Migraine Relief in Pregnancy: What’s Safe - and What Actually Works
When Migraine Meets Motherhood
Pregnancy is an incredible journey—but for women with migraines, it can also bring unique challenges.
While some lucky patients see their migraines improve during pregnancy, many continue to experience debilitating headaches—especially during the first and third trimesters.
The hard part? Most prescription migraine medications aren’t considered safe for use during pregnancy. That leaves many expecting mothers wondering: What can I actually do when a migraine hits?
At Vale Migraine & Wellness, we specialize in safe, drug-sparing treatments that help pregnant patients find relief without putting their baby at risk. Below are five treatments that are both effective and considered safe during pregnancy, according to leading medical authorities.
IV Fluids for Hydration and Circulation
Dehydration is one of the most common migraine triggers—and pregnancy increases your body’s fluid needs. Gentle IV hydration therapy can quickly restore balance and improve circulation, helping to reduce headache intensity.
Fluids are especially helpful if nausea or vomiting has made it difficult to stay hydrated. At Haven, IV fluids can be paired with other safe ingredients like magnesium or vitamin B complex, depending on your provider’s recommendations.
Magnesium: Nature’s Nerve Calmer
Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps regulate nerve activity and blood vessel tone—two major players in migraine attacks.
Pregnancy-safe and often low in migraine sufferers, magnesium infusions can help calm overactive nerves and reduce headache frequency. Studies suggest that magnesium sulfate given intravenously may help shorten migraine attacks, particularly in women prone to aura.³
Many obstetricians even recommend magnesium supplements during pregnancy for muscle cramps and blood pressure control, making it a gentle, multipurpose option.
SPG Block: Needle-Free, Drug-Free Relief
A sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block is one of the most elegant and safe migraine treatments during pregnancy.
It works by applying a small amount of numbing medicine (usually lidocaine) to a nerve cluster deep in the nasal cavity that helps regulate pain and blood vessel dilation in the head. The treatment is completely needle-free, takes just a few minutes, and provides relief by quieting overactive pain signals—without systemic medication exposure.
Because the numbing agent stays local and doesn’t travel through the bloodstream, SPG blocks are widely regarded as safe for pregnancy when performed by a qualified clinician.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Gentle Sedation for Rest and Relief
Diphenhydramine, commonly known as Benadryl, can be a surprisingly effective migraine rescue option in pregnancy. It helps reduce the sensory overload that often accompanies migraines and provides mild sedation to help you rest while the migraine passes.
As a Class B medication, diphenhydramine has no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies. Some providers combine it with fluids and magnesium in an IV setting for compounded relief.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): The Safest Pain Reliever
When it comes to over-the-counter options, acetaminophen remains the go-to for pregnant patients. ACOG lists it as the preferred pain medicine in pregnancy for both headache and general pain.
While it may not stop severe migraines on its own, acetaminophen can be part of a multi-pronged approach—especially when combined with hydration, magnesium, or an SPG block.
Metoclopramide (Reglan): Calming Nausea and Migraine Together
Metoclopramide (Reglan) is another treatment option that can safely relieve migraine-related nausea—and even help with the migraine pain itself.
It works by blocking dopamine receptors involved in nausea, vomiting, and pain signaling. The American Headache Society notes that metoclopramide is often used in emergency departments as part of a standard migraine treatment protocol, and the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists lists it as an acceptable option during pregnancy for nausea and vomiting.
When used as part of an IV “migraine cocktail” (often with fluids, magnesium, and diphenhydramine), Reglan can provide meaningful relief while remaining pregnancy-safe under medical supervision.
Personalized Migraine Care for Expecting Mothers
Every pregnancy is different, and so is every migraine. At Vale Migraine & Wellness, our expert clinicians tailor each treatment to your specific symptoms and stage of pregnancy.
Our environment is calm, restorative, and designed to make you feel cared for—not rushed. Whether you’re seeking preventive strategies or acute relief, our team can safely help you manage migraines throughout your pregnancy journey.
Safe. Soothing. Supported.
You deserve migraine relief that’s as safe as it is effective.
Let our experienced clinicians guide you through pregnancy-safe treatment options that bring comfort and confidence.
Book a consultation today to discuss a customized migraine plan designed for you and your baby.
