Migraine Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches are very common during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Women with a history of migraines may find that they have less migraines during pregnancy. Some women, however, have more frequent migraines during pregnancy. There are also women who have never had a migraine before that suddenly start having problems with it once they become pregnant. There is some evidence that hormones play a role in migraine headaches. 

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.

Lie 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 lying 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.

3.83784
Average: 3.8 (37 votes)
 

0 comments

Most recent

By kinquo on 06/28/10 at 2:06 am

f81RvY mtlmziwgytqx, [url=http://pznvbipcuywp.com/]pznvbipcuywp[/url], [link=http://izqyhiwoemsv.com/]izqyhiwoem  ...

By Max569 on 06/16/10 at 2:01 pm

thanks for sharing nice info

buy accutane online canada
...

By neamonis on 05/23/10 at 7:56 am

sEFjoG home insurance online quote utah ixh ...

Sign in to leave a comment!

Today on JustMommies

11 Easy Dinner Ideas

You have the meat. You have the veggies, but you have no idea what to cook for dinner tonight.

Follow Your Heart Valentine Cards

Are kids the only ones who like Valentine cards? We don’t think so. Learn how to make these delightful “Follow Your Heart” Valentine cards.

Inhabitots on JustMommies: Eco, Economical, Fashion-Forward Maternity Wear for Stylish Moms-to-Be

Pregnancy may present all sorts of challenges, but dressing stylishly need not be one of them!

Diaper Rash That Won't Go Away

Your baby has a diaper rash and you’ve tried all the conventional treatments but it still won’t go away.

Article Tools

Print this article

Email this article

RSS

Bookmark and Share

From the Message Boards

Cesarean Section Birth

Possible C-Section and considered Obese- Help, please?

I'm a member of the February DDC, but I'm hoping some of the ladies here can help to ease my mind at...

July 2009 Playroom

Shoe size?

I'm looking at potentially buying winter boots on clearance for next year. We have size 5 boots that...

Pregnancy Loss

Roll call, Oldies, Newbies, Lurkers

Let see how everyone is doing and I'd like to throw a twist in to a usual roll-call. Not only do I...

April 2009 Playroom

name my babies!

Ok everyone.... go...!!! Name my twins! :D Post as many names as you want! Who knows...I may end up...

Pregnancy and Motherhood After Loss

Bad week

I been pretty much crying all morning. Over the weekened I found out that a professor here at the U...

» Check out the friendliest message board for moms and moms-to-be!