Safety First: Migraines During Pregnancy

Having a baby is a joyous time and filled with so many wonderful changes.  Unfortunately, some of those changes may bring about some unforeseen complications, such as migraines.  If you suffered with migraines prior to pregnancy, you have a 50/50 chance on how pregnancy will impact your current attacks.  Some may worsen, some may improve.  Many women find that they only experience migraines during pregnancy and they dissipate within a few weeks of birth.  Most doctors believe this is due to the extreme hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.  Regardless of when or why your migraines are occurring, it is important to approach your treatment safely.  Pregnancy is a time when many medications are not recommended, due to the impact they could have on the fetus.

Pregnancy Migraines

A migraine headache usually begins with just a dull ache and works its way into an intense throbbing and constant pulsating pain around the temples, front or base of the head.  Migraines can often times be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or vomiting.  In few cases, you may experience visual disturbances known as an aura.  An aura may present itself as wavy lines, dots or flashing lights in your line of vision.  In extreme cases, temporary vision loss can occur.

The exact cause for migraine headaches isn’t known, but they appear to involve nerve pathways and the flow of blood to the brain.  Some researchers believe that when brain cells become overactive or excited they will set-off a release of chemicals.  These chemical then irritate blood vessels and cause them to swell leaving the pressure and discomfort of a headache.  Hormones, specifically estrogen, are also thought to be a contributor to migraine episodes.  This is why women are more likely to experience migraines than men, but also why times such as pregnancy, menstruation and menopause may wreak havoc on your current headache pattern or even result in the onset of migraines for the first time.

Migraines are not dangerous, but when you are pregnant, any changes to your migraines need to be reported to your physician as soon as possible.  If your migraine is present with a fever, blurred vision or lasts more than a few hours, it could indicate the presence of another health issue.

Safe Treatment Options

Because medication is limited to basic pain relievers, such as Tylenol during pregnancy you may have to seek out other options for managing your pain.  Some simple preventative measures will go a long way to reduce the frequency and intensity of your migraines without the need of medication.

• Avoid triggers – common triggers may be food, environmental changes, stress, lack of sleep and stress.  Learn your triggers and look for trends by keeping a headache journal.
• Be physical – physical activity is important to maintain a healthy pregnancy, but just a simple walk or moderate aerobic exercise will get your endorphins following and ward off migraine symptoms.
• Manage your stress – stress is frowned upon in any pregnancy, as it is not good for mother or baby, but when dealing with migraines it is a common trigger.  Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed.  Avoid people or activities that drain your positive energy and don’t be afraid to ask for some help.
• RELAX – give relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, or tai chi a try.
• Don’t skip meals – letting your blood sugar level drop by skipping meals or not have a snack isn’t good.  Fluctuation in your blood sugar can trigger a migraine and adds undue stress on your body.
• Stay hydrated – the body is at its best when it is hydrated.  During pregnancy try to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water each day!
• Rest – get plenty of rest, you are going to need it before baby arrives.  Also, lack of sleep or fatigue can trigger migraines and you don’t want to be fighting off a painful headache when your body isn’t fully charged.  Doctors recommend setting a specific sleep schedule, even on the weekends, and maintaining it throughout your pregnancy to ensure your body is getting the adequate amount of rest.

Pregnancy migraines don’t have to get you down.  Enjoy your pregnancy and detour future migraine attacks with simple lifestyle changes, no medication required!

Tags: migraine, migraine headache, migraine prevention, migraine treatment, pregnancy, women and migraines