Alternative Meds During Pregnancy

Hi K.,
With my first pregnancy I had terrible headaches and nothing seemed to work so my Doctor said it was fine if I took Advil instead of tylenol. It always helped and my baby came out perfect ;-) (before I got pregnant advil would only help my headaches as well)
So now I'm 16 weeks along and whenever I have a headache I take Advil as well. Good Luck-A.

I use a chiropator in Vernon Hills.
The number there is ###-###-#### and all of the doctors there are great!

Pregancy Yoga, massage, and a chiroprator(many will ask you to come back multiple times, I only went 3 times when things were bad my whole pg).

K.:

acupuncture/craniosacral therapy/massage.

look for practitioners at www.birthlink.com

warmly,

P., RLC, IBCLC, CST
Breastfeeding and Parent Solutions

i had many medical issues, including spinal stenosis and chronic neck pain and sinus issues, I found Chiropractic care, massage therapy and accupuncture where AWESOME Alternatives. I love my Chiropractor, he is a naturopathic doctor. No drugs!

I'm 16 weeks and having headaches a lot. Do you wear glasses/contacts? I have to wear my glasses all day. It's like eye strain or eye tension or something. If that doesn't work I use the blue oil from Aveda (it's in a little vial, just ask in the store/salon) and an ice pack and lay down for awhile.Also, a little bit of caffeine makes a huge difference esp. if you take it with the Tylenol.

The only thing that worked for me was a bag of ice on my head while lying down. I went through that the entire first 4 months with my 2nd baby. NO FUN so understand where you're coming from. Sometimes having a little coffee (like half a cup) would really help too. I know you should avoid caffiene but it helped and if you're in that much pain, it's worth a shot. Also, the other gal mentioned massage and accupuncture. That's a wonderul option too but only if you can afford it but many insurance companies will allow these services so call and ask. It's considered alternative medicine.

Hi,
Not sure if this product has a prego warning but it is found at health food stores. Stop Pain is a topical spray with a light minty smell and if I remember correctly it isn't oily. This stuff works well on sore muscles and a lot of other things. Congrats and Good Luck!

Definately talk to your OB doc about the headaches. I started getting really bad migraines when I was pregnant and my OB prescribed Tylenol 3, which has codine in it. It worked great for me. Hope you can get some relief.

I went to a chiropractor and got a massage and an adjustment.. Feel fantastic!!

You may want to ask your Dr. about using Motrin instead. It may work a little better. Also, I'd try massage and a warm pack whenever you can.

maybe a chiropractor that has experience with pregnancies? I know of one in Libertyville if that is convenient for you.

I'd recommend massage. The upper back/neck is not an area you need to be concerned about having massaged when pregnant, so you'll be safe.

Believe it or not, it may be as simple as seeing a chiropractor for an adjustment. My mother suffered the same thing with my younger sister. After many doctor's visits and no help with Tylenol, she saw a chiropractor at the advice of her doctor. He adjusted her back and neck, and it helped tremendously.

After reading all the posts - there are many! I had some concerns - Motrin and Ibuprofen (Advil may even be similar but I'm not sure)are the same thing and totally NOT OK in pregnancy - they may have been OK in the past but were in the medical journals a couple months ago that they cause miscarriages and should even be avoided prior to getting pregnant. That said, my chiropractor was amazing, "Radiant Health" in Hoffman Estates. Massage and heat/ice and oil/cream rubs may be healthiest for pregnancy - check with your OB first. Also, headaches, as mentioned above can be a sign of dehydration, caffeine withdrawl, stress, eyesight issues. Get much rest, drink fluids, wear sunglasses etc. Good luck.

What about going to a chiropractor? Also I know it's safe to take ibuprofin but check with your OB first.

Pregnancy message and chiropractic adjustment are safe bets as well as trying to eliminate stresses if possible. Meditation and/or pregnancy yoga are great and help with childbirth too. Look into alternative birthing methods too to help with the stress that could cause problems in labor. I suggest HypnoBirthing as I found it sooooo helpful for myself and I have 3 bulging discs in my neck.

I would recommend a chiropractor. this is really important as your belly grows and puts pressure on your spine! I also periodically get headaches and the adjustment really helps me.
Our family sees Dr. Ken Olson in aurora on Galena blvd, behind robinsons auto.

Hi K.,

Have you tried icing your shoulder/neck, where the pain originates? You can try Myoflex too, I use it for muscle pain and it's great on me!

Also a chiropractor could be very helpful, and they're safe for pregnant women.

Hope you feel better soon!

you need to go to a great chiro. I have great suggestions if you are near the NW suburbs

You can take Tylenol 3, but you need a prescription from your doctor. The only thing is that it will make you VERY sleepy. I had a ligament issue while pregnant and that's what my OB gave me.

I often have had neck pain myself. I found a natural product that is topical. I can send you some samples if you would like. e-mail me your address and I ill throw them in the mail to you. I'm at ____@____.com

Hi K. Check with your OB/GYN before taking anything in this early stage of your pregnancy.

I was having neck/shoulder pain and went to Physical therapy and it helped.

Ask your physician - make sure your ob gyn understands that you are uncomfortable.
Consider taking prenatal yoga class to focus on breathing and relaxation.

I would try a chiropractor.

Don't take ibuprofen, it can cause bleeding issues and problems with the placenta. Not to scare but women who take ibuprofen in pregnancy are more likely to have miscarriages due to blood flow problems. It's not a birth defect issue.

Also, talk with your doctor or midwife about physical therapy.

I am not sure about this for pregnacy, but have you heard of Tiger Balm. It is not injested so that is why I offered it up. It is a Chinese ointment that smells strong, but works great! Not sure if the smell would overwhelm you either since I was very sensitive to smell during pregnancy. You put it on your temples and can put a bit under you nose for headache and then on the area of pain for other pain. Good Luck