The exact causes of migraines aren't known. However, they appear to involve changes in blood flow, neurochemicals and nerve pathways in the brain. Researchers believe that when a woman becomes pregnant, these changes gets amplified due to the added stresses of pregnancy.
Pregnancy migraines are fairly common and are usually nothing to worry about. But in some instances, they could be a precursor to pregnancy complications. It's best for women to read up on migraines as much as they can so they can treat it at home or know when to consult a doctor. For starters, here are 5 basic pregnancy migraine facts every woman should know.
1. You're Not Alone
Baby Center reported that 20 percent of women will experience a migraine at least once in their life. Roughly 16 percent of those women will be visited by their first migraine during pregnancy. On the bright side, 66 percent of women who regularly experience migraines reported of an improved mental state during pregnancy.
2. Sleep Helps
Are you tired of experiencing migraines? Well, the quickest way to remedy that is to get some sleep. Pregnancy experts advise women to follow a consistent sleep schedule so they won't get fuzzy during the wee hours of the night. Interrupted sleep often ends up in a migraine.
3. Avoid Hunger And Dehydration
A typical migraine can be triggered by low blood sugar or insufficient fluids in the body. Eating smaller but more frequent meals is highly recommended, as opposed to heavy food binges. Keeping yourself hydrated is also a must to help prevent migraines. Nutritionist tell women to sip water slowly if they have vomited while experiencing a migraine.
4. When To Know It's Serious
According to Fox News, migraines are deemed serious when they cause the sufferer to experience high blood pressures. Women who fall into this category are 17 times more likely to have pregnancy complications, such as preterm births, low-birthweight babies and maternal or infant mortality.
5. When To Consult A Doctor
Women should consider going to the doctor's office when they experience severe migraines which last longer than a day or if their headaches include vomiting, nausea or blurred vision. For frequent migraine sufferers, its best to consult a doctor when you encounter a migraine that's noticeable more punishing than past experiences.
