Migraines are excruciating headaches that can incapacitate you for hours or even days. They may cause you to be sensitive to light, unable to tolerate sound or even experience strange visual impairments like flashing lights and blind spots. Postpartum migraines can be particularly severe because pregnancy increases the levels of chemicals in the body that cause migraines.
Function
Two of the main causes of migraines are stress and changing levels of estrogen. The high levels of estrogen in a woman's body at the end of the third trimester and the dramatic drop in estrogen shortly after birth can cause severe migraines. While the birth of a child is a beautiful and wonderful thing, it is quite stressful on the body and the mental state of women. As a result, the rapidly altering levels of estrogen are likely to trigger severe migraines, also called postpartum migraines, at this time.
Significance
Fortunately, postpartum migraines do not usually indicate a chronic condition. If you have been prone to migraines before your pregnancy, then it is likely that the frequency of the migraines will increase briefly after the pregnancy. However, once your hormone levels stabilize, you will likely return to normal and in many cases your chronic migraines may actually ease up.
Types
Postpartum migraines can be benign or life-threatening. Fortunately, almost all postpartum migraines are benign and will fade with time. However, if you experience severe pain that alters your vision or that does not fade, you should consult your doctor as it can indicate internal bleeding.
Effects
Postpartum migraines are similar in character to regular migraines. The only real difference is that they are easier to trigger because you are already sensitive because of the dramatic changes in your estrogen levels due to the birth of your child. Postpartum migraines can last several hours to several days, and are accompanied by severe head pain, sensitivity to light and sound and difficulty concentrating.
Prevention/Solution
The best way to avoid postpartum migraines is to avoid the triggers that cause them. For some women, this may mean giving up chocolate or shellfish. Others will need to avoid bright, flashing lights. Postpartum migraines can be treated with beta-blockers and even anti-depressants if they are beginning to interfere with your daily life. Some women even use estrogen replacement therapy to ease these headaches, but this can create other health difficulties so make sure to work closely with your doctor to develop a treatment that is best for you.
Warning
If you have persistent, recurring migraines after the end of your pregnancy, then you must consult a physician. While they are likely harmless postpartum migraines that will fade as your body becomes reacclimated to not being pregnant, recurring migraines can indicate more serious conditions like brain tumors and other life-threatening health concerns. A simple MRI or CAT scan and some routine blood work will clear all of this up, and then you can get back to enjoying your newborn.
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