Migraines and Pregnancy
Migraine headaches are fairly common in women of childbearing age. About two-thirds of women who suffer from migraines before becoming pregnant note an improvement in their symptoms after the first trimester. This is especially true if their migraines were normally caused by hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle. Others, however, notice no change, and some even experience more frequent and intense headaches.
Migraines are much different than tension headaches. A migraine is a type of vascular headache that occurs when the blood vessels in the brain constrict and then dilate rapidly. Some people experience visual disturbances or an aura before the headache occurs. The pain is usually concentrated on one side of the head and takes the form of severe throbbing. Some people also experience nausea and vomiting as well as sensitivity to light and noise. Little is known about what causes migraines. The best way to treat your migraine headache during pregnancy is to try to avoid one.
If you are a regular migraine sufferer, you won't be able to take the medication that you were taking before pregnancy. You should talk to your doctor right away about what is safe to take so you know ahead of time what to do. When a migraine does hit, try to sleep it off in a quiet, dark room and apply a cold compress to your forehead or neck. A cold shower can help to constrict the dilated blood vessels. If you can't take a shower, at least splash some cool water on your face and the back of your neck.
Some migraines are triggered by certain foods. If you know what these foods are, avoid them. If you don't know, keep a food diary to try to pinpoint the culprits. Common offenders include foods containing MSG, red wine, cured meats, chocolate, aged cheese, and preserved meats such as hot dogs or bologna. As in treating other headaches, it is important to keep your stomach full and your blood sugar level up. Low blood sugar can also trigger migraines.
Try to stay physically active during your pregnancy. Evidence has shown that regular exercise can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Start slowly, though, because sudden bursts of activity, especially if you are not used to exercise, could trigger a migraine. Get plenty of rest, and adopt regular sleep patterns by going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time very morning. Irregular sleeping patterns can be a big trigger for migraines. As with tension headaches, it is important to practice stress-relieving techniques.