They're BAAACK!

Guess what I had this morning? You guessed it! My first migraine headache in TWO WEEKS!

I decided to check out some info online after having something to eat. From what I've found, there's not much I can do to ward 'em off. JOY!

Anyway, here's basically what I found, in a nutshell:

Headache During Pregnancy

Migraine headaches during pregnancy are an often unwanted but sometimes common side effect of pregnancy. If you experienced migraines prior to pregnancy, you will find your condition either drastically improves or possibly gets worse during pregnancy.

What Are Migraines?

Migraine headaches are different from other forms of headaches including tension or cluster headaches. Migraine headaches typically result when blood vessels in the brain dilate to extremely uncomfortable levels. Increasing levels of hormones can contribute to migraine headaches in pregnant women. Some women experience a migraine headache for the first time while pregnant.

A migraine headache is typically characterized by a dull aching that eventually worsens until the patient feels a strong, pulsating pain usually on one side of the head or temples. Migraines are often accompanied by vomiting, nausea and in some cases an aura. An aura is the perception of lights or spots before the eyes. Some women with migraines experience blind spots or other vision problems. Many also report sensitivity to noise and lights.

Migraine headaches are usually not dangerous for the mother or baby, unless they persist for several days or come with unusual frequency. If you do experience a migraine accompanied by vision disturbances it is important you consult with your health care provider to rule out other potential causes (such as pre-eclampsia, which also causes headaches and vision disturbances).

Preventing Migraine Headaches

While there are no guarantees that you can prevent migraine or any other type of headache, scientists have discovered certain triggers that can stimulate a migraine. These vary from person to person, but common triggers often include:

Wine (which you should avoid anyways while pregnant).
Aged cheeses including sharp cheddar.
Chocolate.
Excessive anxiety or stress.
Muscular tension.
Hormones. (whichfluctuate greatly during pregnancy)
Weather fluctuations.
Coffee.

If you find that something triggers a migraine consistently your best bet is to simply avoid that trigger as much as possible.

Migraine Treatments

Many prescription remedies for treating migraines are not recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend you try some Tylenol and lie quietly in a dark and cool room. Many women find applying an ice pack or cool cloth to the head helpful for constricting blood vessels. A cold shower will serve the same purpose. Acupuncture and even chiropractic manipulation can be very helpful for relieving even the most severe migraines during pregnancy or after. Massage therapy can also help reduce muscular tension, stress or anxiety that may contribute to migraine headaches.

If you find you are experiencing more migraines than normal or that your symptoms are intolerable, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding alternate treatment methods. There are some prescription medications your doctor may be able to recommend if your migraine patterns warrant further treatment.

Info courtesy of Women's Healthcare Topics.