Pregnancy week

You're not at the mercy of your headaches, though. There's a lot you can do to prevent or alleviate headaches during pregnancy.

To prevent headaches during pregnancy:

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• Avoid headache triggers. Track, your eating activity and headache for several days to help determine your triggers headaches - then do your best to avoid your triggers.
• Include physical activity in your daily routine. Try a daily walk or other aerobic exercise gently.
• Practice relaxation exercises. calming activities such as deep, yogic breathing and visualization can help keep headaches at bay.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. It can maintain stable blood sugar levels, which can help prevent headaches.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated can make you feel your best.
• Keep a regular sleep schedule. Fatigue and lack of sleep can contribute to headaches during pregnancy. Go to bed and wake at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Maintain good posture. Poor posture or muscle tension can cause headaches, especially since you gain weight to support your pregnancy.
• Consider biofeedback. With this mind-body techniques, you learn to control certain body functions - such as muscle tension, heart rate and blood pressure - to prevent headaches or reduce the headache. If you want to try biofeedback, ask your health care provider for a referral to a biofeedback therapist.

When an attack of headache:

• Rest. Lying in a dark quiet room with eyes closed.
• Use a compress. Apply warm compresses (such as hot towels) to, eyes and temples face - or try a cold compress on the back of your neck.
• Try massage. Asking someone to massage your shoulders and neck to relieve tension. Rubbing your temples may also help.

If these steps do not help, check with your health care provider about other treatment options - especially if it was the worst headache you've ever experienced or headache is accompanied by changes in vision.

Remember, drugs are not always off-limits during pregnancy. Although aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) and many prescription migraine drugs are not recommended during pregnancy, most pregnant women can safely take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to treat the occasional headache. Your doctor may recommend other drugs as well. As with any drug, though, make sure you have the OK from your health care provider first.