Every pregnancy is as unique and special as the woman experiencing it. No two are exactly alike — so during your pregnancy you may experience headaches while other women enjoy 40 weeks free of such pains.
What is a migraine?
Headaches are divided into two categories: primary and secondary. Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying health problem, such as a sinus infection or high blood pressure. Primary headaches are self-contained — the pain you feel is a direct result of the headache itself. Migraines are a classic example of a headache. Migraine sufferers often experience: → Moderate to severe, throbbing pain in the head. → Miscellaneous Symptoms such as increased sensitivity to light, noise or smells, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc. — lasting from four hours to three days. If you experience a migraine while you are pregnant, it can often be accompanied by an aura. An aura is a temporary sensory disturbance that may include visual changes, numbness and tingling, or changes in speech.
Why do I get migraines during pregnancy?
You can blame your hormones for that – the very ones that help your body keep your unborn baby healthy and well-nourished also raise your headache threshold. So is the increase in blood volume, which occurs during the first trimester. Other factors that lead to headaches during pregnancy include:
- Eating certain foods (that trigger migraines)
- Inadequate water intake
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep
- Bad nutrition
- Stress
- Stomach disorders
Over an eighth of women experience migraines during their reproductive years. Women who have migraines are more likely to have them during pregnancy. But in cases involving secondary headaches, causes may include preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), venous thrombosis (blood clots in the brain), sinus infections, brain tumors, risk of stroke, and more. A careful evaluation of symptoms is always required to determine whether it is a primary headache or a warning sign of an underlying condition.
How can I get rid of migraine while pregnant?
The good news; Most women see an improvement in the number of migraines they experience as their pregnancy progresses (after the first trimester they usually disappear). However, until that happens, you can deal with headaches by following these tips:
→ Keep a headache diary: By tracking your headaches and symptoms, it's easier to notice any changes your doctor should be aware of.
→ Observe the factors that trigger a migraine: A headache diary can also help you identify and avoid potential triggers.
→ Hydration: It is recommended to drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water each day, but each person's water requirements vary.
→ Get enough sleep: Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep every night is ideal.
→ Try safe home remedies: Lying down in a dark room or putting a cold cloth over your head may provide some relief. However make sure that discuss any natural remedies with your doctor before using them. Different substances in natural remedies could negatively affect you or your unborn child.
→ Explore cognitive behavioral therapy or biofeedback: Both can teach you ways to deal with the pain of headaches by changing the way you think.
→ Try physical therapy: Poor posture, especially during pregnancy, can lead to headaches. Strengthening the neck and shoulder muscles through physical therapy can help combat them. Still, a good massage can definitely bring you relief.
It must be emphasized that it is wise to include your doctor in any decision making about headaches, especially when considering medication. It should be a shared and informed decision between the patient, the neurologist and the gynecologist. With the right collaboration and guidance, the best treatment approach can be determined for you to return to a pregnancy free of headaches and unnecessary worries.
