Pregnancy Migraines

The developing fetus can be harmed by any chemicals that go into the mother's body, including that of migraine medications. Migraines are incredibly painful, involving throbbing pain on one side of the head, sensitivity to light, nausea and dizziness. Women are more prone to having migraines than men. But, pregnant women with migraines do not need to suffer.

Function

• It is unknown why anyone gets migraines, although they can run in families. The most prevalent theory today is that a chemical in the brain, serotonin, is responsible. Women's brains are more excited by chemicals than men's. If a woman already has a history of migraines, then treatment should begin as soon as she knows she is pregnant or when trying to conceive.

Considerations

• The diet, caffeine consumption and amount of sleep can also affect a pregnant woman's migraines. A balanced diet with plenty of fresh or cooked vegetables and brown rice, limited caffeine and regular exercise can help a pregnant women get more satisfying sleep, which can help reduce the amount of migraines she gets during her pregnancy. A doctor or obstetrician should help plan the diet or any vitamin supplements the woman should take.

Prevention/Solution

• In addition to regular exercise and a good diet, some medicines can be taken to help with migraine pain. These drugs include acetaminophen (paracetomol in the UK), cyclizine, prochlorperazine and maybe metachlopramide (depending on what your doctor says). Other things that can help ease migraine pain are cold packs to the head and eyes, darkening the room, lying down and breathing more deeply in order to help the body relax.

Warning

• Prescription and over-the-counter drugs that pregnant women need to avoid include aspirin, any triptans (including the popular brand name drug Topomax), amitriptyline (an antidepressant often prescribed for migraines), prophylactics, opiates, narcotics and after 30 weeks, ibuprofen.
  Also, please do not use this article in the place of your doctor or obstetrician's advice. Always consult with your physician before taking any medication.

Theories/Speculation

• Keeping a diary or online journal of your migraines can indicate what days you are more likely to get a migraine. You also can learn to see patterns in order to avoid foods or drinks which may trigger a migraine. A diary entry would include when the migraine began, how long it was, what you were doing at the time it began, what the weather was like, what medicines you took (or forgot to take) and what you ate right before the migraine.