Why do many women suffer from migraines during pregnancy?

Why do many women suffer from migraines during pregnancy?

No two pregnancies are the same - so you may suffer from throbbing migraines while others enjoy 40 weeks of pure bliss. Neurologist Nasima Shadbehr, DO, explains.

What is Migraine?

Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary and secondary. Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying health problem, such as: B. a sinus infection or high blood pressure. Primary headaches are self-contained - the pain you feel is a direct result of the headache itself. A classic example is migraine.

Migraine sufferers often suffer from the following symptoms:

• Mäßige bis starke, pochende Kopfschmerzen
• Erhöhte Licht-, Lärm- oder Geruchsempfindlichkeit
• Übelkeit, Erbrechen und Appetitlosigkeit, die zwischen vier Stunden und drei Tagen andauern.

If you get a migraine during pregnancy, it can often be accompanied by an aura. An aura is a temporary sensory disturbance that may include visual disturbances, numbness, tingling, or difficulty speaking.

Why do I get migraines during pregnancy?

It's because of the hormones. The hormones that help your body keep the fetus healthy and nourished also increase your headache rates. This also applies to the increase in blood volume that occurs in the first trimester.

Other factors that lead to headaches during pregnancy include:

• Der Verzehr bestimmter Lebensmittel (Migräneauslöser).
• Nicht genügend Wasser trinken
• Schlafmangel
• Unzureichende Ernährung
• Stress

More than a quarter of women suffer from migraines during their reproductive years. Women who suffer from migraines are more likely to continue to experience migraines during pregnancy. Causes of secondary headaches include:

• Präeklampsie (hoher Blutdruck während der Schwangerschaft).
• Venenthrombose (Blutgerinnsel im Gehirn).
• Infektionen der Nasennebenhöhlen.
• Hirntumore.
• Schlaganfallrisiko.

“We look at each patient carefully and evaluate their symptoms,” explains Dr. Shadbehr. "The first question we want to answer is: 'Is this a primary headache or a warning sign of an underlying condition?'"

How do I get rid of a migraine during pregnancy?

The good news? “For most women, the number of migraine attacks decreases over the course of pregnancy,” reports Dr. Shadbehr. But if the headache just won't stop, she recommends the following seven tips to better deal with it:

Keep a headache diary

Keeping track of your headaches and symptoms will make it easier for you to notice changes and alert your doctor. Know your migraine triggersA headache diary can also help you identify and avoid possible triggers. For example, if you're triggered by cheese, don't put a piece of cheese in your afternoon sandwich. Other common triggers include processed meat, chocolate and ripe bananas.

Drink lots of water

Dr. Shadbehr recommends drinking about 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, but everyone's water needs are different.

Get enough sleep

Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night is ideal.

Try safe home remedies

Lying down in a dark room or placing a cold cloth over your head can provide relief. “But discuss all natural remedies with a doctor before using them,” warns Dr. Shadbehr. “The various substances in natural remedies could have a negative impact on you or your future child.

cognitive behavioral therapy or biofeedback

Either way, you can learn to deal with headaches by changing the way you think.

Physiotherapy

Poor posture, especially in late pregnancy, can lead to headaches. Strengthening the neck and shoulder muscles through physiotherapy can help here. (Dr. Shadbehr also recommends a good massage.)

Dr. Shadbehr emphasizes that it is advisable to involve the doctor in the decision-making process, especially when it comes to taking medication: "It should be a shared and informed decision between the patient, their neurologist and often their gynecologist. Together we determine the best treatment approach for primary or secondary headaches."
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