Are you or someone you know struggling with migraines? It’s not uncommon, especially around the time of childbirth.
The postpartum period can be a stressful time for new parents. You’re adjusting to an entirely new routine. Between caring for your newborn and getting used to being a parent, it’s easy to let things like headaches slip through the cracks.
Yet, if you suffer from migraines during this time, you must talk about them with your doctor. That way, you can manage them as effectively as possible.
Until then, here is further information to help you understand migraines during the postpartum period.
How Common Are Postpartum Migraines?
Migraine is a debilitating condition that can significantly impact the quality of life for those who suffer from it. It’s estimated that more than 39 million people in the United States experience migraines, with the majority being women.
Although migraines can occur at any age and time, they are commonly thought to be more prevalent during pregnancy. This is because many women experience changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, which can trigger migraines in some cases.
In fact, research has shown that one in four women suffer from migraines within two weeks of delivery, while approximately half have migraine attacks within the first month postpartum.
It is important for health care providers to recognize the symptoms of postpartum migraines and other headaches so they can administer proper treatment quickly before they become more serious. However, approximately 44% of people go without an accurate diagnosis, even when they meet its criteria. Therefore, you must have the right health care provider who is up-to-date on the latest information.
What Are the Causes of Postpartum Migraines?
When you’re a new mom, you might not think about the possibility of getting a migraine. The most likely culprits are stress and lack of sleep, but there’s more to it than that:
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes after childbirth can cause headaches and migraines. This happens when your body produces less serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps regulate moods and pain perception.
- Stress and sleep deprivation: These are both common triggers for postpartum migraines. Being a new mom can be stressful, so it’s important to make time for yourself, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day.
- Dehydration and poor nutrition: Dehydration can cause headaches and migraines, so drinking plenty of water while breastfeeding is important. Inadequate nutrition can also contribute to headaches because your body needs certain nutrients like B vitamins to regulate hormones.
- Other potential causes: Some women have allergies that worsen during pregnancy or after delivery, which can cause headaches or migraines.
The Effects of Postpartum Migraines
Postpartum migraine symptoms are painful and frustrating. However, they can also significantly impact the mother’s physical and emotional health and her ability to care for her newborn. While migraine headaches are common during pregnancy, they are also likely to occur within the first six weeks after birth.
Because of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and after delivery, it is normal for a woman’s body to experience many physical changes. These include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, increased sensitivity to light, noise and odors, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. These changes often trigger postpartum migraines because they may lead to dehydration and low blood sugar levels, which cause headaches.
In addition to these physical triggers, some women experience psychological triggers. These can include depression or anxiety, which can also lead to headaches during this period.
Prevention and Treatment Options for Postpartum Migraine
You may have postpartum migraines if symptoms include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and aura — visual disturbances such as seeing spots.
If you are experiencing any of these postpartum migraine symptoms, here are some of the most common treatment options.
1. Reduce Stress
Stress reduction is an important factor in preventing postpartum migraines. Stress can affect your body’s ability to regulate hormones, possibly contributing to postpartum migraines.
There are many ways to reduce stress in your daily life, including:
- Meditation and yoga
- Talking to friends and family.
- Reading self-help books.
- Going outside for exercise.
- Listening to music.
- Taking bubble baths.
- Spending time with pets.
- Doing something creative like writing poetry or painting.
- Trying new foods.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Relax or nap in bed with curtains closed.
2. Hydration and Nutrition
Drinking water will prevent headaches because it helps your body function better by keeping it hydrated and preventing dehydration-related headaches. It also helps keep your digestive system properly working so that food doesn’t sit too long in your stomach. This can lead to acid reflux and heartburn, which can trigger headaches.
Food is also an important factor in preventing migraines as certain ones have been linked to them, including:
- Dark chocolate
- Cheese or yogurt
- Alcohol
- Processed meats
- Nuts
- Avocados and other foods that contain tyramine.
- Aspartame sweetener
3. Cold Compresses and Heat Therapy
Cold compresses and heat therapy are two of the most common methods for postpartum migraine treatment. You can use both to treat migraine pain, but they work differently.
Cold compresses reduce the swelling of blood vessels, which may be causing your headache. You can buy cold packs at most drugstores or make your own by putting ice in a cloth and applying it to your head.
Heat therapy increases blood flow to the brain and relaxes muscle tension. You can use a warm compress, like a washcloth soaked in warm water, or a heating pad set on low.
If you try either of these methods, consider tracking how often they help with your migraines to know what works best for you.
4. Migraine Medications
Migraine medications are as effective in treating severe headaches postpartum as they are in non-pregnant women. The most common migraine medications are triptans, which include sumatriptan (Imitrex) and naratriptan (Amerge), and ergotamines such as dihydroergotamine (DHE).
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are also used to treat migraines. These medications can reduce pain and inflammation and help prevent future attacks by reducing swelling in blood vessels.
It’s important to keep track of your symptoms to know when to seek medical care immediately if necessary.
Seek Medical Treatment and Self-Care for Postpartum Migraines
The postpartum period is a time of great change and transition for new mothers. For many, it’s also a time of great physical and emotional pain. If you’re one of those new moms experiencing postpartum migraine symptoms, consider seeking help from a doctor as soon as possible. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount.
While there is no cure for migraines, there are effective treatments that can help you manage them. Therefore, self-care is also important during this period.
