EBB 413 - Evidence on Migraines and Pregnancy: Frequency, Prevention, and Comfort Measures

Migraines during pregnancy can be debilitating, and figuring out how to prevent or manage them can be especially challenging. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker explores the research on migraines during pregnancy, including why they happen, how pregnancy can affect migraine patterns, and why new or changing headaches should be taken seriously. Rebecca also discusses migraine triggers, medication overuse or "rebound" headaches, and strategies for prevention. Plus, drawing from both the research and her own lifelong experience with migraines, Rebecca shares non-pharmacological comfort measures for coping with migraine pain, from hydration and body work to temperature therapy, acupressure, mindfulness, and more.

(04:29) What migraines are and how common they are
(11:39) Migraines during pregnancy and postpartum
(14:54) When headaches may signal a more serious condition
(23:56) Preventing migraines during pregnancy
(24:32) Medication overuse and rebound headaches
(30:52) Migraine triggers and thresholds
(34:22) Non-medication strategies for migraine prevention
(46:05) Comfort measures for an active migraine
(59:09) Final encouragement, support, and resources

For a full list of references, visit ebbirth.com/413.

Resources

Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/

Call 988 for the Suicide Crisis and Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

Hear Her campaign with list of maternal warning signs: https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/maternal-warning-signs/index.html

American Headache Society: https://americanheadachesociety.org/

The Headache Hat: https://theheadachehat.com/

Acupressure points for headaches in pregnancy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNbXWKStr-4

Aculief acupressure device (NOT recommended for pregnancy unless you've reached term, as it may cause contractions): https://finance.yahoo.com/news/aculief-reviews-does-migraine-relief-045700296.html

S-shaped massage hook: https://www.bodyback.com/products/body-back-buddy-classic-trigger-point-therapy-self-massage-tool-body-back-company

Renpho eye massager: https://renpho.com/collections/eye-massager

For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.