Health Habits are Important When Migraine in Pregnancy Risks
Hormonal changes that occur with puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and menopause are known to affect migraines. This normal variation in female hormone levels is undoubtedly one of the factors that could explain why women have more headaches. Also, changes in normal levels of the hormone estrogen can affect the brain and central nervous system in such a way that the tendency to develop headaches increases health habits.
During pregnancy, the estrogen level rises and most women will notice an improvement in their migraines, particularly during the second and third trimesters, although the migraine may initially be worse in the first trimester. Women with menstrual-related migraines are more likely to experience this improvement.
A smaller proportion will not experience any change in their headache pattern or may find it worse. Some women will have their first attack during pregnancy, or shortly after giving birth of health habits.
Risks of migraines during pregnancy
Although migraines can be disabling, it is helpful to note that most attacks during pregnancy are not potentially dangerous. Likewise, most attacks do not increase the risk of pregnancy abnormalities or complications to the mother or fetus on health habits. Very severe attacks with vomiting, however, have the potential to harm the fetus. If this is the case for you, or you are concerned about whether your migraines affect your pregnancy, you should make an appointment with your GP, neurologist, or obstetrician.
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Treatment of migraines in pregnancy
An important issue in managing migraine headaches during pregnancy is the proper use of medications. In general, non-pharmacological treatment is preferred. It is widely recognized that the "migraine brain" does not like change, so the goal of regularity in daily activities is important. Regular patterns of sleeping, eating, exercising, and avoiding excess stress and other triggers will help. For occasional attacks, the best treatment may be rest, calm, and hot/cold compresses.
However, when migraine headaches are frequent, disabling, and associated with nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, this becomes potentially harmful to the fetus as well. In these circumstances, medical treatment is advisable. Before taking any medication, it is important to consult your GP, neurologist, or obstetrician for advice on the safest options. Limited use of certain medications is considered safe during pregnancy. To relieve pain, acetaminophen and codeine can be used, but the choice of medication and dosage should be discussed with your doctor. This also applies to medications used to control nausea and vomiting.
Preventive migraine treatment should not be taken during pregnancy and this should be discussed with your doctor for advice on how to stop medications during pregnancy or, ideally, when planning to conceive. They often have unwanted side effects and safety for the fetus has not been established. However, in some cases, your headache specialist may recommend and supervise the use of selected preventive options.
In general, migraine attacks in pregnancy are not dangerous or life-threatening. Treatment strategies depend on the severity and frequency of the attacks and certain medications can be used safely, although, after consulting with your doctor, pharmacological options are not preferable.
See also: 5 ways to prevent migraines.
Quick answers to frequently asked questions
Can I get pain relievers to treat migraine headaches during pregnancy? Acetaminophen is safe to take as directed on the packaging label, but many other headache medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and most prescription drugs, are not recommended for pregnant women unless they are approved by a healthcare provider.
Can pregnancy give migraines? Pregnancy can be a stressful time for many women, which can lead to headaches. Some women prone to migraines may find that they do not experience them as often during pregnancy, while others may find that they are worse off.
What are the causes of headaches in pregnancy? During the first trimester, your body experiences a surge of hormones and an increase in blood volume. These two changes can cause more frequent migraines, which can be aggravated by stress and poor posture.
Can migraines be a sign of pregnancy? Migraine is not considered a pregnancy symptom, however occasionally a woman who is prone to headaches or migraines may find her migraines to be particularly worse during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Can I take acetaminophen while pregnant? Acetaminophen is often one of the few pain relievers that doctors recommend to pregnant women for pain or fever. It has long been considered safe during pregnancy and is used by a large number of pregnant women in health habits.
Can I take Advil while pregnant? Ibuprofen, also called Motrin, Advil, or Nuprin, is unlikely to harm your baby (one dose), however taking ibuprofen is generally not recommended when she is pregnant, especially during the third trimester.