Approximately 15 percent of migraine sufferers experienced one for the first time when they were pregnant, according to the medical advisory board of BabyCenter.com. Although not all women experience migraines during pregnancy, those who take the time to learn about them before pregnancy can know what to expect and how to treat them.
Symptoms
Migraine headaches typically begin as a dull ache, then turn into a pulsating, throbbing pain. People may experience this pain in the temples or in the front or base of the head. Migraines can last from four to 72 hours if not treated. Nausea and vomiting can occur with migraines, but this doesn't always happen. Some people may also experience a change in vision referred to as an aura, which consists of dots or wavy lines of flashing lights.
Triggers
Some things may trigger a migraine headache during pregnancy, the American Pregnancy Association says. Common triggers include stress, coffee, chocolate, cheese, changes in weather and hormone fluctuations, but triggers greatly depend on the person. Therefore, pregnant women should consider creating a migraine journal to attempt to identify personal migraine triggers.
Considerations
Approximately two-thirds of women who are migraine sufferers before pregnancy will notice an improvement during pregnancy, explains BabyCenter.com. Though no one can predict whether migraines will improve or worsen during pregnancy, women who experience migraines around menstruation may be more likely to see an improvement than those who don't.
Home Remedies
Home remedies can help pregnant women manage their migraine headaches without medications. Taking a cold shower, applying a cold washcloth to the forehead, taking a long nap, exercising or using relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation are examples of remedies that work for some pregnant women, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Medications
Although medication options are not as plentiful for pregnant women as they are for other migraine sufferers, some options can be safe. Doctors often allow pregnant women to take acetaminophen for migraine pain during pregnancy, but women should always talk to their obstetrician before taking any medication.
Warning
Although migraines during pregnancy are not usually cause for concern, some migraines indicate a more serious problem. The American Pregnancy Association says pregnant women should tell their doctors about migraines that last for more than a few hours, return frequently or occur with a fever or blurred vision.
