Although a conclusive cause has not been identified, researchers believe that a woman’s hormones may be to blame for frequent migraine attacks — many studies have linked the female sex hormone estrogen to increased incidences of migraines.
Photo credit: Simona Balint
But why? Researchers believe that the fluctuation in estrogen levels can affect how neurotransmitters work in the brain, which in turn can affect how blood flows. Serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter, has been shown to affect the size of blood vessels during changes in estrogen levels.
Researchers theorize that the changes in vessel width and blood flow may trigger a migraine-like reaction in the brain by promoting the release of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins, when released, can cause your head to throb, a reaction you may familiar with if you are pregnant. The process continues as the levels of estrogen change. This can increase the frequency of migraines.
Major changes in estrogen only occur during puberty and pregnancy — many women first report experiencing migraines during the first months of their pregnancy. Although estrogen levels can change during a woman’s monthly cycle, the changes are not as drastic.
Estrogen isn’t the only factor here, however — a lack of sleep, irregular eating schedules and yes, added stress, can also add to a woman’s risk for pregnancy migraines. All of these factors can affect how the brain operates, which may trigger an unwanted attack. Getting enough sleep and eating regularly can help, but if you suffer from morning sickness, this may be impossible to do. Taking anti-nausea medications may help lessen its effects.
Some migraines still need to be treated, however — avoiding triggers may not always help. Most of the pain-relieving medications approved to treat migraines cannot be used by pregnant women due to the risk for birth defects. Some drugs can even increase a woman’s risk for a miscarriage.
So what drugs can pregnant women use? According to WebMD.com, acetaminophen — not acetaminophen combination drugs — are considered low-risk, and should be safe for both mother and baby. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs can also be used to treat migraine pain, but they can cause miscarriage if used near a woman’s conception date. Taking these drugs in the third trimester of pregnancy can also cause complications for the baby, and should be avoided.
