Migraines and Pregnancy - How to Treat Migraines when you are
Pregnant
Migraines are characterized by headache intensity far greater than
the ordinary headaches. The pain is often localized on one side of the
head and focus behind the eye. They may be associated with other
symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light or noise.
Often they get worse during movement, which obliges people to sit in a
dark room and avoid any external stimulation.
From time to time the crisis may be preceded by "auras". It is visual
effects of different kinds: flashes of light, brightly colored lines or
double vision, in some cases, speech difficulties may occur. These
symptoms usually disappear after 15 or 30 minutes and are replaced by
strong headaches. The duration of the migraine attack is variable: 12 to
24 hours.
Certain factors may trigger a migraine crisis so we must therefore try
to avoid them. They are: the lack of food or sleep exposure to bright
lights or loud noise, changes in weather condition, stress or anxiety,
certain foods like chocolate, alcohol (to outlaw during the pregnancy),
cheese, or those containing sodium glutamate.
This is a big problem for pregnant women or women who have recently
given birth all these factors such as high blood pressure and lack of
sleep or anxiety may be present.
Migraine attacks that started during pregnancy may disappear once
“normal” life is resumed. For women who were already sufferers they will
possibly increase in severity and frequency because a pregnant woman is
prone to all the physical problems listed above that are triggers for
migraines.
The migraine situation usually improves or disappears in 60 to 70% of
women, especially during the last two quarters, as your body and mind
adapt to the new circumstances. Sometimes a first episode of migraine
occurs during pregnancy and it happens from time to time that migraines
are exaggerated in the first quarter. After delivery, the frequency of
migraines becomes the same as before pregnancy as early as the first
week of post-partum.
Small things can reduce the frequency or severity, you can use a wet
cold compresses applied to the base of the skull or in the same way on
the face with cold water can relieve symptoms. Avoid dehydration and
drink frequently, practise regular physical activity which reduces
stress and tension at the root of the crisis, this is still possible,
within reason and with care even when pregnant.
Try relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to reduce muscle
tension, or get a massage. However, some pregnant women suffer from
severe migraines that require medication. Some women are against the use
of drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If not, your doctor will
prescribe those who present no danger to the baby.
If paracetomol proves ineffective, other drugs can be taken promptly
after the term of pregnancy. Pregnant women should never self prescribe
for medication and should cease the use of existing treatments until
consulting a doctor about the use of a specific drug. |
