Headache during pregnancy

Many women complain of a headache when they are pregnant. A headache is one of the common discomforts for women especially during the first and the third trimester and could be due to stress, sinus or migraines. Though it is very annoying for most of the pregnant women, but this is usually not indicative of any serious medical condition. Women who have a history of migraines or sinuses may find it difficult to manage their condition during pregnancy as they may not be able to take their usual medication.

Sinus Headache During Pregnancy: Causes and Home Remedies

Causes of a headache during pregnancy

• Increased levels of hormones
• Added weight and the overall stress that some women experience
• Prior history or new onset of sinuses and migraines
• The sudden reduction in the caffeine intake
• Lack of sleep
• Dehydration
• Overall fatigue
• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein levels)

What can you do about a sinus headache?

Given below are 21 home remedies that you can easily use to treat your sinus headache that you are experiencing during pregnancy:

Peppermint

Consuming some peppermint with warm water or preparing a tea with it can reduce sinus headache to a great extent.

Willow bark

Prepare a tea with it. Willow bark is actually a natural medicine and it is used in making aspirin tablets, hence you are indirectly consuming aspirin.

Eat healthy

Eating healthy is the key for everything. Avoid junk foods and indulge yourself in eating green leafy vegetables and fruits. Getting the perfect diet will keep you away from all the problems including sinus headache. Also, a proper diet is beneficial for the fetus growing in your womb.

Rest is important

During pregnancy rest is very important. A tiring body can lead to a severe headache. So make sure that you get a good sleep of 8-10 hours and don’t take a lot of workloads.

Hydrate yourself

Hydrate yourself well, as dehydration could be a reason you are dealing with sinus headaches. Water contains all the essential electrolytes that are required by our body.

Massages are beneficial

Massages are just amazing, no matter you are tired or experiencing any pain. Warm some oil and get a good and relaxing massage by someone, either a professional or a family member and feel how the pain melts away.

Acupuncture is the key

Acupuncture is extremely revitalizing and it has been proven to be an effectual and harmless solution for headaches.

Take hot showers

Hot showers are always so de-stressing and reviving. Taking a hot shower will make you forget all your tensions and pains. It shows the maximum effect when taken after a great massage.

Acupressure

Unlike acupuncture which uses needles, acupressure uses fingers. All you need is a pinch over the painful area to get rid of it. You can go to any professional or ask someone from your family to do it.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an important element that our body must intake and its deficiency can be one of the major reasons for sinus headaches. So, eat magnesium-rich foods.

Practice yoga

Yoga is a best solution for all the ailments and so is for sinus headache. It relaxes you and keeps away all the stress.

Lemon juice

Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. It not only provides you instant relief from the pain but also makes you feel more energized and lively.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil has a pleasing aroma. When the smell of this oil is inhaled it magically treats the sinus pain during pregnancy and also has long-lasting effects.

Fish oil

Fish oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and is an efficacious way to reduce sinus pain. It will also boosts the brain and memory power of the baby growing inside you.

Almonds

Almonds are a rich source of magnesium that helps in treating sinus headache. Eats at least 3-4 almonds in a day during your pregnancy as it will not only reduce sinus pain but will also help in digestion.

Ice-creams

sometimes changing the taste and soothing your taste buds can give you relief. You can also make a spinach smoothie by adding ice-cream to it for better effects as spinach is rich in magnesium.

Ways to use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for a sinus headache during pregnancy

Minimalist ACV Drink

Apple cider vinegar is awesome and it is loaded with healthy nutrients and it can provide many health benefits. ACV contains Vitamins B1, B2, and B6; biotin; folic acid; and vitamin C. Vinegar has antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties that work together to fight the cause of your sinus pain. You need to just mix 2 tablespoons of ACV with 1 glass of boiled water and drink it quickly.

Vinegar steam

Steam helps thin and loosen mucus to clear your airway and makes it easier for you to breathe. The steam also moisturizes and soothes swollen sinus tissue. Mix a half cup of water with half cup of ACV in a saucepan and heat until it gets steamy. Pour the water into a large bowl and take the steam by placing a towel over your head so that the steam is around your head.

Sweet ACV

According to the experts, viruses cause 90-98% of acute sinusitis cases but you must also know that bacterial and fungal infection may also cause the condition. ACV is very useful against this problem, but when combined with honey, it’s even more effective as honey boosts the immune system to fight off infection and promote healing of sore and inflamed nasal and sinus tissue. Mix two spoons of ACV and one spoon of honey in a glass of hot water and make sure you take the steam while you drink it.

The ultimate decongestant

For this, you need to combine ACV and lemon in a small saucepan over low heat and simmer for a few minutes. Then you need to remove from heat and add cayenne pepper, powdered ginger, and honey to it. Let it cool for 15 minutes and then store in a glass jar. Take 1-2 tablespoons in every two hours to heal sinus infection.

Spicy sinus tonic

It is well known that horseradish leaves a powerful sting in the nose after eating it. But did you know that this slight discomfort actually helps fight sinus pain and infection? Just combine vinegar and horseradish into a small glass and quickly drink and swallow it. Also, don’t eat anything for next 5 minutes after drinking it and after 5 minutes follow up with a teaspoon of honey to relieve your mouth and throat.

Things to remember

If you have tried the remedies given above but you are still facing a sinus headache then it is time for you to consult your doctor. If your headache goes from bad to worse or there is some swelling, blurred vision or sharp abdominal pain then make sure that you get a proper checkup. Don’t worry, because the pain will vanish easily if you take less stress.