Occasional migraines are common in the first trimester. Sometimes headaches indicate an underlying health problem such as high blood pressure. You should consult a migraine specialist Alexandria if your symptoms are severe or persist after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Discover migraine triggers and ways to address headaches during pregnancy.
What causes migraines during pregnancy?
Most headaches within the first 20 weeks are often due to changes in blood volume. It causes a mild sensation of discomfort around your head.
Migraines typically happen on one side of the head. They are also common during pregnancy. Research is yet to establish the real cause of migraines.
However, scientists believe most migraines are due to neurological anomalies. Accompanying symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and vision problems.
The principal factor causing migraines during pregnancy is fluctuations in estrogen levels. Some women with pre-existing migraines experience milder headaches when pregnant. High but stable estrogen levels coupled with a spike in endorphins can improve symptoms
Nonetheless, when the spike in estrogen levels is erratic, it may trigger a migraine. If symptoms do not improve after the first trimester, the condition may persist until childbirth.
Other factors causing migraines
Generally speaking, migraine can be erratic, especially during pregnancy. Sometimes the headache can last from a few hours to several days. Some women with menstrual migraine or ones without aura experience diminishing symptoms when pregnant. Identifying triggers could be invaluable for the diagnosis and treatment process.
Common triggers of pregnancy migraines include;
- Stress and anxiety: Physiological changes that may cause stress. Mental distress, in turn, leads to hormonal fluctuations that trigger migraines.
- Insomnia and sleep deprivation: inadequate sleep can cause irritability, fatigue, and stress. Mental distress and fatigue often trigger pregnancy migraines.
- Biological and physiological factors: Dehydration causes chemical changes in the body that trigger migraines. Blood sugar levels and insulin tolerance may also cause migraines. Tobacco consumption and exposure to secondhand smoke could worsen symptoms.
- Dietary choices: Some pregnant women experience headaches after taking certain foods, such as dairy and cheese. On the other hand, changing your diet or skipping some meals can trigger a migraine.
- Vision and light sensitivity: Some cases of migraine occur after exposure to flickering lights. Symptoms may emerge when going outdoors at night or under specific types of lighting.
Treatment for pregnancy migraines
Several medical drugs available today can effectively address migraine symptoms. But not all medications are suitable for pregnant women. That is why it can be challenging to prescribe for pregnant women with migraines.
Pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure could also complicate treatment. For example, paracetamol and NSAIDs can effectively alleviate symptoms. But they increase blood pressure and cause complications in the second and third trimesters.
If treatment with medication is not viable, your healthcare provider may suggest other options. That may include nerve blocks and CGRP (Calcitonin gene-related peptide) inhibitor injections. Your migraine specialist will discuss the options after a thorough diagnosis.
To schedule a personalized consultation, call Integrated Neurology Services or schedule your consultation online.
