Migraines and Pregnancy.... - Kansas City,MO

I had bad headaches with my last pregnancy. Taking zyrtec every day helped keep them away, but they also gave me a Tylenol 3 Rx, which would usually get rid of them. I only took it occasionally. The thing that would help the most (which is very hard to get, I know) was to lay down with an ice pack. The ice packs helped a lot. I know how terrible this is. I'm sorry you're feeling so bad. I always hate it because a headache sounds so minor but it completely effects every thing you do and how well you do it.

I have migraines when not pregnant, but they are hormone-related and their frequency increased during my first trimester through the middle of my second. By the third, they were gone and I didn't have another until a month or so postpartum. I was extremely sick to my stomach with my pregnancy migraines (along with morning sickness), and if you're having the same issues, Zorfan or Reglan may help you.

I was prescribed Tylenol 3 since my normal migraine meds (triptans) were not OK'd for me during pregnancy. The Tylenol 3 did not solve the problem but it helped. I will second the suggestion that you drink caffiene at the same time that you take the Tylenol (whether it be regular or T3). For me, I found a regular Coke to be most palatable. Coffee made me feel worse.

I hope that you feel better soon! Nothing really solved my problem, but I felt OK about taking Tylenol 3 and drinking Coke, and they did help some. I've heard good things about Benadryl too, but it did not help me. Good luck!

I had two of those with my first pregnancy, and they coincided with me taking iron supplements due to mild anemia. My doctor did have me get an MRI just to rule out anything more serious. Is it possible that something you're taking now might be triggering them? I'm sorry not to be more help, but good luck to you.

when i didn't have tylenol #3 (which i just got from my dr) i'd take 4 of the baby tylenol (dissolves so gets in the system faster) with caffeine. caffeine speeds it up and i know alot of people are hesistant to have some, but it really helped with it. if i took it without, it wouldn't touch it. weird, right? good luck..they suck, but think of your baby :) (i'm 32 wks btw)

I'm a pregnancy chiropractor, and it is common to start to have headaches/migraines with the hormone and posture changes in pregnancy. I would encourage you to try a pregnancy chiropractor and/or acupuncture. IME, relief comes quickly, which is wonderful when you are reluctant to take a lot of medications.

You can find a pregnancy chiropractor near you at
http://icpa4kids.org/Find-a-Chiropractor/

Good luck! I hope you are feeling better soon.

Yours in health,
Dr. Alyssa

I got really bad migraines with my last pregnancy and have had a few this time. I found that mine were triggered by a couple of things: caffine and chocolate. The last pregnancy I stayed away from the triggers and did just fine. This time around I haven't really found the triggers, so I have to just deal as they come. For me just taking some tylenol and laying down helped. But I also found that putting a cool washcloth over my eyes and forehead helps too. Sometimes I would even put a washcloth on the back of my neck. I know that they are a major pain (sorry for the pun), but after the birth it should get better. Good luck.
J. ---SAHM of 6 (7 in July).

I had terrible migraines when I was pregnant with my second daughter. I was taking tylenol like they were candy. My doctor prescribed me Darvocet for the pain. What really helped was going to see a chiropractor. My neck muscles were really really tight. It felt like I had little bbs under my skin. My chiropractor does a mix of massage and chiropractics. First they do a deep tissue massage on my neck, sometimes with BioFreeze, then she cracks it. She made me feel about 1,000% better. It got rid of my headaches, my heartburn and my hip pain. At first I went a lot, 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Then it was once a month. I still go about once ever 8 weeks or when I get a bad headache. I feel so much better not taking medications.

Hi M.- I suffered horrible migraines when I was pregnant for about a month. Right around 4 or 5 months, which is where you are right now. I have gotten them my whole life, but it was much worse with both pregnancies during that time frame. I would usually avoid food triggers (chocolate, caffeine, citrus, aged foods, MSG which is in EVERYTHING processed) and if it got really bad, I would knock myself out with Tylenol PM and hope it was gone in the morning. Good luck to you, and I hope it gets better in a few weeks like it did for me.

I had those when I was pregnant (the only "sickness" I had) I wouldn't take tylenol, I would take a hot shower, and lay down... however you already having a little one, I don't see you being able to lay down... I am sorry you are going through this, and wish I had something else to say, but I wish you to feel better!!

My doctor suggested I take two tylenol and a shot of red bull. This seemed to work great for me. Eventually the migranes let up and not I'm just dealing with out of place ribs. Apparently my little one doesn't think she has enough room in there. :)

Good luck I know how you feel!

Hi Meg,
I didn't have migraines until I was pregnant. I spoke to my doctor about it and she gave me a narcotic. I don't recall which one but according to my ob/gyn the drug was safe for both me and the baby. I only took one when I really needed it. I usually tried a Tyleonl first and if that didn't do it then I would use the powerful stuff. My migraines subsided within a month though so hopefully that will happen for you too.
Oh and I 2nd the chiropractor. Mine helped me through a lot with my pregnancy. His name is Dr. Kirk Iodice and his website is http://www.reliefatacr.com/staff.htm and he is amazing!
Good luck and talk to your doctor about something that will actually help!
~K.

I feel for you. I suffer from migraines normally and during my 2nd pregnancy the first trimester was horrible. I was not able to take my normal migraine medicine and the narcotics my OB prescribed did nothing for them. Unfortunately, I had to suffer through them and it's not fun. I wish I had some adivce from you - only to let you know that you are not alone out there - it will soon end. Good luck.