The period of pregnancy might seem to be a span of time on rosy wings but every thing comes with a price tag and so is the case with pregnancy. From morning sickness to mood swings, the pregnancy period is not as merry as it seems and it does indeed take a great toll on the mother for a long period of time. The side effects that it comes with can be really intriguing at times and the regular migraine attacks during pregnancy can reduce you to a poor little structure. It is then that the home remedies come to your rescue and some these can really do wonders to your health!

What is migraine?

According to the dictionary, a recurrent throbbing headache that is caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the brain can be called migraine. It is mostly accompanied by nausea and disturbed vision. It usually affects only one side of the head but in certain cases, both sides, specifically the temple regions are affected. It is often triggered by sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine is not just a headache as many people misunderstand it to be. Its attacks usually include a host of debilitating neurological symptoms.

Pregnancy and migraine

According to womenshealth.gov, about 29.5 million americans suffer from migraines, and they’re more common in women. “usually, a third of the time the migraines get worse, a third of the time they get better, and a third of the time they stay the same during pregnancy,” says lara simondi, a certified nurse-midwife at brigham and women’s hospital in boston.

[source: https://www.thebump.com/a/migraines-during-pregnancy]

It is extremely normal to experience migraines during pregnancy, whether or not you used to have it before becoming pregnant. Needless to say, if you were a victim of migraine even earlier, it is more likely for you to experience migraine headaches during pregnancy.

Migraine Headache: 21 Tips to Treat During Pregnancy

Drinking lots of water

This might seem to be the simplest and most stupid solution ever, but t be very honest, water is like the magic potion that cures half the diseases in the easiest way possible. Intake of large quantities of water can help you get relieved from migraine headaches in no time and with no efforts.

Cold compress

Expanded blood vessels is the most common reason for migraine headaches during pregnancy, and cold compress is the perfect solution to it. Applying cold compress to the temple region tightens the blood vessels helping the muscles and skin tissues to shrink. This in turn leads to relief from the headache.

Lemon grass oil

Apart from curing stress, toothaches, muscle pain, period cramps, and anxiety, lemon grass is also effective in curing headaches, at least for the timing. The soothing and refreshing aroma of lemon grass oil can drive away migraine headaches in pregnant women in almost no time.

Peppermint oil

Massaging peppermint oil on the forehead region or smelling it can provide immediate relief from headaches in pregnant women. These basically work as a substitute of the balms that are used to reduce headaches.

Ginger roots

Being an ancient ayurvedic drug, ginger roots are usually used to treat vomiting, constipation, nausea, and common cold. However, intake of ginger on a regular basis during pregnancy can not only help cure migraine for the timing, but often cures it permanently.

Lavender oil

The aroma of lavender oil works as a sedative and hence, inhaling its aroma during pregnancy can provide long lasting relief from migraine headaches. In fact, this also acts as a mood stabilizer!

Adequate sleep

Migraine headaches are often the result of being fatigued and sleep deprived. Naps in the afternoons or going to bed early at night can keep pregnant women refreshed and reduce pain from migraines.

Lemon juice

Deficiency of vitamin c is often the cause of headaches in pregnant women, and lemon being the richest source of vitamin c can help cure migraine headaches very easily.

Hot compress

During pregnancy, inadequate circulation of blood in certain regions can also cause headaches. Hot compresses basically expand our blood vessels and increase the circulation of blood in that area. This removes small blood clots that may be causing headaches.

Intake of calcium and magnesium

These two nutrients are extremely important for both the mother and the child during pregnancy and intake of these in proper amounts can help reduce migraine headaches in pregnant women.

Avoiding products that contain caffeine

Caffeine is known to trigger migraines and hence, pregnant women, in order to reduce headaches from migraine should stay away from products such as coffee, chocolate, and soft drinks which contain caffeine.

Fish oil

Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, oil produced from the body of fish is known to reduce migraines. Apart from this, fish oil improves cognitive ability and brain power of the developing foetus in the womb.

Relaxation

Mere relaxation by listening to some good music or reading a good book by sitting down comfortably can often ease out the mental anxiety, thereby helping the expecting mother to be relieved from headaches.

Taking a shower

Migraine headaches are often the result of stress both physical and metal. Taking a shower warm or cold often relaxes the body and mind, making things comfortable for the expecting mother.

Drinking milk added with honey and cinnamon

Mixing honey and cinnamon to a glass of warm milk and drinking it right away works like magic on headaches during pregnancy.

Proper exercise

Proper exercise on a regular basis can also help reduce headaches due to migraine in pregnant women. But the exercises should be done carefully and on the guidance of an expert.

Almonds and yoghurt

Both these items are rich in magnesium-a mineral which is very significant for the health of both the mother and the foetus during pregnancy. Apart from providing relief from migraine headaches, these also aid in proper digestion.

Head massage

A proper head massage by an expert can often do wonders. It can also be successful in driving away the headache altogether sometimes.

Foods rich in iron and protein

Iron and protein help in better blood circulation and are especially effective for driving away migraine headaches in pregnant women. They also facilitate proper functioning of the body in general during pregnancy.

Steam inhalation

Inhalation of steam right after the water had boiled often relieves pregnant women of their headache as they clear the respiratory tract and accumulated cough that causes headaches.

Meditations or yoga

Relaxation training in the form of meditations and yoga can also help sooth the body and mind, helping expecting mothers to get relief from migraine headaches.

The next time you suffer from migraine headaches during pregnancy, do not think twice before trying out these easy home remedies!