Safe Tips to Treat Headaches During Pregnancy

At-a-Glance Treatments

While your best bet is to treat headaches with natural means, sometimes that just doesn't cut it. Before taking any medications (even over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol), talk to your doctor. Call her if your treatments aren't working, or if your headaches get worse or more persistent. Here's what's safe -- and what's not.

Safest: Natural methods (such as a massage from your partner, cold or warm compresses, a bath); acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Next Steps: Prescription drugs containing both acetaminophen and a mild sedative or narcotic (such as Darvocet or Fioricet)

Not Advised: Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin

Off Limits: Common headache and migraine medications called triptans (Imitrex, Amerge, Relpax)

Originally published in the September 2007 issue of American Baby magazine.

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