Let’s be honest: Pregnancy can cause your brain to malfunction. We’re not talking just about forgetfulness and brain fog. We also talk about headaches and migraine attacks in particular.
Migraine can be a headache that causes intense throbbing on one side of your head. Imagine a 3-year-old living behind your eyes and pounding on a drum. Each drumbeat sends waves through your skull. Natural childbirth can seem easy compared to the pain. Well, almost. Although migraine attacks are painful, we don’t want to go too far.
About 30 million Americans, according to TrustedSource, suffer from migraines, with 75 percent being women. Many women (up to 80 percent) report that their migraine attacks get better during pregnancy. However, other women continue to suffer.
Between 15 and 20 percent of women who are pregnant experience migraines. According to experts, women who suffer migraine attacks that include “aura,” a neurological condition that can accompany or precede migraine, manifesting as flashing lights or wavy lines or vision loss or numbness or tingling, do not see their headaches improving during pregnancy.
What should a pregnant mom do if a migraine attacks? What is safe and what is not? Does a migraine ever become so dangerous that you need to seek emergency medical attention?
The majority of headaches, including migraines, during pregnancy are not cause for concern. It’s important to note that migraine attacks can be extremely annoying and even dangerous for women who are pregnant and their babies. You can fight the pain by learning everything you need about migraines during pregnancy.
What causes migraine headaches in pregnancy?
It seems that migraine headaches are genetic and therefore tend to run through families. There is usually an event that triggers migraine headaches. At least in women, fluctuating hormone levels, particularly the rise and drop of estrogen, are a common trigger.
Most pregnant women who suffer migraines experience them in the first trimester, when estrogen levels have not yet stabilized. In fact, many women experience headaches as an early pregnancy sign.
A rise in blood volume can also be a factor. This is common during the first trimester. Blood vessels in the brain can expand to accommodate more blood flow and press against sensitive nerve ends, causing pain. You may also experience migraines if you are pregnant.
- You’re not getting enough sleep. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, 8–10 hours of sleep per night is recommended for pregnant women. We’ll see you on the other side, Jimmy Fallon.
- According to the American Migraine Foundation, a third of migraine sufferers say that dehydration triggers their headaches. Women who are pregnant should drink 10 cups of fluid per day. Drink them early in the day to avoid waking up at night to use the toilet.
- Some foods. This includes chocolate, aged cheeses (not that wine is something you should drink), and foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG).
- Exposure to bright, intense light Sunlight and fluorescent lighting are both light-related triggers.
- Exposed to strong smells. Examples are paints, perfumes, and explosive diapers.
- Changes in weather
What symptoms are associated with pregnancy migraine attacks?
A migraine while pregnant will look very similar to a migraine when you are not pregnant. You may experience:
- Head pain that is throbbing usually occurs on one side—for instance, behind one eye—but can also occur anywhere.
- nausea
- Sensitivity to smells, sounds, and movements
- vomiting
What are safe treatments for migraines during pregnancy?
You have to be careful about what you put in your body when you are pregnant. Can I have a second cup of coffee? How about a bite of Brie? If you are suffering from the worst headache of all—a migraine—you need relief as soon as possible. What are your options?
At-home remedies
You should use these as your first line of defense to prevent and treat migraines:
- Understand your triggers. Eat regularly, stay hydrated, and avoid foods that you know cause migraines.
- Cold/hot compresses. Find out what relieves your migraine pain. Wrapping a cool pack in a towel and placing it over your head will help relieve numbness. A heating pad placed around your neck will ease tight muscles.
- When a migraine attacks, go to a quiet, dark room. Noise and light can aggravate your migraine.
Medicines
You may hate the idea of taking medicine if you are pregnant. Even so, migraines can be very painful, and medication is sometimes the only way to stop the pain.
Take it safely.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, drugs that are safe for use during pregnancy to treat migraines include:
- Acetaminophen is the generic name for the drug found in Tylenol. The drug is also available under many other brands.
- Often prescribed to treat migraines, this drug increases the speed at which food leaves the stomach.
Under certain circumstances, it may be safe to take.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) These include ibuprofen, naproxen, and Advil (Aleve). They are only safe to take in the second half of pregnancy. Early on, there is a higher risk of miscarriage. Later on, there are complications, such as bleeding.
- Imitrex, Amerge, and other triptans are among them. Although their use during pregnancy can be controversial—there isn’t much research to prove their safety—many doctors believe the benefits outweigh any risk.
No-gos
- Aspirin in full dose. Don’t take aspirin. The use of aspirin during pregnancy is linked to a number of problems, such as miscarriage or bleeding both in the mother and baby. Before taking combination drugs such as Excedrin Migraine, always consult a healthcare provider first.
- The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Trusted Source states that opioid use during pregnancy may lead to preterm delivery, stillbirths, and certain birth defects. The use of opioids should be limited and closely monitored by your doctor
Should I be concerned?
According to a study conducted in 2019 (trusted source), pregnant women who suffer migraine attacks are at increased risk for certain complications.
- Having high blood tension while pregnant can progress to preeclampsia.
- Delivering a baby with low birthweight can be challenging but is still possible.
- having a cesarean delivery
Research from an older (trusted source) shows that migraines during pregnancy can increase stroke risk. Take a deep breath. Experts claim that the risk of stroke is still low.
It’s important to put this in context. Most women who suffer from migraines will be fine during their pregnancy. When you are aware of the warning signs, you can avoid (pun intended!) serious issues. Seek immediate medical care if you:
- You have your first headache during pregnancy.
- You have a severe migraine.
- Are You Experiencing High Blood Pressure and Headache
- You have a headache that won’t leave.
- You have a headache that is accompanied by vision changes, such as blurred vision or sensitivity.
Takeaway
Most women are spared migraine attacks when pregnant, thanks to the constant hormone supply. Unlucky people suffer from migraines. You’ll have to be more selective about what and when you take your medication if you fall into this category. However, there are still options available.
Early in pregnancy, or even before (if possible), discuss a migraine plan with your doctor so that you are prepared.
Credit: The Web Health & Drugs Discussion Forum