Whos At Risk For Migraines During Pregnancy
As many as 20 percent of pregnant women report having migraine headaches. Even with no prior history of migraines, you might experience your first attack during pregnancy.
Interestingly, how often these headaches present during pregnancy varies among people who got migraines before becoming pregnant. While 6070 percent show noticeable improvement during pregnancy, roughly 5 percent claim their migraines increased in severity.
As many as 20 percent of pregnant women report having migraine headaches. Even with no prior history of migraines, you might experience your first attack during pregnancy.
For people who get fewer migraines, the improvement is possibly related to the absence of monthly menstruation. Migraines which occur right before your period are triggered by a drop in estrogen levels. This may be why for some pregnant women, no menstruation means no migraines.
When Should I Worry About Migraines During Pregnancy
While they definitely suck, most migraines are not necessarily dangerous, even while youre pregnant.
But, migraines & headaches at key points of your pregnancy can be cause for concern, as they can indicate a serious underlying condition. After your first migraine you should check in with your doctor.
Research has shown that in rare cases, migraine throughout pregnancy can be an indication that you are at heightened risk of preeclampsia, hypertension, and other vascular disorders. Your doctor will help you assess other risk factors that can provide more insight into your degree of risk for developing these conditions.
Is A Headache During Pregnancy Something To Worry About
Pregnancy is a beautiful thing to be celebrated, but few people fill you in on the not-so-great symptoms that may occur during the journey. Namely, heartburn, gas, constipation and, for some pregnant mamas, headaches.
While headaches can be just another normal symptom of pregnancy, should they ever be a cause for concern?
Headaches are common in women both in and outside of pregnancy, said Kelley Saunders, MD, an OBGYN with Banner University Medicine Womens Institute. But whether they are normal or not should always be discussed with your doctor.”
Here is some insight into what causes headaches during pregnancy, some remedies to treat them and why your doctor should be kept in the loop.
Also Check: Is Native Deodorant Safe For Pregnancy
What Are Possible Complications Of Migraines
If you have a history of migraine headaches, and have no other health problems, migraines during pregnancy are not usually a concern.
But if a first-time migraine-like headache occurs in pregnancy, it’s important to check for any other type of condition that may be dangerous. This includes bleeding in the brain, meningitis, high blood pressure, or tumors. You may need further testing to find the cause of the headache. This testing may include urine and blood tests.
Related Specialties
Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNPHeather M Trevino BSN RNCIrina Burd MD PhD
Date Last Reviewed: 7/1/2021
Are Migraines Dangerous During Pregnancy
The only danger is when your headache may be a sign of something else. You should ALWAYS call your health care provider when:
- Your headache is accompanied by a fever
- Your headache persists for more than a few hours or returns frequently
- You are experiencing blurred vision
It is ALWAYS important to let your health care provider know when you are experiencing any headaches and the details about them.
Don’t Miss: What Can I Take To Help Get Pregnant
What Is The Best Treatment For Migraine Pain
The best treatment for migraine pain depends on the patient. For pregnant women coping with migraines, meeting with a physician provides a great starting point for treatment. Of course, for patients who are dealing with chronic migraines but find that their medications are ineffective or cause unwanted side effects, additional treatment options may be considered.
Dr. Jonathan Cabin of The Migraine Institute offers comprehensive treatments to chronic migraine patients. He is a board-certified head and neck surgeon with dual subspecialty training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and he uses his unique expertise to provide a custom treatment for each chronic migraine patient. In doing so, Dr. Cabin helps chronic migraine patients identify the root cause of migraine pain and treat their migraine symptoms appropriately.
Dr. Cabin is available to discuss migraine treatment options for individuals who previously received a chronic migraine diagnosis and are not satisfied with their migraine medications. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cabin, please contact us online or call us today at 310.461.0303.
Symptoms Of A Migraine During Pregnancy
Though it usually depends on the individual, a commonly reported symptom of migraines is a severe throbbing pain on one side of the head. Migraine pain is capable of interfering with your work and other daily activities. Associated symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. You could experience sweating, chills, tiredness, or a loss of appetite. On average, migraine episodes last roughly four hours, but at times, can go on much longer.
Though it usually depends on the individual, a commonly reported symptom of migraines is a severe throbbing pain on one side of the head.
Occasionally, you may even observe subtle warning signs of a migraine such as food cravings, mood changes, or constipation in the days preceding an attack. This pre-migraine stage is called a prodrome.
In 1520 percent of migraine sufferers, episodes will be accompanied by visual disturbances known as auras. Flashes and arches of light, combined with blind spots, suddenly appear. Other symptoms include jerking uncontrollably, hearing noises, or having difficulty speaking.
You May Like: How To Relax While Trying To Get Pregnant
When To See A Doctor
Check in with your doctor the first time you suspect you’re having a migraine. Ditto if an unexplained headache persists for more than a few hours, returns very often or is accompanied by a fever.
Some research shows that women who have migraines during their pregnancy may also be at increased risk for hypertension, preeclampsia and other vascular disorders. So if you have symptoms that include sudden dramatic weight gain, visual changes , puffiness in your face or hands, or chest discomfort, call your doctor right away.
How Do I Treat Headaches During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, you want to try and relieve your headache by natural means if possible, however your health care provider may recommend acetaminophen.
You may want to try to relieve your headache with one or more of the following natural remedies:
- If you have a sinus headache, apply a warm compress around your eyes and nose
- If you have a tension headache, apply a cold compress or ice pack at the base of your neck
- Maintain your blood sugar by eating smaller, more frequent meals this may also help prevent future headaches
- Get a massage massaging your shoulders and neck is an effective way to relieve pain
- Rest in a dark room and practice deep breathing
- Take a warm shower or bath
- Practice good posture
- Get plenty of rest and relaxation
Read Also: How To Know If You Could Be Pregnant
Migraine Headaches During Pregnancy
Headaches are quite common in pregnancy. The most common are tension headaches and migraine headaches. Most headaches come and go, but others may be more bothersome or may be caused by other problems. It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about any headaches you have before, during, or after pregnancy.
Many pregnant women have migraine headaches. Over half of women find that their migraines happen less often in the last few months of pregnancy. But migraines may get worse after birth, during the postpartum period. Although migraine headaches may cause you severe pain, they don’t harm your developing baby .
Why Do I Have More Sinus Pressure
The increase of blood flow during pregnancy can cause you to feel like you have more sinus pressure than normal. This can cause sinus headaches. If you feel like the symptoms are getting worse or lasting too long talk to your provider. If you have nasal congestion, a runny nose, etc. you may have a sinus infection that could require an antibiotic.
You May Like: Do You Have Stomach Cramps When Pregnant
How To Prevent Migraines During Pregnancy
There are a few ways you can lower your chances of developing a migraine in the first place. The best way is to simply cut down on stress.
This common migraine trigger seems unavoidable during pregnancy, but you can help yourself out by taking on fewer responsibilities, and practicing meditation, yoga, etc.
The more exercise you can get, the better. Along with helping to prevent migraines, it will help with so many other aspects of your life.
It’s important to note though, attempting to exercise while you are already experiencing a migraine is a bad idea, as it will exacerbate the symptoms.
We also recommend you avoid other common triggers of migraines: loud noises, glaring lights, excessive heat, certain foods, etc. These are typically things you want to avoid during pregnancy as it is. Some of the most common food triggers include:
- Foods filled with preservatives, nitrates, or aspartame
Can Urinalysis Test For Pregnancy
Urinalysis is a common diagnostic test that can be used to detect a variety of medical conditions. It is a simple test that can be performed in a doctors office or a laboratory. Urinalysis can be used to test for pregnancy, to detect the presence of infection, and to monitor the health of the kidneys.
Urinalysis is a test that is performed on a sample of urine. The sample is analyzed to determine the presence of various substances. Urinalysis can be used to test for a variety of medical conditions, including pregnancy, infection, and kidney disease.
Urinalysis is a simple test that can be performed in a doctors office or a laboratory. A sample of urine is analyzed to determine the presence of various substances. Urinalysis can be used to test for pregnancy, infection, and kidney disease.
Urinalysis is a common diagnostic test that can be used to detect a variety of medical conditions. It is a simple test that can be performed in a doctors office or a laboratory. Urinalysis can be used to test for pregnancy, to detect the presence of infection, and to monitor the health of the kidneys.
Urinalysis is a test that is performed on a sample of urine. The sample is analyzed to determine the presence of various substances. Urinalysis can be used to test for a variety of medical conditions, including pregnancy, infection, and kidney disease.
Also Check: How To Help Get Pregnant Faster
Causes Of Migraine Headaches
Exactly what causes migraine headaches isn’t known. But migraines appear to involve changes in nerve pathways, neurochemicals, and blood flow in the brain.
Researchers believe that overly excited brain cells stimulate a release of chemicals. These chemicals irritate blood vessels on the brain‘s surface. That, in turn, causes blood vessels to swell and stimulate the pain response.
Estrogen is thought to play a role in migraines. That’s why pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause often change a woman’s pattern of migraine headaches.
The neurotransmitter serotonin also appears to have a key role in migraines.
Does Migraine Affect The Outcome Of Pregnancy
Migraine has long been mentioned as a possible predictor of complications in pregnancy,5 although because migraine is so common in females systemically establishing a link to complications in pregnancy has been a challenge. Several associations have been proposed, including miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, congenital anomalies, and low birth weight, but these associations remain clouded by a lack of well controlled studies.
Also Check: How Can You Find Out You Re Pregnant
What Can I Do To Prevent Migraines
One of the best ways to prevent migraines is to recognize what triggers an attack and trying to avoid them. For example, stress, eating certain foods or lack of sleep may bring on an attack.
Avoiding your triggers can be difficult when youre pregnant. For example, if you have morning sickness you may not feel like eating or drinking much. This can cause low blood sugar or dehydration, so its important to try and find ways to cope.
Getting enough sleep may also be difficult during pregnancy. Try our tips for a better nights sleep.
You should also try to
- rest and relax as much as possible. You could try things like mindfulness or yoga.
Can Pregnancy Cause Migraines
Can Pregnancy Cause Migraines
There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that suggests pregnancy can cause migraines. But does the research back this up
The answer is a little bit complicated. There is some evidence that pregnancy can increase the risk of migraines, but there is also evidence that pregnancy can actually help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
So, whats the truth
Well, it seems that the effect of pregnancy on migraines varies from woman to woman. Some women find that their migraines get worse during pregnancy, while others find that their migraines improve.
There are a few possible explanations for this. One is that the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can trigger migraines. Another possibility is that the stress of pregnancy can lead to more migraines.
However, there is also some evidence that suggests that the increase in estrogen levels during pregnancy can help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Estrogen is thought to have a protective effect on the brain, and its possible that this is why some women find that their migraines improve during pregnancy.
So, whats the bottom line
Pregnancy can cause migraines in some women, but it can also help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in others. If youre concerned about how pregnancy might affect your migraines, talk to your doctor. They can help to advise you on the best course of action for you.
Don’t Miss: Can You Take Tum Tums When Pregnancy
Natural Remedies For Pregnancy Migraines:
During the first three months the symptoms of pregnancy can make your migraine worse. Morning sickness can mean that you feel like eating and drinking less which can cause low blood sugar and dehydration. If you are not careful this can make your migraines worse. You should try to eat small frequent meals and drink frequent small amounts of water to prevent this. You will also be helping reduce any pregnancy sickness. Other remedies may include:
- Dark Room Often, a migraine can make you sensitive to bright lights. Find a dark room, and turn off any electronics.
- Nap Lying down to take a short nap can help alleviate migraines. Many people report that an hour nap is often enough to stop the pain.
- Cold Pack While lying down, place a cold pack or damp towel on your head. The cold should constrict blood vessels in your head and help alleviate the pain.
- Relaxation Techniques Talk to your doctor about relaxation exercises that are safe during pregnancy. Relaxing the muscles around your back, neck, and head can release the pressure causing the migraine.
- Take care of yourself Sometimes, migraines can be set off by dehydration, tiredness, not eating well, or lack of sleep. Try to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle, which can help mitigate the symptoms of migraines.
Headaches In Pregnancy: Possible Causes
In principle, all types of headaches such as migraines , tension or cluster headaches can occur in pregnant women. Triggers can be:
- hormonal changes
- Tension in the shoulder and neck area
- Too little movement
- Pregnancy diseases
migraines in pregnancy
If you regularly suffered from migraines before pregnancy, the pregnancy-related hormonal changes can have a positive effect on the severity and frequency of the attacks. According to the German Migraine and Headache Society , around 70 percent of women suffer from migraines during pregnancy, by the end of the third month at the latest. Then the increased estrogen levels unfold their relaxing effect. However, most women experience migraines again after childbirth due to the rapid drop in hormone levels.
Incidentally, pregnant women with migraines do not generally have a higher risk of complications during pregnancy.
You May Like: What Are The Chances You Get Pregnant
Headaches During Pregnancy: What You Can Do
There are many reasons for headaches during pregnancy and they are not always easy to identify. For example, hormonal changes, stress and dehydration during pregnancy can cause headaches. Here you can find out what other triggers there are, what you need to consider during treatment and why you should see a doctor if you have unusually severe headaches during pregnancy.
Headache And Migraine Remedies That Are Safe During Pregnancy
Most women deal with headaches at some point in their lives. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that one in five women had a severe acute headache or migraine in the previous three months. Additionally, migraines are more common in women than men approximately 18 percent of women have them compared to 6.5 percent of men.
Because headaches and migraines are so common, its probably no surprise that many women deal with them during pregnancy. For the majority of pregnant women, occasional headaches or migraines are no cause for alarm, and most standard treatments are safe. However, suffering a severe headache at key times during or after pregnancy can indicate a serious medical emergency.
Read Also: How To Fix Ab Separation After Pregnancy
When To Seek Help
Migraines during pregnancy arent a major cause for concern in women with a history of these types of headaches. However, a first-time migraine attack during pregnancy could indicate an underlying health issue and should be discussed with your doctor so they can evaluate your symptoms and rule out other potential causes. Migraines during pregnancy can also signal preeclampsia, a serious complication related to high blood pressure.
The most important thing to remember is that, in general, migraines do not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of your baby. If you have further questions or concerns about recurring headaches, make an appointment to see your doctor.
