Published 09/26/2024
Updated 08/28/2025
5-minutes read!
Imagine this: You're sitting quietly, and suddenly, a sharp, pulsating pain starts creeping in on one side of your head. The light from the window feels blinding, and every sound—no matter how small—seems to echo painfully inside your skull. As the pain intensifies, nausea kicks in, leaving you feeling dizzy and unsettled. This is no ordinary headache!
About 15 to 20 percent of pregnant women report experiencing migraine during pregnancy with varying symptoms and triggers. If you experience such neurological events, the question then becomes: how do you manage this intense pain while ensuring the safety of both you and your baby?
A migraine is more than just a bad headache. It’s a neurological condition that typically causes severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. Some people may even experience an aura—visual disturbances like flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or blind spots—before the migraine hits.
So, what exactly is the difference between headaches and migraine? The key lies in their intensity and the fact that they often include multiple symptoms. While headaches might feel like dull or mild pressure, migraines involve nerve pathway activation, leading to inflammation and heightened pain sensitivity.
Throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head.
Headache with nausea and vomiting.
Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smells.
Aura: visual disturbances such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots.
Fatigue and dizziness.
Migraines are thought to be linked to changes in serotonin levels. Serotonin helps regulate pain in your nervous system, and fluctuations during pregnancy, especially due to hormonal changes like increasing estrogen levels, can impact serotonin and trigger migraines. These changes in blood vessel behavior are part of why migraines feel so intense.
Understanding what triggers migraines during pregnancy can help you take steps to manage or prevent them. Here are some common causes:
Hormonal fluctuations: Pregnancy brings massive hormonal shifts, particularly in estrogen, which can impact serotonin and trigger migraines.
Increased blood volume: Your blood volume increases significantly during pregnancy, possibly contributing to headaches and migraines.
Changes in sleep patterns or fatigue: Growing a human can be exhausting, and lack of sleep or extreme fatigue is a well-known migraine trigger.
Stress and anxiety: The emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy can bring stress, which, in turn, triggers migraines.
Dehydration or hunger: Migraine due to hydration is common; dehydration can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to head pain.
Food triggers: Common culprits like chocolate, caffeine, and processed meats may provoke migraines.
Interestingly, many women find that their migraine patterns change during pregnancy. Some report fewer migraines, particularly during the second and third trimesters, possibly due to more stabilized hormone levels during these stages. However, the first trimester is often a challenging time for women who experience migraines, as hormonal surges can exacerbate symptoms.
Managing migraines while pregnant can be tricky because not all medications are safe to use. Fortunately, several natural remedies for headaches during pregnancy can help alleviate symptoms:
Dark, Quiet Room: Light and sound often trigger or worsen migraines, so retreat to a dark, quiet space.
Lie Down with an Elevated Head: Keeping your head slightly elevated may help relieve some pressure and pain.
Mindful Breathing: Focus on slow, deep breathing to calm your nervous system and ease tension.
Short Naps: A quick 20-30-minute nap may help if migraines are triggered by fatigue.
Guided Meditation: Apps and online videos can guide you through calming meditations that aim to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Prenatal Yoga: Gentle, pregnancy-safe stretching can help you relax physically and mentally, reducing stress, a common migraine trigger.
Aromatherapy: Some scents, such as lavender or peppermint oil, can help reduce migraine symptoms. However, always consult your doctor before using essential oils during pregnancy.
Cold or Warm Compresses: Use a cold compress on your forehead or the back of your neck to reduce inflammation, or opt for a warm compress to relax tense muscles.
Stay Hydrated: As mentioned, dehydration is a common migraine trigger. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.
Balanced Diet: Eating regular meals and avoiding foods that are known triggers (like caffeine and chocolate) can help manage migraines. Try incorporating foods rich in magnesium and riboflavin (vitamin B2), both of which have been shown to help reduce migraine frequency.
Acupressure has been shown to provide relief for some migraine sufferers, and a gentle prenatal massage can work wonders for tension-related headaches.
While natural remedies are often the first line of defense, some women require migraine medication during pregnancy. It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication. Some options considered relatively safe during pregnancy include:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe for occasional use during pregnancy and is often the first line of defense for headaches and migraines.
Magnesium and Riboflavin Supplements: These can be used under a doctor’s supervision to help prevent migraines. Riboflavin for migraines and magnesium, in particular, has been shown to reduce migraine frequency in some cases.
Migraine-specific medications: Some triptans and NSAIDs may be prescribed, but these must be taken with caution, especially during the third trimester when NSAIDs can pose risks to the baby.
It’s important to avoid medications like ibuprofen in the later stages of pregnancy, as they can increase the risk of complications.
Prevention is often the best medicine since we all wonder what causes headaches and nausea. Here are a few strategies to help you avoid migraines during pregnancy:
Keep a migraine diary: Tracking your migraines, including what you ate, how much sleep you got, and any other factors, can help you identify patterns or triggers.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a known migraine trigger, so drink fluids throughout the day.
Eat regular meals: Skipping meals or allowing your blood sugar to dip can trigger migraines, so try to eat balanced, regular meals.
Manage stress: Incorporate stress-relief techniques like prenatal yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Set a sleep routine: A consistent sleep schedule can help prevent fatigue-induced migraines.
Migraines during pregnancy can be challenging, but with the right tools, they can be managed. Whether you rely on natural remedies, medication under your doctor’s guidance, or a mix of both, it’s important to take a proactive approach. By identifying your triggers and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines during pregnancy.
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Goadsby, P. J., Goldberg, J., & Silberstein, S. D. (2008). Migraine in Pregnancy. [BMJ]
Migraine. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [NINDS]
Onan, D., Younis, S., Wellsgatnik, W. D., Farham, F., Andruškevičius, S., Abashidze, A., Jusupova, A., Romanenko, Y., Grosu, O., Moldokulova, M. Z., Mursalova, U., Saidkhodjaeva, S., Martelletti, P., & Ashina, S. (2023). Debate: Differences and Similarities Between Tension-Type Headache and Migraine. [NCBI]
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Erica is a seasoned content writer and journalist with a deep passion for transforming complex topics into compelling, relatable narratives. Since launching her writing career in 2009, she has championed the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and connect with readers on a personal level. Erica excels at diving deep into subjects through meticulous research, then crafting stories that are not only informative but also unforgettable. With expertise in marketing, education, sustainable medicine, pregnancy, and motherhood, she has a unique ability to create content that resonates deeply with her audience. Erica is particularly passionate about how advancements in these fields can empower women, enhance their well-being, and create lasting positive impacts.
Erica is a seasoned content writer and journalist with a deep passion for transforming complex topics into compelling, relatable narratives. Since launching her writing career in 2009, she has championed the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and connect with readers on a personal level. Erica excels at diving deep into subjects through meticulous research, then crafting stories that are not only informative but also unforgettable. With expertise in marketing, education, sustainable medicine, pregnancy, and motherhood, she has a unique ability to create content that resonates deeply with her audience. Erica is particularly passionate about how advancements in these fields can empower women, enhance their well-being, and create lasting positive impacts.
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