Headaches/Migraines

HalseytoBe

Hey, folks. 

I'm almost 29 weeks and have been experiencing a TON of headaches, which end up developing into a migraine.  This week I've had one since yesterday, and the past two weeks I've encountered one at least 2 times during the week, at separate times.  I know headaches are a fairly common occurrence in pregnancy, due to hormones, etc., but was curious as to what you are all doing to help manage them a little better.  I am a high school teacher, and have a 15-month-old at home, so when one strikes, I'm definitely feeling it.  I didn't have headaches like this, and not so frequency with DD, so this definitely different than my first.  I hate having to take medicine so frequently and usually try to stick it out until it's unbearable.  Thanks in advance! 

kfreeman2008

I have bad chronic migraines. Every single day. Last pregnancy they increased just about where you are. They tested me for preeclampsia (I bad a high BP) and when that was negative they gave me Norco for pain. This time I can take Imitrex or Norco. But, I'm an extreme case.

I took Tylenol and a sudafed last pregnancy. Both are safe (in moderation) and taking magnesium might also help decrease the intensity (not an immediate thing but it helps in a few weeks). As your OB what he suggests. I have a friend who takes fioricet and has success with it. Tylenol with codine is also something that is similar to fioricet but doesn't have the caffiene.

Hope they improve!

enkb

My midwife recommended calcium/magnesium suppliments when I first started getting bad headaches/migrains in the first few months of pregnancy. They have been like magic for me, taking me from 1 migraine a week that lasted more than 24 hours to less than 1 a month that usually resolves in less than 12. Before pregnancy none of the medications I tried really did anything for my migraines, so I haven't taken anything for them during pregnancy (if they worked I'm sure I would, they are really awful ). It took maybe 2 weeks with the cal/mag to see an improvement. Disclaimer : Always check with your provider before you start taking anything. Hope something helps!

fishsticks-n-custard

If these headaches are new, I'd go get your blood pressure checked (especially before taking Sudafed). 

Riboflavin supplementation will help with headaches as well. I've been doing the mag/calcium supplementation that PP mentioned and Riboflavin since the first trimester and it has definitely helped.