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15 to 17% of women suffer from migraines. Hormonal changes occurring at different periods of women’s lives are among the causes that cause them. Paradoxically, during pregnancy, migraines tend to disappear.
Headache, nausea: symptoms of migraine
Migraines are characterized by headaches of greater intensity than ordinary headaches. Pain is often localized to only one side of the head and is readily concentrated in one eye.
They may be associated with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or hypersensitivity to light or noise. Often they worsen during movement, forcing you to lie down in a dark room and avoid any external stimulation.
From time to time the crisis can be preceded by “auras”. These are visual effects of different kinds: flashes of light, brightly colored lines or doubled eyesight. In some cases, speech difficulties may occur. These symptoms usually go away after 15 or 30 minutes and are replaced by strong headaches. The duration of the migraine attack is variable: from 12 to 24 hours.
What is the influence of pregnancy on migraines?
Bonne nouvelle! Migraine gets better or goes away in 60-70% of women, especially during the last two quarters. A phenomenon which is explained in part by the absence of hormonal fluctuations linked to menstrual cycles. Sometimes a first episode of migraine occurs during pregnancy and from time to time migraines are exaggerated during the first trimester. Unfortunately, after childbirth, the frequency of migraines generally returns to the same as before pregnancy and this, from the first week of postpartum.
Prevention of migraine during pregnancy
Certain factors can trigger a seizure. We must therefore try to avoid them. These are: lack of food or sleep, fatigue, exposure to bright light or loud noise, changes in weather conditions, stress or anxiety, certain foods such as chocolate, thealcohol (to be avoided during pregnancy), cheese, or those containing sodium glutamate. Note that suddenly stopping caffeine consumption can also cause migraines.
Pregnant migraine: how to get it through and avoid it?
Little things can reduce the frequency or severity of headaches and more specifically migraine during pregnancy. You can use a wet cold compress to apply to the base of the skull. Likewise, spraying your face with cold water can provide relief. Avoid dehydration and drink frequently. Regularly practice physical activity: it reduces stress and tensions at the origin of the crisis. Try relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. To reduce muscle tension, get a massage.
What medication for pregnant migraine?
However, some pregnant women suffer from more severe migraines which require drug treatment. Many drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin depending on the stage of pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe those that pose no risk to the embryo or fetus. It is mainly the paracetamol. If it proves ineffective, other drugs can be taken from time to time depending on the term of pregnancy. In the event of nausea or vomiting, treatment will be implemented to reduce their importance.
note that if a basic treatment had been prescribed before the pregnancy, it must imperatively be examined by the prescribing doctor to ensure that it is compatible with the pregnancy, or adapt it if necessary.
Migraine and pregnancy, beware of self-medication
As with other pathologies occurring during pregnancy, self-medication is also contraindicated herebecause it can put the embryo at risk. It is best to seek advice from your general practitioner, obstetrician-gynecologist, midwife or pharmacist before taking any medication. We can also, first of all, go to the site of Cr, the reference center for teratogenic agents, which indicates whether or not a particular drug is compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding.