Peace of mind

Head off mom-to-be migraines with bump-safe relief.
Usual suspects
Between fluctuating hormone levels, caffeine withdrawal and disrupted sleep, a number of factors can trigger prenatal brain pain. Luckily, though, most headaches recede by the second trimester.
Natural fit
Before raiding the medicine cabinet, Christopher Bassil, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN in Atlanta, suggests making minor lifestyle changes to eliminate common culprits. Eat smaller, more frequent meals, up your water intake and establish a strong sleep schedule to limit the amount of hurt you feel.
Rapid relief
If a headache is already underway, take a warm bath, or cover your face and neck with a cool towel to soothe symptoms. For stubborn pain, meds aren’t off-limits. “Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally safe throughout pregnancy,” advises Bassil. The daily dose, however, “should not exceed 4 grams and use should be strictly intermittent.” If that doesn’t work, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen (Motrin), may also be taken, but it’s best to wait until after the first trimester.