Pregnancy brings about significant physical and emotional changes for many women. While it is a time of joy and anticipation, expectant mothers often encounter various health conditions. One such condition is migraine, a debilitating headache disorder that can greatly affect a woman's quality of life. Among the various factors influencing migraines, caffeine consumption, especially through coffee, plays a significant role. We spoke to our expert Dr Shilpa S Apte, MBBS, DGO, Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital, Jayanagar, Bangaluru, who explained the link between coffee and migraine attacks during pregnancy.
Role of Hormones in Pregnancy and Migraines
“Hormonal fluctuations play a crucial role in the onset and severity of migraines. During pregnancy, levels of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone experience significant changes. Pregnancy hormones can have adverse effects on the body”, said Dr Apte. It shows us the forms of some headaches, including migraines. While some women experience improvement in migraine during pregnancy, others may find it to be more severe.
According to a 2008 study, migraine episodes typically become more frequent during the first trimester of pregnancy but are anticipated to decrease as pregnancy progresses. Nevertheless, while attacks usually occur less often during the later stages of pregnancy, new instances of aura (temporary disturbance that affects your senses, usually your vision) may emerge during this period.
Also Read: Migraine And Vomiting: Expert Explains The Relation Between The Two
Coffee: Beneficial or Harmful?
Coffee's relationship with migraines is complex. Caffeine, the main ingredient in coffee, can act as both a trigger and a pain reliever. Here's the breakdown:
- Trigger: For some people, avoiding caffeine can cause headaches. Therefore, people who regularly drink coffee should not stop suddenly, as doing so may give them a headache. Also, some people are sensitive to caffeine, and it can trigger migraine attacks. So always make a note of such triggers and track them consistently.
- Pain Reliever: Caffeine in moderate amounts can help reduce migraine pain. It narrows the blood vessels in the brain, which is thought to be a factor in migraine headaches.
Finding The Right Balance
“If a pregnant woman experiences migraines, she should consult with the doctor about her coffee habit. With some testing, they can help determine if this is a trigger and recommend a safe amount of coffee intake. In general, a moderate intake of about 200 mg of caffeine per day (about one cup of brewed coffee) is considered safe for most pregnant women”, highlighted Dr Apte.
Alternate Remedies
If coffee is a migraine trigger for any pregnant woman, here are some alternatives to manage morning jitters and find relief from a migraine attack, as listed by the expert:
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can cause headaches to worsen, so it's important to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Take Rest: To avoid headaches, relaxation is very important. While having migraines women should take some time to relax in a low-light, quiet room and apply a cold compress to the forehead.
- Pain Relievers: Consult the doctor about safe pain relievers during pregnancy which will recommend some medicine according to the condition for occasional headaches.
Bottomline
Dr Apte concluded, “Each pregnancy is different. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to coffee and migraines. Listen to the body, keep track of the triggers, and consult the doctor to find what works best for you to navigate the challenges of migraines during pregnancy, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable experience for both yourselves and your babies.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]