Migraine headaches are more likely to impact women than men, says the American Pregnancy Association. During pregnancy a woman may experience migraines for the first time. If she has always had migraines, she may have more or fewer migraines throughout the pregnancy, but there is no real way to predict their frequency. Pregnancy migraines may be associated to the hormone changes that occur in a woman's body but this correlation is only slight, says the American Pregnancy Association. Treatment of migraines in pregnancy may prove more difficult due to the potential risk certain methods may pose to the unborn baby.
Cold Water
The application of a cold towel to the head may help reduce the pain associated with a migraine. A cold shower may also help reduce the blood vessel constriction that occurs when a migraine occurs. BabyCenter.com suggests putting some pressure on the painful areas of your head with either a cool or a warm compress.
Rest
Migraines often make people sensitive to light and sound. Resting in a quiet and dark place can help diminish the symptoms. Take a nap if possible or practice relaxation techniques. Yoga and mediation present two possible relaxation options that may help reduce the pain from the migraine headache.
Exercise
The American Pregnancy Association suggests light exercise to help combat a migraine. Light activity, such as walking, can increase the blood circulation. Improving blood circulation may lead to the blood vessels loosening their constriction, which can speed the passing of the headache. You should only carry out exercise approved by a health care provider during pregnancy.
Medication
There are several effective medications prescribed to prevent and treat migraine headaches. Unfortunately, many of these have the potential to harm an unborn child. Acetaminophen proves the only oral pain medication considered to be entirely safe for use during pregnancy, states the American Pregnancy Association. However, pregnant women should not take acetaminophen long term.
Diet
Caffeine has been somewhat helpful in relieving migraine headaches, says the Illinois Teratogen Information Service. The amount of caffeine needed to treat the headache currently remains unknown, so only limit yourself to small doses during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid migraine triggers. BabyCenter.com suggests keeping a food diary to help identify the cause of the migraine. Preventing hunger and thirst throughout pregnancy proves important in minimizing the chances of developing a migraine.
Massage
Any type of full-body massage may help relieve tension caused by the migraine and help increase relaxation. A professional pregnancy massage therapist may prove an even better choice to ensure certain pressure points are avoided that may trigger labor. An acupuncture treatment may also be worth trying to relieve the migraine pain, but BabyCenter.com suggests that minimal evidence exists that proves its effectiveness for this type of pain.
