Headaches are a common right of passage taken during pregnancy. According to The National Women's Health Resource Center in Red Bank, N.J., an estimated 28 million women and men suffer from migraine headaches. Women tend to experience migraines three times more often than men, due to the direct link between migraines and changes in the levels of the hormone estrogen that occur during a typical menstrual cycle.

An estimated 15 to 20 percent of expectant women may suffer from migraines. Some women's attacks seem less severe during the course of their pregnancy, and others report that their attacks become more frequent and stronger during pregnancy.

Migraines are vascular headaches that occur when the blood vessels in the brain constrict, then dilate. They begin with a throbbing pain localized on one side of the head, which quickly grows stronger. A person may then begin to experience nausea or vomiting.

The two most common types of migraine headaches are referred to as "classic" or "common." Classic migraines involve the appearance of an aura (where a person sees flashing lights or lines or experiences temporary vision loss) approximately 10 to 30 minutes prior to a migraine attack. Symptoms of a classic migraine also include an intense, throbbing pain around the forehead, temple, ear, jaw or around the eyes. People who suffer from common migraines usually do not experience an aura. However, they may experience a wide range of symptoms prior to an attack, including fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

"For pregnant women who suffer from migraines, between 40 to 60 percent get better and some get worse," says Dr. Mark C. Chames, clinical assistant professor for the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, Mich. Despite these two scenarios, medical experts agree that though the mom-to-be may be suffering, there are no dangers to her developing baby during a migraine attack.

For women trying to conceive, most specialists agree that they should discontinue medication wherever possible. Prescription migraine medications such as Imitrex, Zomig and Relpax and barbiturates taken during pregnancy (including the period of time before a pregnancy has been confirmed by a primary care physician) are dangerous to the developing newborn. These medications are known to cause birth defects, including retardation, malformations and possible stillbirth. However, painkillers such as acetaminophen (found in Tylenol) are widely considered to be safe to take during pregnancy for pain relief. A mom-to-be should always consult with her physician prior to taking any medication during pregnancy.

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.