Myth or truth?
Myth
“Migraine goes away during pregnancy”
Truth
Migraine,
especially menstrual migraine, can improve dramatically during
pregnancy. It is important to understand, however, that migraine does
not just go away. Migraine attacks may become less frequent, but the
underlying disorder is always present. Some women actually experience
more frequent attacks during pregnancy because they must stop taking
medication for the pain. It is very important that your migraine is well
controlled before you become pregnant.
Migraine during Pregnancy
| Q: |
Is migraine different in any way during pregnancy?
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| A: |
It is important to understand that having migraine does not
cause harm during pregnancy. Many women with migraine become attack-free
during pregnancy. In others, the attacks decrease dramatically,
especially during the second and third trimesters. However, not every
woman gets better. Some may have more frequent attacks or the frequency
of attacks stays the same as before pregnancy.
|
| Q: |
How can I know if my migraine will get better during pregnancy?
|
| A: |
Your migraine is more likely to get better during pregnancy if
your attacks are associated with menstruation. It is important to
control your migraine before pregnancy since most migraine medications
cannot be used during pregnancy. Women who often use medications for
migraine are likely to have more attacks while pregnant because they
must stop their medications.
|
| Q: |
What happens to my migraine after I have the baby?
|
| A: |
During the first week following the birth of the baby,
approximately 40 percent of women with migraine have an attack. The
migraine frequently happens between day 3 and day 6 after delivery. As
with menstruation, hormone changes trigger the migraine attack. Sleep
disruption, or a change in eating habits or in a woman’s schedule
related to the baby’s arrival, may also act as migraine triggers.
|
| Q: |
Can I take medication for my migraine during pregnancy?
|
| A: |
Most medications for migraine must be avoided during pregnancy
and breast-feeding. Hence, controlling migraine attacks with lifestyle
changes is vital at these times. There are some medications that may be
used, but you must consult your obstetrician and pediatrician first.
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