Migraines in 2nd trimester

[GemLP]

Hi all

I’m on my first pregnancy and have the job of hormonal related migraines, resulting in a never ending headache since week 8 (I’m now week 18), interspersed with full blown migraines.

Ive seen the doctors and know there is very little medically that can be done but if anyone has any tips on how to cope I’d really appreciate it. I’m currently signed off for 2 weeks after non-stop throwing up when faced with any lights but beyond miserable as the never ending pounding in my head.

In need to any positive news!!!

Thank you 😊

Sumatriptan (migraine rescue medication) is considered safe in pregnancy. I have this in writing from a neurologist as I suffer from chronic migraine and aura. Won’t help the headaches but it will clear your migraine when the arise. Don’t suffer! Seek help x

Thank you so much for responding so quickly. That is what I'm normally on but was taken off it - shall raise with my GP but that would massively help.

I feel your pain. I was having 3-4 migraines a week during the early stages. I ended up in tears at the doctors and they got in touch with neurology who suggested a beta blocker but being asthmatic I couldn't take that so the next best thing was amitriptyline 20mg at night. And I can take a maximum of 100mg of sumatriptan a week. Im nearly 26 weeks now and it took a couple weeks for them to settle down but now I am only getting the odd headache which is relatively well controlled with paracetamol. Be persistent with your doctor, I had a few trips to the doctors before they finally took me seriously!!

I tried some of the non medication things like the migraine cooling strips which were good and maintaining routine in life definitely helped, particularly your sleep routine. Lavender pillow mist to aid sleep was also a help.

Really hope you get something sorted!x

Tears I can do - not hard at this stage. Knew pregnancy was unlikely to have the hollywood glow but never expected this. I shall definitely persist and thank you for the advice! I have the cooling strips but shall get some lavendar spray.

Really hope they calm as 9 months of this will be sheer misery.

That was exactly how I felt. I kept getting told by people that it gets better after 12 weeks, then 14 weeks then 16 weeks and by that point I was so distraught that I was in bed all day, unable to work and the migraines just kept coming. They kept telling me it gets better in the second trimester but it didn't until I got help from the medication. Sumitriptan is not considered dangerous in pregnancy but also not considered "safe" mostly because they can't eithically do clinical trials on pregnant women.

I really think you need to be persistent. I wasn't expecting pregnancy to be a walk in the park either but for migraine sufferers it just seems to be worse!

Sounds awful. I second rechecking with your GP as triptans are generally considered ok to use in pregnancy.

www.severe-headache-expert.com/discover/

It's a free email course in managing headaches and different ways to help you also get a PDF book _ is my headache dangerous? Absolutely no spam

Highly recommend this Dr, as while he has a book, you don't need to buy it unless it's a particular interest. The main info is in the ecourse

He is also the consultant I see on the NHS for my own intractable migraine which has stroke / meningitis-like symptoms

It covers all types and his ideas are safe to try esp in pregnancy as he is an advocate of keeping well hydrated for starters, it helps and other tips like that, all safe.

Have a look and take whats useful to your from it

Thank you - I will definitely give this a read.

Exactly how I feel. Everyone keeps saying it will get better but if anything it keeps getting worse. Sounds awful as I wouldnt wish this on anyone but glad its not only me.

www.severe-headache-expert.com/manage-migraine-on-a-budget/

Gives a couple of tips and as I say just take what is suitable for you - its counted in $ although he is UK based as the market for his book was USA first

You dont the book tho, its all in the PDF book and ecourse.

Hope you get some relief soon