best ways to avoid the problem

Migraine is a problem that affects many people throughout their lives. The uncomfortable symptoms go far beyond headaches, and can make routine exponentially more difficult. For those who suffer from the condition naturally, however, it is likely that when they become pregnant it may worsen even further. Intense hormonal changes, after all, modify more than just estrogen levels. Therefore, you need to be extra careful when it comes to migraines during pregnancy.

Normally, migraines during pregnancy occur during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Even if the problem does not pose a risk to the baby, it is still essential to consult a doctor and alleviate the situation as best as possible. There is also the possibility of the condition presenting itself as a warning for other cases, such as pre-eclampsia, which affects the health of both mother and child. After the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, migraines may decrease in frequency or disappear, but improvement may not occur.

In this sense, check below everything you need to know about migraines during pregnancy, as well as their reasons, symptoms and best ways to alleviate the pain. Also learn how to prevent new crises, so that the problem does not bother you again.

Migraines during pregnancy: reasons

The main reason for migraines during pregnancy is usually hormonal. The changes that the body undergoes due to hormones cause severe headaches. This occurs not only due to estrogen levels, but also due to other physiological variations. When at low levels, for example, estrogen favors the onset of pain, but because it increases as the pregnancy progresses, it guarantees greater protection against symptoms.

External issues also exist as strong reasons to trigger migraines. Period stress and postural changes, for example, can be strong triggers for pain attacks. Unlike hormonal issues, this type of condition does not diminish over time and may even worsen. Furthermore, migraines that already existed before pregnancy are also usually a reason for the problem to arise.

Triggers of migraine attacks

There are several triggers that can cause migraine attacks during pregnancy to begin. Normally, in this case, the appearance is related to external issues, and not just hormonal changes. Some examples of starters are:

• Strong smells
• Lots of light
• Little physical exercise or very intense activities
• Loud and insistent noises
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Unbalanced diet

Symptoms associated with migraine

In addition to the intense headache, there are other symptoms related to migraines during pregnancy, which depend on the degree of intensity of the attacks. It is possible to cite examples such as blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, high or low blood pressure and dizziness. Furthermore, depending on the situation, changes resulting from high blood pressure can even be dangerous for the baby and the pregnant woman. Therefore, it is essential to treat the problem as quickly as possible by checking with a doctor about the best way to alleviate the pain.

How to treat migraines during pregnancy?

First of all, it is important to understand that the problem of migraines during pregnancy requires alternative treatments. This happens because pregnant women cannot use any medication, and it is more prudent to avoid them, so that any risk does not exist. In very serious cases, however, drug intervention may end up being necessary. The most commonly used medications during pregnancy are paracetamol and sumatriptan, but everything must have a medical recommendation, as self-medication is very dangerous.

In the case of women who already have migraines even before becoming pregnant, treating the situation as quickly as possible is ideal. So, seeing a neurologist is a good way to start. In any case, it is necessary to understand that the gestation period will hardly occur without any symptoms of crises, but they can be reduced.

Natural treatments, although slower, offer greater peace of mind for future mothers and help to gradually alleviate symptoms. Acupuncture, relaxation and breathing control techniques such as yoga and meditation, for example, will make a big difference in migraine attacks. Resting as much as possible is also essential to control anxiety and stress, which act as triggers for the problem. You also need to drink at least 2 liters of water a day and eat 5 to 7 small meals a day.

1 – More rest

One of the best ways to combat migraines is to rest. Lie down in a comfortable, quiet and relaxing environment, preferably with low light. Normally, walking a lot or going up and down stairs all the time tends to make the pain worse when crises happen. Thus, the more tense you are, the greater the tendency for blood pressure to increase and intensify the pain. If the light bothers you, place a blindfold under your eyes to make them even darker.

2 – Foot baths and massages

Relaxing alternatives work very well to relieve stress and, consequently, reduce migraine attacks. So, ask someone to massage your legs and do a foot bath. Heat is great for relaxation, opening blood vessels and facilitating the passage of blood, which reduces blood pressure.

3 – Drink more water

Most migraine attacks can be avoided with plenty of hydration. It is recommended to drink up to 1 liter of water in 20 minutes. The more water, the more hydrated the body is, which reduces pain.

4 – Warm water compresses

In the same way that foot baths help release pressure through heat, warm water compresses on the forehead and temples reduce blood pressure. Thus, the throbbing sensation decreases, greatly relieving migraine pain.

5 – Regular food in portions

A balanced and healthy diet is the key to avoiding severe migraine attacks. Eating more often, but in smaller quantities, for example, helps a lot with symptoms. This is due to the fact that, when eating a lot at once, the organs involved in digestion become overloaded, and thus need to release more chemical compounds, something that causes headaches and other discomforts.

Fatty foods in general also need to be avoided, such as fatty meats, yellow cheeses and stimulants such as coffee and chocolate. Choose fruits, vegetables and nuts, which are lighter and easier to digest, as well as greater nutritional value.

6 – I am regulated

The more the belly grows, the greater the difficulty in sleeping, as well as the fatigue accumulated in the first 3 months. A regular sleep schedule helps prevent headaches that accompany lack of sleep, so that the body gets used to the new routine, reducing tension.

So, what did you think of this article about migraines during pregnancy? If you’re interested, check out also Discover what a lemon can do for your migraines

Sources: Clínica Sim, Changing Diapers, Integrated Neurology, Migraine, Tua Saúde

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