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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Migraines in pregnancy: how did you cope?

26 replies

Persnickety · 09/05/2010 13:03

Ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch. This stinks. Normal I turn to my friend the triptans. DH did abit of research and thinks I should take one and put an end to my misery. But, I'm only 7 weeks and feel too many vital things developing right now and can't really take the chance of a possible unknown.

So, how did you cope if you got migraines whilst pregnant?

No idea how I am going to go to work in the morning if it doesn't go away before then.

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rubyslippers · 09/05/2010 13:12

speak to your doctor (unless your DH is one!)

My migraines did stop during pregnancy - i only had one very early and then no more

I usually take amytriptaline and maxalt wafers

you can take paracetamol and full fat coke (this helps in some way but can't quite remember how)

lie down in a darkened room as well

no tv

hope it passes

Original poster

Persnickety · 09/05/2010 13:58

I wish mine would stop durimg pregnancy.

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sassie23 · 09/05/2010 15:39

Drink loads of water,stay away from bright light, computers, tv etc and paracetamol its really not pleasant hope this helps

sarah293 · 09/05/2010 15:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

sleepingbag · 09/05/2010 15:57

Hi lots info on this the pregnancy fact sheet from london migraine clinic www.migraineclinic.org.uk
click on the resources link, then fact sheets and they have lots of info.
I used anti sickness tablets and soluble paracetamol in last two pregnancy's.Also ibrufen if really bad in 1st and 2nd trimester.

ticktockclock · 09/05/2010 15:59

I suffered terribly from migraines (about 3-4 a week) during the first 5 months of pregnancy (did not know I was pregnant for first 4 months, another story) and so took my Rizatriptan as normal. When I found out I was pregnant I was worried due to the mass amount of drugs that I had taken during the first 4-5 months. Went to see a couple of specialists who advised that use of triptans in pregnancy were unproven (they don't test drugs on pregnant women for obv reasons) and that I would have some extra scans and be monitored closely.

I stopped taking the Rizatriptan but continued to take Nurofen Migraine for 1 month further and then the migraines FINALLY stopped at the start of month 7. My DD is fine.

Nymphadora · 09/05/2010 16:04

I've only had one proper one in16 weeks and just hibernated. I have had some bad pains but nothing that lasted more than an hour or two. Mine were hormonal though so used to get at least a week a month.

slushy06 · 09/05/2010 17:20

I suffer with migraines all through dds pg and still now when she is 9 months 5 a week(btw this is not normal to still be having them awaiting test results not to worry you that they will last this long) I agree with the other posters in particular riven it is not worth the risk. Also I find a wet flannel really helpful.

Just grin and bear you have my sympathy they really are not pleasant.

Original poster

Persnickety · 09/05/2010 17:24

Thanks everyone. The sickness seems to be over. Hopefully, the headache will follow by morning. I guess it's nice to know I'm not alone. You all coped and I suppose I will to. But this is by far my least favourite part of pregnancy.

Riven, you are being much too hard on yourself. All of the data that does exist on triptans suggests they are safe in pregnancy. But, they are held in category C because there just isn't enough data to support classifying them as safe. There is a register held by Glaxo for sumatriptan and naramig and another by the makers of the other ones (whose names and manufacturers escape me just now). But I'm going to go see if I can find you a link... Be Right Back...

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PerArduaAdNauseum · 09/05/2010 17:31

I took co-dydramol during pregnancy and breastfeeding (was 2 a week when BF due to the oestrogen - am not a natural mother clearly) and seem to have got away with it. Wouldn't have taken a triptan, but just because of what they do to me, so they're last resort anyway.

Wheat bag on back of neck and cold flannel on forehead sometimes helps, also chamomile & spearmint tea (chamomile on its own makes me feel sick anyway). And avoiding blood sugar spikes, so avoiding sugar generally.

Good luck - it's misery isn't it...

fifitot · 09/05/2010 17:35

I get them but not really in pregnancy fortunately. Tended to get a couple in the early weeks and then OK after that.

Would avoid the Triptans, thre is research that says they can potentially be harmful. Think they class them as a B in terms of risk to pregnancy.

I used one of those forehead sticks, a wet flannel and lots of paracetamol. Lay in a darkened room and just waited for it to pass.

You have my every sympathy - they are horrendous. Hopefully they might go as your pregnancy progresses.

fifitot · 09/05/2010 17:38

I thought it was a B but haven't checked.

BTW Riven I did take a triptan very early in my pregnancy and DD was fine so don't beat yourself up about it.

Original poster

Persnickety · 09/05/2010 17:40

Some info on the Glaxo registry: clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01059604

I believe all triptans are category c. I would be very interested in any research which sugggests they may be harmful. I am not going to take any in this attack. But, I might consider it in 2nd/3rd trimesters.

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Original poster

Persnickety · 09/05/2010 17:42

Oh, and why a wheat bag on the back of your neck?

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fifitot · 09/05/2010 17:48

Persnickety - I can't remember what research it was tbh as was a while ago. I just did the usual intense Googling as had taken the Triptan before I knew was pregnant. There wasn't any hard or fast evidence as is usual in these cases, just some possiblilities based on animal research if I remember correctly. Probably tenuous.

I am just paranoid about medication anyway so was just worried at the time.

PerArduaAdNauseum · 09/05/2010 18:04

Sorry - should have been more specific - sounds a bit like baked onion in your ear without the specifics of Microwavable Heat Pad which I maybe should have said!

My grandmother used to swear by baked onions for everything, but that's not useful right now (and wasn't then)

guiltyandfedup · 09/05/2010 20:07

My gp prescribed codeine phosphate 30mg/ 60mg and metoclporamide for the nausea. The codeine is fairly well tried and tested in pregnancy and there are no risks (as far as one cann tell) of birth defects etc. But cannot be taken often especially in the third trimester due to risk of baby being born 'dependent'. Gp said you would have to be taking daily does though, which is for most people not likely to be needed.

You have my sympathies too, thought I was having a brain haemorrhage with the first pregnancy migraine I had. They have gone now though (am 23 weeks- they migraines stopped suddenly at about 18 weeks).

kawaiiko · 09/05/2010 21:08

Hi Persnickety, I have been suffering with regular migraines which also usually get the full triptan/anything in the cupboard treatment.

Pregnancy and migraines are hard. I have been having paracetamol with a full fat coke (caffeine, fizziness and sugar all seem to help it get into the system faster), with co-codamol occasionally (suggested by consultant).

Do you have a migracap? I could not live without mine, they are genius. It's a tight-fitting cap which comes down over the eyes. It's got gel pockets in so you keep it in the freezer and the combination of cold, dark and tight really helps. I can't recommend then enough - and drug free!

I am also waiting for an acupuncture referral which I hope will help.

Original poster

Persnickety · 09/05/2010 21:44

Thanks. I don't have a migracap, but I do have a nice bag of frozen peas. The kids like to laugh about "mummy pea head". And prro DD kept asking me today if the heache was so bad that I was going to die. awww...

And then - cheecky girl - wanted to know if she could catch it before she gave me a kiss good night. True love, I tell ya.

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HinnyPet · 09/05/2010 21:53

4head stick, Americano coffee, resolve extra and ibuprofen when not pregnant.
Everything but the ibuprofen when I am.
Also a firm believer in darkened room sleep, cold on your head, head massage (get dp to twist your hair/ plait it) and acupuncture will work wonders.

Original poster

Persnickety · 09/05/2010 21:58

Tell me more about acupunture. I'll try anything. Never had it so know basically nothing. Do you call for an appointment when you have a migraine or do you go periodically to prevent them?

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mama2moo · 09/05/2010 22:08

I got loads of migraines towards the end of my pg with dd2. I survived on paracetamol and lying in a very dark room.

In the end I was admitted to see what the problem and was prescribed co codomal (sp). I never actually took them as my migraines went but it might be worth seeing your Gp.

HinnyPet · 09/05/2010 22:12

Go right after you've had one, write down your symptoms and how long it took to go. Although going to see an acupuncturist during a migraine would be a good idea -- if you could get an appointment that is!

I went to the Chinese acupuncturist on Stowell Street in Newcastle, (she has a translator with her) and most of the needles go in your hand. I had only two in my head.
They only hurt going into your skin in areas where you have negative energy built up..the pain is very slight btw, like an ache.
When the needles are removed, the negative energy is released and the sites where the needles were don't hurt at all.

She then left me in a room to relax for 15 minutes, then came in to check on me, wiggled the needles again and left me for another short while.
(no music on, just peace and quiet lying on your back)

She suggested I returned for a period of 3 months
of treatments once a week but I couldn't commit to that sadly. I felt so at peace when I left it was wonderful!

When she took them out there was no pain at all where the needles had gone in, how bizarre was that?!

kawaiiko · 09/05/2010 22:53

Persnickety, where are you based? I was referred to an NHS clinic but not sure if I am just really lucky?

I have also previously been for acupuncture during attacks - I paid for a bunch of sessions up front and just went along when I had an attack. Luckily they always had space!

Peas good but I'm going to carry on banging on about the migracap! They really have been my lifesaver!

Original poster

Persnickety · 09/05/2010 23:12

I'm in West London. Kingston/Twickenham/Richmond or anywhere relatively near there is good.

I just noticed something else that kind of freaked me out. I was sick earlier today and when I finished me whole head hurt. It felt like there was just tons of pressure. When I looked in the mirror my face was all red and sort of blotchy. Tonight I just happened to rub my eye whilst looking in the mirror and when I pulled down on the skin (okay bags) under my eyes I notice a red smudge in my lower left eye. So, I guess I must have puked so hard I burst a blood vessel in my eye. Vision is fine and the headache is gone now so I guess nothing to worry about. But just wondered if anyone else has burst a vessel in their eye. This has never happened to me before. Oh and it's the eye on the same side as the pain of the headache was. So, can't be a coincidence.

The migracap looks really cool... but £30? Peas are cheap. Is it really better?

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