Migraine Headaches During Pregnancy
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I have had migraine headaches since I was 12 years old. Usually, I get them about once a month. When my husband and I were planning to conceive, I asked my doctor if my migraines would be affected by pregnancy. He told me that many women experience less frequent migraines. Since becoming pregnant, I am have 1 or 2 migraines a week. Is this normal? Should I be concerned that there is something else wrong?
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 (8 Answers) |
Saturday 20th of February 2010 10:23:09 AM
Migraines can continue even after you conceive. This is common in women who had the problem even before they became pregnant. However, you cannot continue to take the same medication and will have to take your doctor's advice on this. Some of the medications for migraines could be harmful to the baby and you will have to be careful about this.
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Wednesday 17th of February 2010 01:28:01 AM
You never know how your body reacts to a pregnancy. One of my best friends has also been suffering from migraine like you since many years. She has two little girls now. When pregnant of her first one she tought it was heaven as from the moment she concived until her baby was born she did not have one single migraine attack. So when planning for the 2nd one she was very much looking forward to a 9 month period of no migraines. Got was she disappointed, as the 2nd time around she got quite the opposite....migraines like you discribe 1-2 a week! So I guess what I am trying to say is that it is completely unpredicatable what will happen with your body, your emotions and also your migraines during your pregnancy. Check with your doctor if there is something that you can take while pregnant. And you never know may be later on in the pregnancy it might change again...your hormones do funny things with you in this period. Good luck!
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Wednesday 17th of February 2010 08:19:57 AM
Around 20% of pregnant women suffer from migraines and tension headaches. Migraines are usually worse in the first trimester and calm down or disappear altogether in the second and third trimester. The exact causes aren't known, however there is some speculation that the surge of hormones during pregnancy is the primary culprit.
What is important though is to try and limit the causes of migraines by controlling your diet. Avoid cheese, chocolate, caffeine and MSG and other chemicals found in processed food. A whole food diet is best - eat as much fruit and vegetables as possible, avoid junk food and keep your water intake up, as dehydration can also trigger migraines. Avoid stressful situations and bright lights.
If the pain is very bad, you need to go back to your GP - he or she can arrange for you to see a neurologist if they think it will help. DO NOT take over the counter medication or self-medicate while pregnant. You MUST see your GP for specific advice and medication to manage your condition.
My own personal experience of migraines started during my first pregnancy - I was having 3 a week. I was commuting long distances to work and this certainly didn't help so I left at the earliest time. My head would go numb during the attack and would spread into my face. Seven years later, I still suffer from the odd migraine, but nothing like when I was pregnant. Lying down in a dark room also helps and sometimes, you have no choice but to sleep it off. Occasionally migraines can also be caused by an increase in blood pressure - so make sure you get this checked. Try and keep relaxed and aqua natal classes are a good way of working out while the water helps to soothe and calm you.
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Thursday 18th of February 2010 03:27:41 PM
I am sure everything is ok.I have a friend and when she was pregnant she had less migraine then before.I am not suffering from migraine but when I was pregnant I had some, so it is possible in your case to have more, not less.As I know they don't affect your kid, phisicaly.
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Sunday 21st of February 2010 05:30:32 AM
A woman above 35 is likely to suffer with the problems related to fertility. There is a gradual decrease in fertility after the age of 30, so a couple may take longer to conceive.
It is unfortunately true that merely by being older, a woman has had more chance to develop medical disorders such as diabetes, hypertensive disorders, which can affect pregnancy and birth.
Although knowing about the risk with increased age of mother, despite that, it is important to remember that majority of the babies are normal & fine.
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Sunday 21st of February 2010 07:03:32 AM
Yes,it's normal.For more information pls see below.Migraines are caused by the swelling of blood vessels along with the release of chemicals from specific nerve fibers that puts up a pressure on the central area. This adversely affects the sympathetic nervous system which thus increasing stress.
This increased action in the sympathetic nervous system often results in an unwanted reaction from the intestines.
The sympathetic nervous system activity also affects normal blood circulation causing conditions like cold feet and hands.
There are several medicinal and non-medicinal treatments . Non-medicinal treatment involves developing relaxation techniques, diet, exercise, and better sleep .Medicines for migraines oftenly are acetaminophen , However, using these medications should be preferred only after consultation with the doctor.However the non medicated treatment should be preferred atleast during the pregnancy,as they do not cause any side effects.Ayurvedic medicines may also prove to be effective.
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Tuesday 2nd of March 2010 11:35:32 AM
Your more frequent migraines are quite normal as with 10% of would-be moms who suffer the same. This is your body's reaction to the rising estrogen levels in your body. It also would not hurt if you discuss this with your doctor. There are risks and a doctor's attention can prevent this from worsening.
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Friday 19th of February 2010 09:50:51 AM
yes this is normal
in pregnant state you don't have to worry about this
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