Migraine is a neurological disorder that is accompanied by mild headache in the initial stages and which in later stages develops into severe and pulsating pain in the temples as well as the front and base of the head. Migraine headache makes it very hard for the sufferer to go about his daily duties and live a normal lifestyle.

Migraine and pregnancy link:

Research has established a connection between migraine and pregnancy on the basis of the fact that the imbalance of estrogen level in the body causes migraine. During pregnancy, the level of estrogen drops in the body which is linked to a fall in the level of serotonin, a chemical closely associated with the occurrence of migraine. Thus, hormonal fluctuations give rise to migraine during pregnancy and can be quite frequent.

Having a migraine attack during pregnancy makes the intensity of the attack worse than in a normal scenario. Most of the women experience their first migraine during pregnancy. It is always advised to consult a medical practitioner if you experience any signs of migraine during pregnancy. Although, migraine doesn’t possess any threat to the fetus, but the headache might be a sign of an underlying ailment or disorder.

Symptoms of migraine in pregnancy:

The headache is often accompanied by rise in body temperature.

The duration of the headache is more than a few hours and is recurrent in nature.

The headache disrupts your vision and you cannot see things clearly.

Some of the most common triggers that might set off a migraine attack are:

Emotional or work related stress

Foods such as chocolate, cheese and beverages such as coffee and alcohol

Environmental changes such as the weather or altitude

Imbalance of hormones

Treating migraine during pregnancy:

The first and foremost thing would be to make some changes in your lifestyle. The above stated triggers should be avoided and food that can trigger a migraine attack should be eliminated from the diet.

The best way to overcome a migraine attack is by taking adequate rest or if possible, taking a small nap

Applying cold towel compress or having a cold shower a great way of subsidizing a migraine headache.

Relaxation methods such as yoga and meditation should be tried to eliminate stress, ultimately minimizing the chances of getting a migraine attack.

The best drug for treating migraine attack during pregnancy is acetaminophen. However, it is advised to consult a doctor before taking this medicine. Intake of any other aspirin containing drug should be avoided.