I stopped taking everything. No pills at all. I had a horrible headache last week, and took tylenol and it worked. Maybe because I hadn't taken any medicines in so long. But my (long winded) point is- even if tylenol didn't help you before the pregnancy (because it's so weak) it may help now. GOOD LUCK AGAIN!

Answer 3

Tylenol + have a cup of coffee/tea/something with caffiene. Caffiene will make the tylenol work better (obviously do not exceed the recommended amout of caffiene). Also drink a glass of water and using hot or cold packs on the head and neck can help.

Also you CAN take ibuprofin and aspirin during the first two trimesters (never the last unless under strict supervision of a medical professional) if you have to. They may be safer than taking other prescription medications.

There are two sources of really good information you should use:
1) Pharmacists. Drugs are all they do and they tend to know more than most doctors. (Not all pharmacists keep up to date, and some doctors do.) Pharmacists deserve far more respect than they get. You can often speak to one for free over the phone if you call your local drugstore. Otherwise just drop by.

2)Motherisk.org All they do is keep informed about drug (legal, prescription, illegal, and herbs) during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They are worth the long distance call. Use one of those 10-10 long distance numbers and it will cost you almost nothing.

Motherisk's Home Line - [phone] - for information about the risk or safety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, chemicals, x-rays, chronic disease and infections during pregnancy.

These Helplines are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST

Answer 4

There are no safe medications in early pregnancy except for an occasional regular strength Tylenol. I would recommend you grab a caffeine containing sodaand take two regular strength Tylenol followed by a big glass of water and a nap. Headaches in pregnancy are frequently caused by dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, or stress. You have a history of migraines so you may continue to have those headaches. Do not take any medication OTC or prescription until you have cleared it with your doc.

Answer 5

I know that Tylenol is fine, but I don't know if that will keep your migraines at bay...most OBGYN's are really good about answering questions over the phone, even if you haven't been seen yet. I would call and ask if you can take Excedrin Migraine - I've heard it works great. Also, my doctor let me drink one caffeinated beverage a day - whenever I have a migraine coming on I tank a coke and that takes care of it if I'm lucky. Fortunately, mine aren't that bad. Good luck.

Answer 6

Hi Jen. I am 16 weeks gone now and at about 5 weeks I had terribel headaches and was so worried about what I could take. I spoke to the doc, midwife and researched on the internet and paracetamol is perfectly fine, 2 tablets is fine. I treied to rest or sleep if possible but if it was so bad I would take the tablets. It will do you no harm at all, my baby is growing nicely now so done no harm. Good luck with the pregnancy, hope you're not feeling too sick :-)

Answer 7

Yes just regular tylenol and not a lot. I think I remember only taking one but it maybe have been two. The doctor's used to tell me to drink a cup no more than one of coffee also, but that was when I was farther along. So I'm not sure since you're still in the beginning. You should consult with the triage nurse if you can.

Answer 8

If you don't have allergies to tylenol, it's the most used remedy for pain relief in any medical situation, if taken according to the label directions is normally fine while you are pregnant. If anything more than recommended doses of aspirin or tylenol is needed, call your Dr. or local clinic...overdoses of most any over the counter pain killers can have serious implications for you and the baby.

Answer 9

Try to keep food in your stomach or any kind of fluids ex: soup broth so the headache doesnt get any worse. Try rubbing a lemon slice on your forehead. I find it helpful to lay in a dark room with a wet washcloth over my head too.
You can take 2 pills of acetiminophen every 6 hours. Try those methods first though, and then use it.

Answer 10

Best thing to do is call your doctor. The recommended thing for pregnant woman is Tylenol. I do not think it will help severe pain such as migraines.