In this photo, dated Feb. 16, 2011, a patient complains about her migraine to a doctor in a street medicine program in California.Reuters/Lucy Nicholson
Migraines are intense headaches that are of recurring type. It can cause moderate to severe pain which can be pulsing or throbbing. It can also be accompanied by nausea, weakness, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some women experience migraines as a symptom of pregnancy. It can be due to hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, and skipped meals. Since prescription medicines aren’t usually given for pregnant ladies, they can opt for these natural remedies:
Choose a dark room- In most cases, migraines can be due to sensitivity to bright lights. So turn off all electronics and make your surroundings dark to help alleviate migraine symptoms.
Take a short nap- Your migraine could be because of poor sleep hygiene. Though the reason is unclear, a study has found that sleep can help combat headache pain. But make sure you don’t sleep too much. Oversleeping can trigger further headaches.
Relaxation exercises- Discuss with your doctor about relaxation techniques that are safe during pregnancy. When you perform exercises that can help relax the muscle around your neck, head, and back, it can help release the pressure that causes migraines.
Stay hydrated- Dehydration can cause pregnancy-related migraines in women. Drinking plenty of water can help alleviate migraine symptoms.
Consume magnesium-rich foods- Foods like spinach can help relax your muscles and prevent premature contractions.
Use a cold compress- It helps tighten the blood vessels and shrink the cells to help alleviate your pain.
Use a hot compress- It can help improve blood circulation and combat pain by expanding the blood vessels.
Grab a bite of ginger- It acts as a natural headache relief that blocks prostaglandins and prevents headaches. You can also sip ginger tea as a home remedy.
Try prenatal massages- You can go to a prenatal massage therapist who can help relieve the stress from your head, back, shoulders and neck. You can also try rubbing your shoulders at the base of your skull and wrists.
Drink lemon juice- Pregnancy can cause low levels of Vitamin-C in your body, which can cause headaches. Consuming Vitamin-C foods like lemon juice or orange juice can improve your Vitamin-C levels and prevent headaches.
Up your omega-3s- Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the intensity as well as the duration of headaches. So include foods like salmon, olive oil and canola oil in your diet.
