Dealing with migraines during pregnancy

Cchewning · March 2014

Do you have any suggestions for coping during pregnancy? I have always suffered from chronic migraines but of course during pregnancy it's even worse because I can't take my normal medication. Also i have a two year old so I can't just lay in bed anymore. I try to save Tylenol for when I absolutely need it, and not t for little aches/pains but I have recently read a study and heard from someone who is further along that excessive Tylenol use has been linked to add. Now I'm not sure what to do! Not that it really helped a lot anyway, would just like your thoughts or experiences.

squeenut · March 2014

I do caffeine immediately, then a mild low dose painkiller, then elevate my feet, as well as hot compresses. It helps. Good luck!

Helenahhandbasket · March 2014

I dealt with them withTylenol and chased it with caffiene, but please check with your doctor if that would be appropriate for you.

abbyful · March 2014

I used to suffer from migraines, but have only had one in 3+ years now. The big change I made was my diet; now I eat about 75% paleo/primal and I quit drinking soda pop. I never could narrow it down to specific triggers, but the change in regards to diet did something. (The one migraine I did have was when I started eating crappy food again for a few weeks because of other stuff going on in my life.) My sister had bad migraines that occur a several times a week, and have landed her in the ER on occasion. She has tried all sorts of things: multiple prescriptions, massage & acupuncture, etc. She has also noticed a difference after switching her diet to mostly paleo/primal after I told her it helped me; she still has them a couple times a month, but it's a drastic reduction in frequency from what they were.

Magnesium supplements also help.

And a side note for later, research the pros & cons of getting an epidural, one of the side effects is chronic migraines. That was one of the reasons I went natural with DS, I had finally got the migraines to stop, I didn't want to risk triggering them again.

Cchewning · March 2014

Thank you all for your advice. I know being afraid of taking Tylenol is silly, I still do take it when I need it for a migraine, I just don't take it for other things like when my back hurts, or whatever. The main problem is it doesn't help anyway! I'm a vegetarian, and don't drink anything but hot tea, and water and try to be conscious of what I eat. I also drink magnesium tea at night. I did have completely natural birth with my son and plan to do it again. I had a spinal tap years ago which resulted in the worst headache of my life. That was just one reason for going natural.

mrsevans2012 · April 2014

I just expressed this same thing to my doctor at my appt. yesterday. I also brought up what I heard about tylenol "not being safe." He told me to keep in mind that ANYTHING not in moderation can be considered toxic or harmful. He maintains the fact that "regular" Tylenol is fine (but not extra strength). He also suggested that if I didn't feel comfortable, to try seeing and getting some advice from a neurologist.

Cchewning · April 2014

Yes my Dr said the same thing- that the tricky part of pregnancy is we really should do anything or eat or drink anything that's not natural but that isn't always realistic. I do see a neurologist, but I have t been yet because he didn't really offer any solutions last time. I'm going to start with a chiropractor I think. GL to you too!

rainydayluck · April 2014

savannah_girl said:

That study in Tynelol is crap. It doesn't tell you what 'excessive' is or for how long. Plus it was not very well controlled. Plus, living your life now is important. More studied have shown that pain and unneeded stress has a more direct link to your fetus than a slight increase of ADD.

This.

I drank a coke and took tylenol. Later I was put on percocet. Finally I was put on Midrin (it is actually called something else now). Those things only kind of helped. I would just have to take baths while wearing an ice pack. They finally resolved around 16 weeks. Good luck.

Cchewning · April 2014

I used to take a daily preventative (have tried just about all of them) and topamax worked, however it is really unsafe during pregnancy! I have the fioricet (butal) and have taken it on rare occasion but it doesn't always work. I took midrin before i was pregnant with my son and it was the only thing that helped but was told it was not at all safe during pregnancy? By the time I was no longer pregnant it had been taken off the market , and only available through a compounding pharmacy. What is it called now? Maybe an ingredient was removed which makes it safer now? I was diagnosed at the age 4 so I feel like I've been prescribed or tried everything!! Recently I've discover a link between Asian food and migraines. It has never in my life bothered me until pregnancy.

maaikeandpaul · April 2014

Midwife recommended caffeine (STRONG cup of coffee) which kept it manageable till about 20 weeks. But they didn't completely go away until I started taking magnesium supplements (health food store) on midwife's recommendation (specifically magnesium oxylate 400 mg at bedtime) Also, it's been helping me sleep - only waking up 1-2 x per night instead of 4+.

cosm · April 2014

I do the magnesium, too. This time around I am not on a prescription preventive, but my first pregnancy I was on a beta blocker until the 3rd trimester, which really helped. I was also allowed to take reglan or benadryl with the tylenol to treat a headache. Caffeine sometimes made mine worse, so I avoided it. And I agree, I think the tylenol thing isn't really anything to worry about. It's better that you're able to eat and drink and take care of yourself.

pete2835 · April 2014

Ice pack on my forehead and another on my neck and I lay down and fall asleep, if I can.

MSU_Girl1202 · April 2014

Tylenol for when they get too bad, and lots of water for when they're coming on. For me, migraine is usually a sign of dehydration.

Samanthalyanco · April 2014

Lavender essential oil on my temples has saved my life. I am on a daily preventive/anti-depressant (Cymbalta) which used to control them but hasn't done much since I got pregnant. I was at a lavender farm with friends and realized my near-constant migraine was gone. So I got some essential oil and put it on my temples or under my nose and it is the only thing that has helped. Weird, I know. : )

misskrissymarie · April 2014

I never had a migraine in my life until I got pregnant. This is my first pregnancy and I have had 2 migraines. The second one lasted over 24hrs. Tylenol didn't even touch it so I won't bother with it again. Ice packs on my neck helped, but after talking to my OB she prescribed phenergan if it happens again and said it was safe to take. Maybe I will give the lavendar oil a try, anything natural that won't hurt the baby is worth a try to me! Nice to know I am not the only one but it wasn't fun!

WildFan16 · April 2014

Have you tried Inderal? That's what I'm taking and my doctor says it's a safe option.

ErikaWilliams2012 · April 2014

Does anyone know if it safe to take a real pain med? Like Norco or Vicodin? I've had migraines for over8 years, my neurologist told me to discontinue my topamax and I can't take any more fioricet. I have been getting really bad migraines/ headaches. My fertility doctor said is was safe to take a narcotic if needed. It just scares me ......

Cchewning · April 2014

Why can't you take fioricet? Every ob I've ever seen has suggested it to be used during pregnancy, and I've asked each one to make sure (a total of 5)

ErikaWilliams2012 · April 2014

My neurologist told me to discontinue it. I haven't got in touch with OB yet. I'll be with my fertility doctor for my first trimester . I hope I can take the fioricet , that stuff works great !

SoxFan777 · April 2014

My doctor was able to prescribe something that was safe in pregnancy. I didn't end up needing it though! The hormonal changes were actually good in my case, and my migraines have been less frequent ever since my first pregnancy in 2011.

jgbennick · April 2014

My OB prescribed me BUTALBITAL-APAP-CAFFEINE 50-325-40 MG. The way I understand it is that it is similar to Excedrin Migraine (which works wonders for me) but without Aspirin. He did ask if I had Aura or not. When I said only twice in 15 years of migraines, he gave me this. I think it's meant for tension headaches, but it's doing the trick. I'm sure your doctor can find something like this for you.

Cchewning · April 2014

jgbennick said:

My OB prescribed me BUTALBITAL-APAP-CAFFEINE 50-325-40 MG. The way I understand it is that it is similar to Excedrin Migraine (which works wonders for me) but without Aspirin. He did ask if I had Aura or not. When I said only twice in 15 years of migraines, he gave me this. I think it's meant for tension headaches, but it's doing the trick. I'm sure your doctor can find something like this for you.

Yes this is fioricet I believe! I'm curious about the aura question though- I always have it.

merc5411 · April 2014

I take Vicodin for my migraines. They were so much worse and more frequent when I was pregnant. My neurologist also told me not to take fioricet.

princesskmc · May 2014

I've dealt with this exact same issue, I suffer from chronic migraines and also have a 3 y/o. Since I can't take my normal migraine medication I was taking Tylenol, until I read the ADD study. Someone told me to try peppermint oil on my temples, I didn't have it at home so I rubbed some Children's vicks on my temples since it contains eucalyptus oil, and it really worked! I lay down, smell and rub some childrens vicks on my temples and lay down with my feel elevated and try to relax. It does help alot. Once in a while I take 1 tylenol when its absolutely necessary and follow that with the vicks. I'm not sure if it will fully work for you, but its worth a try.

MommyKristin88 · May 2014

Cchewning said:

jgbennick said:

My OB prescribed me BUTALBITAL-APAP-CAFFEINE 50-325-40 MG. The way I understand it is that it is similar to Excedrin Migraine (which works wonders for me) but without Aspirin. He did ask if I had Aura or not. When I said only twice in 15 years of migraines, he gave me this. I think it's meant for tension headaches, but it's doing the trick. I'm sure your doctor can find something like this for you.
Yes this is fioricet I believe! I'm curious about the aura question though- I always have it.

There is Aspirin-free Excedrin on the market, and my midwife suggested it. Have you tried it?

Cchewning · May 2014

I have not tried that excedrin! I'll have to look into it, thanks!

lhbird87 · May 2014

Well Tylenol doesn't help my migraines. I don't have them often, but when I do they are complex migraines and they are awful. I had one for about 2 days recently and either it just finally ran its course or that silly looking thing on pinterest where you put frozen peas on your head and stick your hands and feet in hot water actually works....

Well, actually I didn't do that for long, but I realized that an "ice pack" on the head feels good and left it there for a while then took one last nap and woke up able to function.

Cchewning · May 2014

lhbird87 said:

Well Tylenol doesn't help my migraines. I don't have them often, but when I do they are complex migraines and they are awful. I had one for about 2 days recently and either it just finally ran its course or that silly looking thing on pinterest where you put frozen peas on your head and stick your hands and feet in hot water actually works....

Well, actually I didn't do that for long, but I realized that an "ice pack" on the head feels good and left it there for a while then took one last nap and woke up able to function.

This is funny. My neurologist told me at my last apt to sit in a hot bath up to my belly button but not get anything above it wet (including my hands), and it will help to increase circulation.

mamabutt · July 2014

This is so helpful! I was afraid that I wasn't going to be able to take anything for my migraines and headaches! I have had chronic headaches and migraines since high school so once I found out I was pregnant, I was pretty terrified that once I got one that I'd basically be screwed and have to suffer. But, I don't know if its the fact that I've been drinking a LOT more water, or these crazy hormones are actually helping, but I have only had one relatively painless headache since becoming pregnant. I'm still going to ask my OB about these drugs though! Just in case

HerHighness · July 2014

Tylenol does nothing for my migraines. Its like pissing on a house fire. My drs advice was to hold on til 2nd tri and we may be able to do fioricet. I normally use a combo of vicodin and tiger balm (and he said both are a nono)

I cant lie down usually as my crazy active 4 year old usually wont allow it. I try to get her to watch a movie so we can be mellow. I use either an ice pack or a heating pad (rice bag) on my neck (depending on what seems to work that day) and i have a coke, Lavender aroma therapy also helps a little.

MichelleMesch3 · July 2014

what was the preventative your dr recommended during pregnancy for your migraines?

obrien13 · July 2014

I have suffered with migraines and vertigo for the past 10 years and was taking an as-needed medication, that worked fairly well, up until I became pregnant. The first few weeks of my pregnancy my headaches almost disappeared, but they have come back in full force. I have migraines that last a week at a time and this latest one has been about a week and a half. I've tried maybe 3 tylenol, but since it's never worked before I don't see a point in taking them. I've seen chiropractors, neurologists, dentists (teeth grinding) and really feel that it's a guessing game. Everyone is different and there isn't a cure. I think it's important to stay hydrated and eat regularly. Exercise and yoga ease some of the pain for me. I just don't feel comfortable taking strong medications while pregnant.

mandi195 · July 2014

Ice pack at the base of my skull and calm/mellow/quiet is what works for me. Ideally I'd be able to ice my neck/skull and pass out, but with 2 boys that's not usually possible. Thankfully my boys are old enough to watch a movie and understand that unless they REALLY need something, they need to let mommy rest on the couch. (I stay in the room with them, too paranoid to leave them alone in the living room unsupervised)

Sahara6971 · July 2014

I get them too. Hemiplegic migraines. My OB prescribed Tylenol 3 during my 1st pregnancy and I have yet to take it (during pregnancy) because the thought of it makes me nervous. I usually drink 20 oz of mountain dew when I start going blind and that seems to help a bit. Then I lay down in a dark room.

roller801 · August 2014

I use deep blue doterra essential oil. It is a natural non-medication relief for my migraines

margyoureet · August 2014

Since I got migraines prior to being pregnant and excedrin was the only OTC med that worked, I had to switch to something else since my Dr. recommended no aspirin. She suggested a low dose of percocet only when necessary. It was safer to take during my pregnancy and was safer than any other painkiller she could prescribe. Caffine also helps a bit, but talk to your Dr. about prescribing something that works better for you, she will be more than happy to suggest something else.

margyoureet · August 2014

Excedrin was not okay to take according to my Dr. suggestions because of the aspirin, wait to take that until after birth since it could cause low birth rate and your heart to not function properly during labor. Althought it is a lifesaver outside of being pregnant!

brittanysf12 · September 2014

Make sure you are eating frequently enough. In the beginning of my pregnancy I got a lot of headaches (almost every day), and then I realized the only thing that made me feel better was eating a little more frequently. I haven't gotten a headache since.:) Maybe give it a try?

Elanflach · October 2014

In my case a bit of caffeine does the trick, half a glass of coke or a few sips of coffee really help. I'm not a coffee drinker and only use it medicinally. Bit afraid to use normal hard core chemical medicine.

NADJA921 · October 2014

My migraines have increased with this pregnancy.. My dr. Told me I could still take my fioricet... but ive been trying to take tylenol when possible! Also I use cold compresses on my forehead and try to sleep it off!!

MelrH · October 2014

If you want to try some non-medication options, my friend who is a doula suggested acupuncture and said she sends lots of pregnant women dealing with headaches to acupuncture. My midwife also suggestion I rub peppermint oil on my temples (my headaches are in the front) as another way to ease the pain. Hang in there! I had 16 migraines in 14 days a couple weeks ago and it was rough. They seem to be tapering off...

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