Migraines during pregnancy are common in the first trimester of pregnancy due to hormonal changes. However, although it is not considered serious and does not represent a risk for the baby, it is recommended that the doctor be consulted so that an evaluation can be carried out and whether the migraine is related to hormonal changes or more serious situations, such as pre- eclampsia, for example.
Migraine attacks usually reduce in frequency or disappear in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and in women who used to have this problem close to their menstrual period. However, this improvement may not occur in women who have migraines with aura or, in rarer cases, may appear even in those who have no history of previous migraines.
To alleviate migraine symptoms, women can practice activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation, for example, in addition to taking short breaks throughout the day. In some cases, the doctor may recommend the use of medication only in urgent cases.
Main symptoms
The main symptom of migraines during pregnancy is a throbbing headache that does not go away, affects only one side of the head and does not improve even after taking medication. Furthermore, in some cases, the woman may also experience nausea, greater sensitivity to light and dizziness. Check out other migraine symptoms.
Online symptom test
To find out the chances of having a migraine, please select the symptoms you present:
This test is only a guidance tool and, therefore, is not intended to provide a diagnosis or replace consultation with a neurologist or general practitioner.
Causes of migraines in pregnancy
Migraines in pregnant women are common in the first trimester of pregnancy due to the intense hormonal changes during the period, mainly related to changes in estrogen levels, which favor headache attacks.
However, migraines during pregnancy can also be a sign of complications, such as pre-eclampsia, for example, if they appear after 22 weeks of pregnancy. In this case, it could affect the health of the woman and the baby. Learn more about pre-eclampsia.
Therefore, in the case of a constant headache during pregnancy, especially when other symptoms appear, it is important that a doctor is consulted so that a general assessment can be carried out and the need to initiate specific treatment, if necessary, can be assessed.
Make an appointment with your nearest doctor to investigate the cause of migraines during pregnancy:
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What to do to relieve migraines
Migraine treatment during pregnancy can be done with some natural options or with the use of medications such as Paracetamol, which should only be taken with medical advice:
Natural Treatment Options
To help with the treatment, acupuncture and relaxation and breathing control techniques can be used, such as yoga and meditation, in addition to it being important to rest as much as possible, taking short periods of rest throughout the day.
Other tips that help are drinking at least 2 liters of water a day, eating between 5 and 7 small meals a day and practicing physical activity regularly, as this helps to improve digestion and maintain control of blood pressure and sugar. Check out more natural tips to treat and avoid migraines during pregnancy.
Safe migraine remedies
The safest pain medications to use during pregnancy are paracetamol and dipyrone, and it is important to remember that these medications should always be taken only as directed by your obstetrician.
How to prevent new crises
Although migraines are often caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, one should try to identify factors that may increase the risk of new attacks, such as:
- Stress and anxiety: increase muscle tension and the chance of migraines, making it important to try to relax and rest as much as possible;
- Food: You should be careful if the crisis appears within 6 hours after consuming certain foods, such as soft drinks, coffee and fried foods. Check out more details about migraine nutrition;
- Noisy place with lots of light: increase stress, making it important to look for calm places where the light does not irritate the eyes;
- Physical activity: Vigorous exercise increases the risk of migraines, but regularly engaging in light and moderate activities, such as walking and water aerobics, reduces the risk of new problems.
Furthermore, keeping a diary about your routine and the occurrence of your headache can help identify the causes of the problem, and it is also important to be aware of the appearance of symptoms such as increased pressure and abdominal pain, which may indicate other health problems.
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