March 2016 Moms

Frequent Migraines

I have had migraines since I was a kid, always completely debilitating. First pregnancy, I had mild headaches through the whole thing, but not a single migraine. Second pregnancy, my first trimester was filled with migraines. I'm now on my third pregnancy and I'm getting severe migraines 2-4 times per week. I'm 6 weeks today and am really hoping this isn't the norm for the next several weeks. Any advice from other mommas out there in the same boat? What works for you (since Tylenol is all the medication we have, and it doesn't do much for migraines)? The pain is rough, and worse, I'm missing out on family time when I have to lay down to treat a migraine all day/night. Help, please!

Re: Frequent Migraines

  • The one thing that helped me last time was taking 2 extra strength Tylenol with a can of Coke as soon as I felt it coming on. A lot of times I could head it off before it got debilitating. I'm starting to get headaches again now with this pregnancy, I'm sorry you're going through it too :(

    Once it gets to the point of being a full blown migraine the only thing that would help is laying in a dark room and trying to sip water. Staying hydrated can help avoid them. I really hope it starts to get better for you.  
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  • I have the same trouble. Talk to your neurologist about taking supplements. I take Magnesium, CoQ10, and B12. Maybe it will work for you too
  • Slamming caffeine early in migraine somewhat helps me.  Peppermint/eucalyptus oil have worked a little bit too.  If it's too awful, talk to your OB and see if there is anything you can take.  I've heard of people getting Fioricet prescriptions during pregnancy.
    DS1 - 9/21/11
    DS2 - 7/4/14
    DS3 - 2/21/16
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Our family of 5 is complete!!  Love our boys!

  • roo1ooroo1oo member
    There are some medication options for early pregnancy. You should talk to your doctor or neurologist about your options since yours are debilitating and happen so often. There should be something they can prescribe to get you through these rough first few weeks.

    I get ocular migraines and typically get 1 every month or two. I got two last week. Totally sucks! Caffeine seems to be a migraine trigger for me during pregnancy so right now I have to stick to Tylenol.
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  • Oh I'm so sorry you are feeling so bad.  Can you ask your OB about Fioricet?  I believe it's the only prescription migraine med they will prescribe during pregnancy.

    I take a few supplements that I feel have really helped - magnesium, B2, and B6.
  • roo1oo said:

    There are some medication options for early pregnancy. You should talk to your doctor or neurologist about your options since yours are debilitating and happen so often. There should be something they can prescribe to get you through these rough first few weeks.


    I get ocular migraines and typically get 1 every month or two. I got two last week. Totally sucks! Caffeine seems to be a migraine trigger for me during pregnancy so right now I have to stick to Tylenol.
    What are your ocular migraines like? I have been getting migraines forever, but have only recently started having vision problems (spots and loss of peripheral) prior to some of my migraines. Not sure if the vision part is because of the pregnancy or not. What has your experience been like?
  • Thanks for the feedback, everyone! I have been using peppermint oil on my temples and the base of my neck, I've been carrying around a measurable water bottle to keep track of my hydration, and I've been trying to tap out to lay in a dark room at early onset (it's hard with three children, but my husband has been so understanding and helpful!). I will definitely talk to my OB, but wanted some additional tips to hold me over until then (first appointment isn't until August 12th) or possible questions to ask at my appointment. I really appreciate the input!
  • roo1oo said:

    There are some medication options for early pregnancy. You should talk to your doctor or neurologist about your options since yours are debilitating and happen so often. There should be something they can prescribe to get you through these rough first few weeks.


    I get ocular migraines and typically get 1 every month or two. I got two last week. Totally sucks! Caffeine seems to be a migraine trigger for me during pregnancy so right now I have to stick to Tylenol.
    What are your ocular migraines like? I have been getting migraines forever, but have only recently started having vision problems (spots and loss of peripheral) prior to some of my migraines. Not sure if the vision part is because of the pregnancy or not. What has your experience been like?
    Sounds like migraine with aura
    DS1 - 9/21/11
    DS2 - 7/4/14
    DS3 - 2/21/16
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Our family of 5 is complete!!  Love our boys!

  • Acupuncture works wonders and is completely safe during pregnancy!
  • When I was in my sixth week I got a migraine so bad all I was doing was crying and throwing up. Apparently Motrin isn't as bad as we thought for pregnancy. There is sort of a gray area with medicine but they keep it hush so not to confuse us and we take something worse! Anyway my doc told me I could take a Motrin 600 and thank his bc I thought I was gonna die!!!
  • What I find works is bathing in magnesium sulphate salt (Epsom salts) and using a hot or cold compress. It's winter where I am so I prefer a warm bean bag over the spot the migraine is.
  • ceds07ceds07 member
    Omg I'm so glad you posted this I've had a nonstop headache at only 6 weeks and had horrible migraines last time. I allow myself a huge cup of coffee in the morning and the caffeine does help. Tylenol might as well be tic tacs for all it does. Thinking of trying acupuncture this time too.
  • I've dealt with migraines my whole life as well. With my first pregnancy they were terrible and of course Tylenol is worthless. At least then I didn't have anyone I was responsible for so if I needed to tap out I could. It's much harder with an almost 3yo now. I'm almost 5 weeks and last night was my first excruciating migraine. I'll have to try the peppermint oil. Glad to know I'm not alone but this is awful. Sorry you all are suffering as well. Good luck!
  • I'm following this :) I sympathize. I get migraines usually a few times in my first trimester (instead of morning sickness) aside from resting and Tylenol I'm not sure what else is safe during pregnancy. Mine also affect my vision etc so I literally can't work or function till it passes. My prescription is not safe during pregnancy.
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