“What Can I Take For Migraines During Pregnancy?”

What Can I Take For Migraines During Pregnancy?

There is nothing I loathe more than a migraine headache. If you’ve ever suffered a migraine headache, then you know what it feels like to carry a thousand pound weight on your head. A migraine sufferer for years, I often find I am more prone to migraine headaches during pregnancy. Migraine headaches are in fact, my least favorite side effect of pregnancy.

Not all women will develop migraines during pregnancy. Most of the time a woman will develop migraines only if she already has a history of vascular headaches before pregnancy. So take heart, if you don’t routinely suffer sever headaches before pregnancy, your chances of escaping a migraine during pregnancy are very good!

Migraine Headaches Vs. Traditional Headaches During Pregnancy
Migraine headaches are not the same as common headaches experienced during pregnancy. A form of vascular headache, migraines often develop as the blood vessels in the head dilate.

Some women find that their migraines improve during pregnancy. This is a blessing. Still others however, tend to experience worsening migraines during pregnancy, resulting in part from the severe hormonal changes and fluctuations occurring during pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms of Migraines
Migraines typically start as a dull ache on one side of the head. Many women report the pain is similar to a constant pulsing in one side of the temple that may migrate to other parts of the head. Many women will also experience accompanying symptoms including:

•  Nausea.
•  Vomiting.
•  Dizziness.
•  Seeing an aura or wavy lines or flashing lights in the field of vision.
•  Experiencing tunnel vision or blind spots.

You may experience any or all of these symptoms a couple of days before or right when a migraine hits.

Fortunately most of the time a migraine headache does not pose any danger to your or your baby during pregnancy. If you do experience severe weight gain or swelling with your headache however, it is important you consult with your doctor to rule out preeclampsia or other pregnancy related conditions.

How Can I Treat My Migraine?
Unfortunately many of the migraine medications available during pregnancy are not suitable to take during pregnancy. Many doctors will recommend a course of Tylenol to help alleviate some of the pain of migraines.

For many women however, Tylenol simply isn’t enough to cut the pain of a migraine headache. One step you can take however, is to eliminate foods and other substances or situations that may trigger a migraine. Common migraine triggers include:

•  Too much stress.
•  Chocolate.
•  Wine.
•  Coffee.

Unfortunately some other triggers including rapid changes in the weather or hormone changes are unavoidable during pregnancy. You can try some natural methods for reducing your migraine pain, including: acupuncture, a cold shower, applying an ice pack to your head and neck and massage therapy.

There are some cases when your doctor may prescribe a prescription medication if your migraine headaches are extremely debilitating. Be sure you keep in regular contact with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy so together you can discuss your condition and come up with an acceptable treatment plan.