Migraine is a particular type of headache that mostly occurs on one side of the head — it can be either moderate or very painful. People who experience migraine can also feel sick or vomit, and be sensitive to light or sound. In pregnancy, migraine may get worse for the first few months, but for many women it can improve in the later stages of their pregnancy when the level of the hormone oestrogen stabilises.
Other women may experience no change or a decrease in the number of migraine headaches while pregnant.
Some women may experience differences in migraine during different pregnancies. For other headaches it's also recommended that you try to treat your headache without medicine. Pregnant women who experience migraine should avoid things that may trigger their migraine. This may include:.
If you do take medicine for your headache or migraine you should check with your doctor, pharmacist or midwife first. Paracetamol, with or without codeine, is generally considered safe for pregnant women to use but you should avoid using other pain medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
If you experience frequent headaches that don't go away with paracetamol, it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition called pre-eclampsia.
This usually involves an increase in the pregnant woman's blood pressure and problems with her kidneys. There are also other serious risks for both you and your baby. Pre-eclampsia mostly occurs in the second half of pregnancy. Contact your doctor, particularly if, along with your headaches, you have a pain below your ribs, feel like you have heartburn , you suddenly swell in your face, hands or feet , or you have problems with your eyesight.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Studies confirm that tension-type headache and migraine are more common in women while cluster headache, a rare form of headache, is more common in men. Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website.
Migraine is a common neurological disorder that affects millions of Australians. Thankfully, the following resources may help you manage your migraine.
Your body has a great deal to do during pregnancy. Sometimes the changes taking place will cause irritation or discomfort, and on occasions they may seem quite alarming. Your baby is now the size of a peanut. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you may need to reevaluate your migraine treatment options. If you are a migraine patient and are expecting a child, make an appointment with your physician to discuss the best course of action.
Skip to content. Pregnancy can have a significant impact on migraine symptoms and how women should treat them. Experiment by avoiding foods like chocolate, caffeine, and processed foods, to see if it affects your migraines. Make sleep a priority. Follow consistent sleep and wake times. Purchase and practice using earplugs and a sleep mask, if necessary.
Use good sleep hygiene. An increase in blood volume, which is also common in the first trimester, can be an additional factor. As blood vessels in the brain expand to accommodate extra blood flow, they can press against sensitive nerve endings, causing pain.
Is it OK to have that second cup of coffee? What about a nibble of Brie? But what are your options? According to a study , pregnant women with migraine attacks have an increased risk of certain complications, including:. Older research shows that pregnant women with migraine have a higher risk of stroke.
But — take a deep breath — experts say that the risk is still very low. The fact of the matter is, most women with migraine headaches will sail through their pregnancies just fine. You can head off pun intended very serious problems when you know what to watch out for. Get immediate medical attention if:. Thanks to a more constant supply of hormones, most women get a break from migraine attacks during pregnancy.
For an unlucky few, though, their migraine struggles continue. Make a migraine management plan with your doctor early on in your pregnancy and ideally, before , so you have tools at the ready. Many people find that severe migraine attacks happen during their period. Learn why this happens and what you can do about it. Headache during pregnancy can be a painful problem.
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