Treat headaches safely during and after pregnancy

Pregnancy can be extremely stressful when headaches occur.

A recent study showed that there are different safe methods to treat these headaches and migraines when women are breast-feeding.

A list of commonly used migraine medications was agreed upon by S Hutchinson, MJ Marmura, A Calhoun, S Lucas, S Silberstein, BL Peterlin – all from the US, who treat migraine and other headaches on a regular basis.

Each medication was researched by an author utilising widely accepted data sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics publication, The Transfer of Drugs and Other Chemicals into Human Milk.

Dr Elliot Shevel , South Africa’s migraine research pioneer, said the study found there are many reliable medications for women who are worried it will affect their babies through breast milk.

This comprehensive study revealed there are many commonly used migraine medications that may be compatible with breast-feeding based on expert recommendations.

Dr Shevel said, “Ibuprofen, diclofenac, and eletriptan are among acute medications with low levels in breast milk. They are therefore safe to use.”

Aspirin did, however, cause some concern, due to an association with Reye’s syndrome; sedation or apnea is problematic with opioids.

Finally, preventive medications not recommended include zonisamide, atenolol, and tizanidine.

Dr Shevel added, “We always promote treating headaches and migraines without the use of drugs. This is the safest method we can employ.” Being aware of possible treatments for migraine and headaches during pregnancy is essential. Dr Shevel advised, “Most medications cannot be used during pregnancy, as it is too dangerous to test them on pregnant women. Treatment depends mostly on where the pain originates. For many migraineurs, the pain originates in the muscles of the jaws and neck – these patients can be treated with a number of different modalities, depending on which muscles are responsible for the pain.”

Some patients experience migraine when they are dehydrated, so those people should ensure that they are well hydrated at all times. Dr Shevel added, “Adequate intake of water in migraine sufferers cannot be over emphasised. Sometimes firm massaging of the temples for five to 10 minutes can abort an attack.”

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