Carrying a child in your body is an amazing feat, but it takes a great physical toll on a woman’s body. As the baby develops in a pregnant woman, she may experience side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Loss of bladder control
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Back pain
• Foot and ankle pain
• Pelvic pain and more

Another side effect that some women don’t expect is migraines. As the hormones in your body change, your blood vessels can swell and cause migraines.

Many women will tell you the rewards of motherhood are worth it, but when you’re going through pregnancy, you’re going to need all the help you can get. That’s why you should seek professional healthcare assistance during your pregnancy if you’re struggling with migraines.

Treatments for pregnancy migraines

Since pregnancy migraines are the result of chemicals changing in your body, they may not always be avoidable. However, there are some steps you can take to help reduce their frequency and severity:

• Rest
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid smells, tastes, sights and other known triggers
• Apply a cold pack to your head for 10 or 15 minutes
• Have someone massage your neck and head

Treatments that involve the use of medications are typically reserved for severe cases of migraines. Doctors tend to avoid administering any drugs that could cause unknown side effects to your unborn child.

When medication is necessary, your physician can examine your condition and determine what kind of medication is right for you. He or she may recommend certain over-the-counter medications or may prescribe you something stronger if necessary.

Treating pregnancy migraines with physical therapy

Physical therapists cannot alter the chemical imbalances in your body that cause headaches, but they can help reduce other sources of migraines. Physical therapy techniques can strengthen and stretch the neck and back muscles. When these muscles are strained from poor posture or extra weight (as during pregnancy), they can cause headaches and migraines.

Strengthening and stretching your back and neck muscles can help reduce your head pain and other forms of pain as well. Your physical therapist may also offer guidance for posture improvements as your baby develops.

Would you like to talk to a physical therapist at Franklin Rehabilitation about treating your pregnancy migraines? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.