It is true that it’s never pleasant to have migraines and migraines during pregnancy can give mothers-to-be a hard time.
Nonetheless you should know that no matter what kind of migraine you have to be dealing with for sure there is something you could do to make the situation better.
What are the pregnancy migraines
You’re not imagining that the headaches that you have during pregnancy are different from the ones that you used to have. They are usually throbbing, they can affect both sides of the head and they could last between a few days and even a couple of weeks.
In some cases the pregnancy migraines are also accompanied by so called auras, like flashes of light, tingling or numbness in the leg, and blurred vision. There are some other feelings that the migraines can make you feel as well, such as nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and sensitivity to sound and light.
The causes of migraines during pregnancy
Just as in many other cases, the pregnancy hormones are the culprits in this case as well. There are some specialists who say that the neurological changes also have a word to say in the matter.
In this period the blood flow of the brain also changes and there is an imbalance of the chemicals found in the brain.
There are some other triggers of pregnancy migraines as well like fatigue, stress, loud noise, glaring lights, tobacco smoke, too much cold or heat, certain kinds of foods, such as artificial sweeteners, chocolate and nitrates in processed foods.
Things to know about migraines during pregnancy
In case you have been affected by migraines before you got pregnant, it is very likely that you will be affected even more often during this period.
On the other hand there are also some women who experience fewer headaches. Also it is possible to experience migraines for the first time when being pregnant.
If you are affected by pregnancy migraines you should check with your doctor, because it could cause preeclampsia, hypertension, and vascular disorders. Make sure that you get screened for complications of these kinds.
How to make the migraines during pregnancy better?
It is possible that you have been taking some medication to make the condition better, and there are some kinds of drugs that you can’t take during your pregnancy. Ask your doctor about the medications you are allowed to take. Acetaminophen and caffeine could help with this problem.
Alternative and complementary medicine
Holistic therapies could also help with pregnancy migraines such as biofeedback, acupuncture, meditation, massage and yoga. These methods can also be used to decrease stress that is a trigger of the condition.
Journal
When it comes to migraines during pregnancy it is a good idea to have a journal of your migraines. Take notes of what you eat, where you are and what you do before the pain appeared. This way you will have an idea regarding what triggers the migraines so you can avoid them in the future.
