Headaches
may be worse during pregnancy because of the shift in hormone
levels. Usually headaches start to get better after the first
trimester when hormone levels become more stable.
What
is a Migraine?
Migraines
are a type of vascular headache. They are caused by the blood
vessels in the head constricting and then dilating. When the
blood vessels dilate (become bigger) they cause severe pain
and sometimes other symptoms. Women's blood volume increases
during pregnancy. Changes in blood volume may contribute to
migraines during pregnancy.
Symptoms
of Migraine
Severe
pain (often on one side of the head)
Light
sensitivity
Blurred
Vision or Visual Disturbances (may see zig zag lines)
Nausea/vomitting
If
you have a migraine it is important to call your doctor right
away because migraine can be symptoms of serious life threatening
conditions such as pre-eclampsia.
Migraine
Treatments During Pregnancy
Most
of the medications that are used to treat migraine are not
safe to take during pregnancy. If you are having frequent
or severe migraines you may want to talk to your doctor about
getting you a referral to see a neurologist.
Take
a cold shower. The
cold temperature will help to shrink dilated blood vessels.
Use
an ice pack or cold compress. You
can put it on the back of your neck or on your forehead to
help constrict the blood vessels.
Lay
in dark room. Many
people are sensitive to lights during a migraine. Staying
in a darkened room will help.
Sleep.
Sometimes
sleep is the only way to get rid of a migraine. If you have
a really painful migraine it may be difficult to sleep but
laying down and resting will help.
Massage
your temples or sinuses. Sometimes
massaging your temple or your nasal bridge may relieve help
relieve pain.
Get
a good night's sleep. Fatigue
or not sleeping can sometimes trigger a migraine. Make sure
you are well rested.
Avoid
caffeine. Caffeine
is not recommended during pregnancy and may trigger a migraine
in some women.
Consult
your doctor about what medications are safe to take during
pregnancy or for other treatment options.