Migraines & Headaches In Pregnancy

Research says women get more migraines than men. Now isn’t that an added headache Women’s health? Migraines are vascular headaches that are caused due to dilating blood vessels in brain. These are like super powers of headache. Migraines are known to be related to altering hormones. A woman could be prone to getting migraines even before pregnancy. It is believed that migraines can either flare up or diminish during pregnancy. On regular days you would conveniently pop a pill and be done but in pregnancy you have to be careful with medicines.

Causes of Migraine in Pregnancy

Pregnant Women can experience one or more of these issues that can trigger the onset of a migraine or headache.

• Whacky hormones are the main culprits.
• Sometimes mild headaches if not tended can flare up to a migraine
• Loss of appetite resulting in acidity can trigger migraines
• Stress and lack of Sleep can lead to tension headaches
• Dehydration
• Sudden change in temperature (too much heat or cold)
• Caffeine Withdrawal
• Low Blood Sugar
• History of Migraine

Symptoms of Migraine and Headaches

Headaches are milder versions of Migraine. Migraines can come and go in episodes. The episodes can last from few hours to few days. Symptoms of Migraines and Headaches are:

• Throbbing headache on one side of the head
• Pulsating pain in the temples, front of the head or base of the head
• Pain around eyes and eyelids
• Headaches can also generate from spine or neck
• Nausea and vomiting
• Migraines are also accompanied with dots of flashes or blind spots vision

How to treat Migraine and Headaches during Pregnancy?

Pregnant Women who experience migraines should try to avoid triggers that cause migraines like:

• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Stress
• Less Sleep
• Long gaps between meals

Some headaches are caused because of high blood pressure. If your are getting headaches very frequently get it checked with your doctor. Avoiding a high blood pressure issue can have increased risk of pre-eclampsia.

• Using cold packs on head or a cold water shower helps you feel relaxed
• Using hot packs also helps give relief from pain
• Do not consume any anti inflammatory drugs or painkillers without consulting with doctor.
• Sleeping or napping in a quite place also helps
• Sometimes listening to relaxing music can help soothe your pain

Migraines and Headaches in pregnancy are common types of discomforts. If these symptoms are accompanied with fever, rash, blurred vision or frequent occurrence, consult with your health care professional at the earliest to rule out any other concerning underlying issue. Rest assured there is no connection of migraines and headaches in pregnancy to  birth defects or in fetal abnormalities.

Also read: Is Swelling During Pregnancy Normal?