Headaches/Migraines

[BabyDust23]

Hi I’m 15 weeks pregnant and keep getting bad headaches almost daily, and occasional migraines causing me to vomit as they are so bad. I do feel they have got worse since stopping the progesterone and estrogen a few weeks ago. (I did used to suffer with migraines before pregnancy seemed to be once a month the week before my period was due, therefore I think they are hormone related).

Paracetamol is not helping at all so I don’t even bother taking it now, the only think helping is the migraine cold caps but they stay cold for 10 minutes that’s all.

I have an appointment with my GP this afternoon, but I wondered if anyone has taken anything during pregnancy to help with migraines, as it does worry me and I don’t want anything to affect the baby.

[Hidden]

Have you mentioned your headaches to your midwife ? Sometimes dehydration can cause headaches so make sure drinking plenty of fluids Make sure you are getting enough sleep and try to rest and relax - maybe try a pregnancy yoga class

Take care of yourself

Janet-Partner

[BabyDust23 in reply to Hidden]

I’m seeing her next week so will speak to her about it then. Thank you for the advice

[Chel91]

Hi, my midwife recommended I take Magnesium Oxide 400mg daily. I'm sometimes sceptical when people recommend supplements, but it works amazingly. I also had infrequent migraines pre-pregnancy, but during pregnancy it was awful. Magnesium is a miracle worker as far as I'm concerned, and it also prevents pregnancy constipation (especially in 3rd tri). Also maybe Vitamin b2 will help too, double check with your nurse xx

[BabyDust23 in reply to Chel91]

Thank you this is great advice! I will speak to my midwife about it xx

[Whatever098]

omg you poor thing I can relate. I had them from 8-24 weeks in my first pregnancy and then a few random migraines after the 20 week mark in my current pregnancy. I don’t think it’s related so much to the first trimester hormones we have to take, but if you were prone to migraines beforehand it’s just one of those unlucky things. I’m in Australia and I was prescribed Mersyndol. It’s a paracetamol and condeine mix with an antihistamine. The antihistamine is a drowsy one so helps you sleep it off plus eases the nausea. Honestly a life saviour!

If you do bring this up with your doctor really make sure they understand how bad it’s been for you because some get a bit funny with codeine as there is the addictive element with opioids. When I talked to my current ob re migraines this time, he kind of brushed them off and was like “well that’s pregnancy” whereas my first ob was very sympathetic and said there’s no point suffering if you don’t have to. Good luck and hope you find some relief

[BabyDust23 in reply to Whatever098]

Thank you for your advice when I spoke to the GP she was very sympathetic to be fair but she had to do a lot of reading up before agreeing to prescribe anything and like you say she was reluctant to prescribe codeine, in the end gave me Sumatriptan (which hadn’t worked for me previously) and ondansetron for sickness. But she said if the migraines continue and severe I will need to be referred to the hospital- although I’d just speak with my consultant as my pregnancy is consultant lead. I will see how I get on with these xx

[Whatever098 in reply to BabyDust23]

Maybe check with your consultant re the sumatriptan - neither obstetrician would prescribe that in my case as they said it’s more of a last resort in pregnancy as it’s a category C medicine (meaning no acceptable studies have been performed on pregnant women)

[Eloquentia]

Hi! I am sorry to hear about the migraines. I had them too - very occasionally before the pregnancy but quite regularly during the first two trimesters, even had the aura. The only thing that helped me was laying still in a darkened room. Things improved in the third trimester and almost didn't get any. I hope you feel better soon!

[BabyDust23 in reply to Eloquentia]

Thank you, yeah it’s the same for me, a dark room and a cold cap on my head. But without treatment they last 2-3 days which is just horrendous and obviously affecting all aspects of my life, work etc. really hope they ease off soon xx

[Frankie_28]

Hi,

I had daily headaches that started at 14 weeks. Paracetamol didn't touch them and I didn't want to be taking constant pain medication. I had acupuncture and it worked brilliantly. I felt an improvement after the first session but required quite a few to keep the headaches away. The only drawback was the cost, but I was so desperate that it was worth it for me. If it is something that is available to you, I would highly recommend it.

I hope you begin to feel better soon.

[BabyDust23 in reply to Frankie_28]

Thank you! I never thought about acupuncture but I would be happy to try it xx