Migraines During Pregnancy

Migraines can be horrifically debilitating or a mild inconvenience on other occasions. They vary dramatically in their presentation, triggers and patterns. Some people have severe throbbing headaches, while others have atypical migraines without headaches. Some can push on through the day, while others are locked in a dark room avoiding all stimulation.

However they present, migraines are a drain.

Combine that with all the changes occurring during pregnancy. Your belly and chest expand. Your blood volume increases by 50%. Your hormones rapidly rise. Your heart changes size and shape. You need to eat and drink more.

So how do migraines change during pregnancy? Do migraines change how the pregnancy will progress? How can migraines be managed drug-free when trying to conceive through to breastfeeding?

How Migraines Affect Pregnancy?

Migraineurs have a slightly higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia during pregnancy (Aukers et al. 2019). Pre-eclampsia is a combination of high blood pressure and other symptoms, which can be similar to migraines like spots in your vision.

Women who suffer migraines are also more likely to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes (EAN 2021). This is where your blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy and return to normal levels after pregnancy. You might then go on to develop type two diabetes later in life after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Anxiety and depression are more common in migraineurs (Welander et al. 2021). It's important to know this to be aware of how you are feeling. Maybe you have a history of mental health. When you are pregnant, this is a time to nourish yourself and be responsive to how you are feeling.

Being a migraine suffering doesn't mean you'll get pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes or anything else. It just means you need to be aware you are at a very slightly higher risk than someone who doesn't have migraines.

It provides a great opportunity to be proactive. As the old adage says: prevention is the best cure! So eat healthy, exercise regularly and monitor your stress levels. These are helpful for anyone, especially pregnant women, regardless of migraine status.

You can find out more about exercising during pregnancy or healthy eating during pregnancy here. Otherwise you can speak directly with your dual qualified pregnancy chiros / pilates instructors or women's health dietitian.

Migraine Treatment Options while Pregnant

Medication

Many medications are considered safe during pregnancy however all medications should be checked with your obstetrician, neurologist or GP. Sometimes medication and dosage needs to be changed during pregnancy and breastfeeding - or stopped all together.

Painkillers

Experts disagree how safe painkillers are during pregnancy. Some research suggests that panadol shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy (Bauer et al. 2021).

Getting adequate sleep

Fatigue is another common trigger for migraines.

Sleep during pregnancy can be tough! Finding a comfortable position, battling pains, stress, nausea, toilet runs, heartburn. There’s so many changes throughout pregnancy that can impact sleep.

Maybe the medications or supplements that you previously used to help drift off can’t be used during pregnancy.

An entire post could be written regarding sleep during pregnancy! It’s a big topic.

Simple sleep tips include:

• Avoid screen time prior to bed. Add night shift or blue-light reducing software on your phone, tablet and computers if you must use them prior to sleep.
  

• Drink plenty of water during the day and tapper off after dinner time. Bubs will push up against the bladder but it’ll less frequently interrupt your sleep if your bladder not full.

• Have a consistent bedtime and wind-down routine.

• Use calming essential oils. Lavender and orange are frequently used together for sleep.

• Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening. In fact, during pregnancy, you should be limiting your caffeine intake regardless. Find out more here about how much caffeine is safe during pregnancy.

• Sleep with pillows around you for support. As your belly grows, it may be more comfortable to have a pillow under the belly. Many women enjoy a pillow between their legs to take the strain off the pelvis. We’d suggest having a pillow between the knees and feet to keep the pelvis from twisting.

Acupuncture for Migraines

Acupuncture can help reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines (Ou et al. 2000). More than that, acupuncture is safely used by many pregnant women to ease their back pain, nausea and assist their preparation for birth.