Migraine during pregnancy
Migraine is a type of vascular
headache resulting from the dilation of blood vessels in the brain. They are
different from tension or tension headaches.
Migraines are like a lottery
when it comes to pregnancy. If you were prone to migraines before pregnancy,
you may find that headaches get worse or worse during pregnancy.
It is also normal if you
experience your first migraine during pregnancy. Some studies have found little
correlation between migraines and hormones. Women tend to suffer from migraines
more often than men.
What are the symptoms of a migraine?
A migraine usually starts as a
dull ache, then eventually becomes a constant, throbbing, throbbing pain in the
temples, in front of the head, or at the base of the head.
Migraine is sometimes
accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Some people may also experience an aura.
The aura consists of wavy or irregular lines or dots of flashing lights. You
may also have tunnel vision or blind spots.
Is a migraine dangerous for a pregnant woman?
The only danger is that your
headache may be a sign of something else. You should always call your doctor
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 that
your doctor knows when you are experiencing headaches and details about them.
How can a pregnant woman treat a migraine?
Keep a headache diary: This
diary should show when the headache started, what triggered it, and how long it
lasted. If you keep a diary of your headaches, you can find out what causes
them and therefore avoid these things.
Common triggers may include
but are not limited to:
- Stress
- Chocolate
- Cheese
- Coffee
- Weather
- Hormones
Triggers are different for
everyone. That's why it's important to keep a headache diary.
Common home remedies for
migraines include:
- Apply a cold towel on your head
- Take a cold shower
- Take a nap
- Exercise
- Biofeedback (ask your doctor)
- Relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga
Applying heat or cold to the
sides of the head, eyes, or along the back of the neck is one of the best ways
to relieve migraine pain.
Heating pads and cool packs
come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most of them require the use of a microwave
or freezer before use.
Migraine relief medications
Most doctors consider
acetaminophen to be the preferred pain reliever during pregnancy, but you
should always check with your doctor before taking any medication.
Pregnant women should not take anything that contains aspirin or ibuprofen unless directed by a doctor. Talk to your doctor about the best way to relieve migraine pain.