Should You Be Worried About Migraine During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful feelings in this whole world. You, like the other mums-to-be, feel an umbilical cord connection with the life growing inside you.  In fact, you are extremely excited and about welcoming your baby, into your life.

Nevertheless, pregnancy comes with its own set of challenges. And, you might experience mood swings, anxiety, fatigue and pains, and cramps, while you’re expecting.

Migraine during pregnancy is also one such challenge. Though the odds of getting migraine attacks, while you’re pregnant may not be uncommon, however, it is a game of chance.

About 15% to 20% of women feel this pain during pregnancy. Some of you might feel the pain, during your first trimester, but, with the progression of your pregnancy, you might notice a gradual reduction in this pain.

However, for some of you, migraine might stay throughout your pregnancy journey. 

So, What Exactly Is Migraine?

Migraine is basically a type of headache that can cause heavy throbbing on one side of the head. It’s like each beat sends waves of agony through the skull.

Read this engaging article to know what are the reasons for migraines during pregnancy and what to do when migraine strikes during pregnancy.

Also understand, if you should be worried about migraine during pregnancy.

So, the first thing’s first:

What Are the Reasons for Migraines During Pregnancy?

Most doctors aren’t very sure of the cause of migraine during pregnancy. But there are possible explanations in support of it. Some of them are:

  • Genetic Factors: That is this problem runs in the family.
  • Fluctuating Hormones: Many mums-to-be get the migraine attacks during the first trimester of pregnancy, when the hormone levels aren’t stabilized. In fact, migraine-like headache during the second trimester and beyond might be due to the rise and fall of the oestrogen hormones.
  • An Increase in the Blood Flow: This is something common mostly in the first trimester. Basically, when blood vessels in the brain grows and accommodates the extra flow of blood, they press against the nerves, giving rise to this pain.
  • Sleep Disruptions: According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, pregnant women must get 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Unfortunately for the pregnancy discomforts, you, like many other pregnant mums, might not get enough rest, especially during the night-time.
  • Stress, Anxiety and Excitement: About giving birth to a healthy child can be some of the causes of headache in pregnancy.
  • Exposure to Bright Light: Sunlight or florescent light, for example.
  • Exposure to Strong Smells: Emoting out of food, paints, perfumes, etc.
  • Even Change in Season or Weather: Can give rise to migraine during pregnancy.

In fact, you might be left with a throbbing headache, vomiting, nausea, sensitivity to light, numbness in the legs and arms and blurred vision. And if this condition persists till the end of pregnancy along with health conditions like pre-eclampsia and diabetes, emergency C-section might be necessitated.

What Is The Migraine In Pregnancy Treatment?

But you needn’t worry at all! To treat this condition, try out some these home remedies as your first line of defence:

  • Get hot and cold compresses (cold pack wrapped in a towel)
  • Stay in dark as light and noise might worsen your condition
  • Know the signs and eat at regular intervals 
  • Drink water in the right amounts
  • Take ginger tea in the morning
  • Have yoghurt, almond, spinach and ice cream  
  • Practice breathing techniques to deal with the stress attacks leading to migraine
  • Avoid cheese in your pregnancy diet
  • Avoid untimely intake of food and
  • Avoid intake of rich food

Migraine Medication During Pregnancy

like taking a few pain relievers might pass through the placenta to your developing baby, particularly in the first trimester, thus harming the baby. Therefore, before taking any tablets, it will always be good to consult the healthcare provider.

To Conclude

And while you’re minutely focusing on your health during your pregnancy, don’t plan register yourself for cord blood banking to for your baby’s health and your family’s healthy future.