Migraines in pregnancy

[Howdoidoboundaries]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for tips on handling migraines during pregnancy. They are much more frequent than when I'm not pregnant and I can't take my usual sumatriptan. Work (screentime) is definitely making them worse but I've already taken 5 days off during this pregnancy because of them. Should I try to get signed off for longer? I hate taking time off work but hate the constant migraines more!

Bumping in the hope someone can offer advice!

I’m in the same boat as you!
i find the roll on headache stuff helps.
i Had a meeting with a consultant a few weeks ago as was told I couldn’t take my usual migraine meds (triptans) however she has suggested a beta blocker which should prevent migraines however this means I have to go for more frequent growth scans as could affect growth :(

im meeting my midwife tomorrow so will let you know how that goes :) x

I'm also in the same boat, I had chronic headaches and frequent migraines prior to pregnancy and was on daily beta blockers and high dose aspirin, sumatriptan and anti emetics for acute attacks. These all stopped when I found out I was pregnant did okay for around 6 weeks and now I'm 12 weeks and the last 2 weeks have been absolute hell, I've tried (and failed) multiple times to get hold of my gp, but I'm hoping I will finally manage tomorrow and want to discuss restarting my beta blockers as I can't do this much longer! Especially paired with my still horrendous sickness.

But I do find the roll on head sticks are useful to take the edge off, wearing sunglasses all the time, trying to avoid computer screens and fluorescent lights (impossible doing 10 hour shifts in a hospital). I hope you get something figured out, you have all my sympathy.

I right in the middle of this right now. I'm just living with those stick on migraine patches on my head tbh.

@Howdoidoboundaries how are you feeling? I managed to see my gp earlier in the week, they have started me back on beta blockers and signed me off so hopefully they can have a chance to work properly and I'll be able to get back to work!

@JRabbitx how did your chat with your MW go?

@JD90 she wasn’t as clued up as I would’ve liked. She recommended the 150mg of aspirin daily which I’m already taking, and referred back to consultant :(

I’ve started looking at alternative therapies ie acupuncture and essential oils as want to avoid proponlol if I can! X

I'm glad I'm not the only one. I used to get hormonal migraines before my period. Not every month but the odd one hear and there. I'm now about 9 weeks pregnant and having 3 migraines a week. I honestly dont no what to take. Nothing sets them off, they just turn up. This morning I actualy woke up and everything was flashing round my eye so even getting them when I'm asleep. Any help would be appreciated

Ugh I hate migraines. Mine luckily got better in pregnancy but I fully know how horrible they are.

Here is some useful info.

NICE guidance for health professionals about pregnant migraine patients: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/migraine/management/pregnant-or-breastfeeding-women/

I had a chat with my gp when I was newly pregnant because I was worried about how I'd manage my migraines. I was told that in my specific case the risks of an occasional use of Sumatriptan would likely outweigh the risks associated with having long-lasting migraine attacks (mine were sometimes 48 ours long and I wasn't able to keep anything down). Sumatriptan seems to be the recommended triptan and there have been some small studies that haven't found any proof of adverse effects: https://medicinesinpregnancy.org/bumps/monographs/USE-OF-TRIPTANS-IN-PREGNANCY/

Here's another good website with lots of info: https://migrainetrust.org/live-with-migraine/self-management/migraine-in-pregnancy/

I think the most important thing is to talk to your gp about your migraines and find safe solutions for your personal circumstances. Once you know the risks, you can make an informed decision. GPs should also rule out any other underlying issues where headaches could get worse.

Hope you all find some relief soon!

I’ve also been getting the worst migraines. They come every other day or every 3 days and so far I’ve called in sick to work about 3 times and feel awful when I do. Im wondering if I should take some time off work. The only thing that helps is if I’m in the dark and take Tylenol 1000mg but I’ve been taking that often so now I think it’s not as effective as it was. Migraines are the worst. At one point I went to the ER, I didn’t know what else to do with myself only to be told that the wait was 9 hrs so I cried my eyes out and went home. Anyways, just know you’re not alone.

I was like this during my pregnancy and it’s awful so I really feel for you! I was prescribed codeine and I had them headache fever patches on my head 24/7. I even wore them for work, anything to relieve it a tiny bit xx