Migraine Headaches During Pregnancy
Headaches are quite common in pregnancy. The most common are tension headaches and migraine headaches. Most headaches come and go, but others may be more bothersome or may be caused by other problems. It's important to talk with your healthcare provider about any headaches you have before, during, or after pregnancy.
Many pregnant women have migraine headaches. Over half of women find that their migraines happen less often in the last few months of pregnancy. But migraines may get worse after birth, during the postpartum period. Although migraine headaches may cause you severe pain, they don't harm your developing baby (fetus).
What are migraine headaches?
Migraines are a type of headache that affects nerves and blood vessels (neurovascular). The 2 most common types of migraines are migraine with aura and migraine without aura.
-
Migraine with aura. This type of migraine includes an aura. You may see flashing lights or zigzag lines or lose your eyesight for a short time. This usually happens 10 to 30 minutes before the migraine starts. The aura may also happen during the migraine.
-
Migraine without aura. This type of migraine generally does not have an aura. You may have other symptoms before it starts.
How are migraine headaches managed in pregnancy?
Treatment of migraines in pregnancy may include things that soothe the pain. This includes cold packs, a darkened room, and sleep. Staying away from triggers such as certain foods and stress may also be helpful. Any medicines to treat pain, nausea, and vomiting must be carefully chosen. Here are some things to know about migraine treatment in pregnancy:
-
Many medicines pass through the placenta to your developing baby. You shouldn't take these medicines in the first trimester.
-
Other medicines can be harmful in later pregnancy.
-
Generally, small amounts of acetaminophen and caffeine are safe in pregnancy.
-
Don't take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.
-
Migraine headache medicine such as sumatriptan and opioid pain medicines such as morphine should be used only as directed by your healthcare provider. Opioid pain relievers can be addictive for both you and your baby.
Talk with your pregnancy care provider about which migraine medicine can be used safely during pregnancy.
What are possible complications of migraines?
If you have a history of migraine headaches, and have no other health problems, migraines during pregnancy are not usually a concern.
But if a first-time migraine-like headache occurs in pregnancy, it's important to check for any other type of condition that may be dangerous. This includes bleeding in the brain, meningitis, high blood pressure, or tumors. You may need further testing to find the cause of the headache. This testing may include urine and blood tests.
Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNPHeather M Trevino BSN RNCIrina Burd MD PhD
Date Last Reviewed: 7/1/2021
© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Conditions
- Chickenpox (Varicella) and Pregnancy
- Pregnancy- How Your Digestion Changes
- Graves Disease in Pregnancy
- Lupus and Pregnancy
- Maternal and Fetal Infections Overview
- Maternal and Fetal Testing Overview
- Medical Genetics: Teratogens
- Migraine Headaches During Pregnancy
- Neurological Conditions and Pregnancy
- Preconception Care
- Pregnancy and Medical Conditions
- Risk Factors for Pregnancy
- Sickle Cell Disease and Pregnancy
- Thyroid Conditions
- 5 Pregnancy Myths
- Asthma and Pregnancy
- Avoid Getting Stuck with Constipation
- Be Wary of These Three Items
- Bleeding During Early Pregnancy
- Ease Nausea with Natural Remedies
- Ease the Aches of Pregnancy with Exercise
- For the Sake of Your Baby, Skip the Alcohol
- For Twins or More: What to Consider in Your Third Trimester
- Gentle Approach Can Beat Pregnancy-Related Hair Loss
- Having Multiples? Take Extra Care in the First Trimester
- Healthy Habits Are Extra Important During Pregnancy
- Helping Others Understand Your Migraine
- Home Page - Pregnancy and Childbirth
- How are Low Birthweight and Smoking Related?
- How to Avoid Heartburn During Pregnancy
- How to Handle Dizziness During Pregnancy
- How to Keep Gestational Diabetes at Bay
- Keeping Up with the 9-to-5
- Kids' Headaches: The Diagnosis Is Difficult
- Lifting the Burden of Pregnancy Depression
- Manage Issues in the Workplace
- Managing Gestational Diabetes
- Managing Your Diabetes During Pregnancy
- Medicine and Pregnancy Don't Always Mix
- Migraine: It’s Time to Call Your Healthcare Provider
- Migraine News: How’s the Weather?
- Migraines: A Monthly Misery?
- Migraines: Should You Take Preventive Medication?
- Planning a Pregnancy
- Potentially Harmful Remedies for Migraines
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy and Oral Health
- Pregnancy and Skin Changes
- Pregnancy: Common Questions
- Pregnancy Rhinitis: Relief for Ongoing Nasal Congestion Is Possible
- Pregnancy Safety for You and Your Little One
- Pregnant? Why You Should Know About Lead
- Risks to Pregnancy
- Safe Sleep During Pregnancy
- Steps to Reduce the Pressure on Your Legs
- Take Precautions When You Travel
- Take to the Water for Exercise
- The Lungs in Pregnancy
- The Pregnant Mother
- Topic Index - Pregnancy and Childbirth
- What Dad Can Expect When You’re Expecting