For women who already have headaches or suffer from the dreaded migraine and are planning to get pregnant, extra care should be taken, because the tendency for migraines to intensify during pregnancy is very high. During this period, many pregnant women experience severe headaches and need to change their eating habits, with the added difficulty of not being able to take any medication they previously used to relieve the discomfort.

Why Does Migraine Occur During Pregnancy?

Headaches or migraines during pregnancy are usually stronger in the first trimester of pregnancy and may come along with nausea and vomiting1. This happens because of hormonal changes, and the reason is that low estrogen levels favor the development of headaches.

Symptoms of Migraine During Pregnancy

Migraine symptoms often appear as an intense headache, which usually affects one side of the head or can affect both sides. This happens as the arteries leading to the brain contract and then dilate, triggering the sensation of pain. During pregnancy, several factors can trigger migraine, because the body undergoes various hormonal transformations, which affect mood, eating habits, and movement. Symptoms are usually most severe in the first trimester of pregnancy, with strong headaches radiating to the forehead area. When the pain is very intense, it can affect other regions as well, with some pregnant women reporting that the pain throbs due to its severity. Other symptoms may appear because of the intensity of the pain, such as blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and possibly high or low blood pressure. Depending on the severity of the pain and if it triggers more serious symptoms due to high blood pressure, there are risks for both mother and baby.

When Do Migraines Improve During Pregnancy?

As the months go by, after the first trimester, headaches tend to disappear and hormone levels start to rise, reducing migraine symptoms.

Medications Recommended for Migraine Treatment

Women who already have migraines and are planning to get pregnant, ideally should consult a specialist and start treatment to prevent severe headaches with medication, and follow medical guidance on how long before pregnancy they should stop taking these medications. When it comes to medicines, expectant mothers cannot take just any medication, and should only use them in extreme cases, and only under medical prescription. In these cases, medications are prescribed when the pregnant woman is experiencing intense pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting that could lead to dehydration and endanger her life and that of the baby2. The most commonly used medications during pregnancy are paracetamol and sumatriptan, but self-medication is not recommended for pregnant women. The best solution is to consult the obstetrician to clear up doubts and receive guidance on the best approaches indicated for your situation.

Tips to Relieve Migraines

Other habits and alternatives can help in the treatment of migraine and may even make it unnecessary to resort to medications, but it is always advisable to consult your doctor for the best treatment indications, since every pregnant woman has a different health history.

  • Physical Therapy
  • Physical Exercise
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Balanced Diet

It’s important that every pregnant woman drinks plenty of water, at least two liters a day. If possible, avoid noisy places, avoid using or exposing yourself to strong smells, or being in the sun for long periods; if you can’t avoid it, use sunglasses and a hat.

Other Treatments

Some alternative treatments can greatly help with migraine, relieving severe headaches, changing the habit of taking medication, and promoting healthier habits for you and your baby. Acupuncture treatment is highly recommended3 and the results are practically immediate. The specialist will work on the specific points on your body to relieve migraine symptoms. Other techniques can be beneficial for relieving nervous tension and daily stress. In this case, sessions of relaxation and yoga are ideal; this method helps restore your energy, bringing back the calm and peace you need to avoid future migraine attacks.

Yoga for Migraine Treatment

The bustle of daily life and stress can trigger migraines, and for pregnant women, this situation can get even worse, as they go through hormonal changes that cause both physical and psychological disturbances. For some pregnant women who are predisposed to headaches, these hormonal and emotional imbalances contribute to triggering the condition more severely. Yoga treatment is also highly recommended for severe headaches. The exercises help relax the mind and provide relief from the tensions of a brain overloaded with daily stress. Additionally, it helps with breathing and fighting migraines. Those who practice yoga are aware of the many benefits this activity brings for both body and mind, helping to combat illnesses of emotional and physical origins. Another positive aspect is that it is a natural treatment, with no need for medications, so there are no side effects or contraindications. Practicing yoga helps relieve symptoms, bringing great benefits to the body with the exercises; blood circulation increases with the help of techniques that relax the nervous system and contribute to better lung and heart function and help normalize blood pressure. Before trying alternative treatments, it’s wise to talk to your trusted doctor to receive correct guidance and choose the best option for managing your migraines. Also see: Causes of Nausea During Pregnancy Photo: gerald