As long as I’ve known Heather she’s suffered from migraines, but luckily she only seemed to get them a few times per year. On those occasions that she did get one, however, she was down for the count and had to spend the entire day in bed with the lights off. Those days were tough, but since they only came a few times a year, I was always able to coax her through by reminding her that she’d be feeling better soon and wouldn’t get another migraine for months and months.
Unfortunately, when Heather’s pregnant she gets migraines much more often, and this week she’s been dealing with a whopper of one that hasn’t gone away for days. Today she was up and about trying to push through it – doing her work, caring for Annie – and she looked so miserable I finally had to make her stop and force her to go to bed.
I’ve got to tell you, I’ve really felt helpless throughout this pregnancy watching Heather deal with her daily anticoagulant shot, hyperemesis, and now these headaches (especially since her new-found allergy means she can’t really take pain killers). I’ve tried my best to make her feel better – rubbing her hands and shoulders, doing what I can to keep her hydrated – but not much seems to make a difference. Even Annie seems concerned and tries to help, too. Today she rubbed Heather’s leg to “Make Mama feel better.”
We’re seeing Doctor Risky for our next appointment in the morning, so hopefully she’ll be able to think of some way to help Heather with this. With that said, if any of you dealt with migraines while pregnant and have any suggestions for dealing with them, I’d be all ears.
Becca Masters says:
Ooof.
Poor Heather! Migraines suck.
On her allergy post I commented about opiate base pain meds, or perhaps paracetamol based ones (Tylenol in the US I think?) that aren’t in the NSAID family.
What about acupuncture? Or aromatherapy?
Failing that, a lie down in a dark room with a cool face cloth.
Hopefully this all passes very soon for you all
Ali says:
Acupuncture!
I hope she’s feeling better soon. Don’t feel bad, Mike. You are doing a great job, and everyone knows you can’t take the pain away. You can lessen the load by doing what you’re doing, and that alone is great.
Gwensarah says:
I had them during pregnancy, if they lasted too long I had to go to the ER/L&D for treatment. The thing with headaches too is that they can be a sign of pre-eclampsia so definitely something to mention at her next appt.
Other than that, dark room and freezing my pilllow to put over my face seemed to help some as well as having someone firmly massage the pressure points in the back of my head.
Poor Heather
Tamara S. says:
My mom gets migraines specifically from over doing herself on wheat products. I hope she starts feeling better soon.
Jen says:
There is a product called Migraine Ice and they are menthol (safe in pregnancy, just don’t eat it:) gel pads that stick to the forehead.
I suffered from horrible migraines while pregnant and after, thankfully I’m now at about 2 a year, and these things are my savior. More effective than any med.
I put one on my forehead and another on the back of my neck.
Hope it works!
Jenn says:
Hey Mike,
I’m sorry to hear about Heather. I texted her tonight b/c I couldn’t stop thinking about her……now I know why – she’s suffering. I’m so sorry!! The only thing I could suggest is ER for fuild but I also understand why she wouldn’t want to risk going to the ER.
Sending you all a gentle HUG! You’re a GREAT husband Mike – So caring & loving! Heather really is lucky to have you as her hubby. Hang in there – this too shall past but it just sucks so badly right. Please give Heather my friendship, love & empathy.
Christine says:
Ice pads to the head, coke and tylenol, and trying to avoid the triggers in the first place (assuming you figure out what they are.) I am so sorry for Heather. Having migraines during my pregnancy was the absolute worst feeling ever.
Amanda says:
What works for me is along with laying in a dark room is turning on the air conditioner. The cold really helps me. Aspirin won’t even touch my migraines so I just turn on the a/c.
Sara says:
I feel her pain. I have suffered from migraines for since grade school. Now that I’m pregnant the only thing I can do is 1/2 a cup of coffee and using peppermint sticks ( like this one, though I have used different brands and they all work about the same http://www.scentsofamerica.com/products.php?cid=5 ) on my temples and forehead. It doesn’t make it completely better, but it lets me function. I hope she feels better soon.
DefendUSA says:
Maybe you could ask Doctor Risky about using some caffeine. It helps my daughter. Yeah, I know …new study says caffeine affects birth weight…but I gotta throw the BS flag…I drank coffee and my mother in law drank pots of it and her last baby was 10 pounds, and now he’s a neurosurgeon!! I’m 4’11 and each of my kids was over 7lbs…first kid 7-13!!
Amber says:
Caffeine was amazing when I suffered my first (awful) migraine! Not much, either — a can of coke helped tremendously.
Amy Stone says:
I echo caffeine and just one soda should do it. I suffered HORRIBLE headaches during pregnancy and couldn’t take ibuprofen and Tylenol didn’t touch it. So after desperation tried some caffeine after a friend suggested it. It was like a miracle. Asked the dr. and she said she’d rather I drank just enough caffeine to take away the headache than suffer. And my big girl was 9lbs 4 oz, so I call BS on the low birth weight correlation as well!
Lauren says:
Yes, yes, yes! 1 cup of caffeine helped tremendously while I was pregnant and I still try that when I get one now. I recently read that Gatorade can help make them go away – I tried that last week when I had a migraine and while it didn’t go away completely, it did take the edge off. Hope she feels better very soon!
peggy says:
Absolutely agree with the caffeine, but for me, it had to be very specific — real coke. In my non-pregnancy like, I am a Diet Coke and coffee drinker, but for pregnancy migraines, only real Coke would help. And it did not take a ton — at my work at the time the machine held those cute little 10 ounce bottles. One of those would do it, although (thankfully) my migraines were not nearly as debilitating as Heather’s. Good luck!
Kelli says:
I agree with the caffeine!!!
Jessica says:
I had migraines while pregnant. Caffeine helped me a lot. Sometimes I took Tylenol PM. My dr also prescribed me some muscle relaxers, and Vicodin. I had blood pressure issues so I was on Bp meds as well. I took those meds all way more often than I wanted to. I had my baby at 38 weeks. She’s 5 moths old and perfect now. I was often treated in labor and delivery where they would give me some fast acting narcotics that wouldn’t have time to cross the placenta. Good luck!!
Anne says:
((Heather)) I suffer from chronic migraines and they were worse during both my pregnancies. unfortunatly nothing really helped (probably not what you wanted to hear) but it’s the truth Staying hydrated (which I know she is already having a problem with), caffeine, and rest sometimes help, but truely, time is the only thing. If they get really bad, L&D was the only place I could go. Mostly to make sure it wasn’t my blood preassure, or other issues. (Both my pregnancies were complicated..)
I truely hope she feels better soon!
TamaraL says:
I did not suffer migraines during pregnancy so I have no advice, but I do suffer migraines since I have turned 35 (the past 5 years) so I understand that pain. Just wanted to say I’m sorry – and to hang in there. You are both doing an amazing job!
JT says:
Have you guys figured out her triggers? I haven’t really been able to figure mine out, but I know it gets worse when I’m stressed or worried. Not just like stressed and overworked, but when there is something I’m concerned about in my life. For example, after I applied to grad school and was convinced I wouldn’t get in because it was such a good school, my migraines got incredibly bad and then when I did get in, they almost instantly got better.
I’m sure Heather is more worried now than she usually is and concerned about the Acrobat constantly, even if its just in the back of her mind. And that does take a toll physically. So, even though I haven’t been pregnant so can’t help exactly, what worked for me was trying to refocus my thoughts away from my worries (easier said than done, I know, especially since what I’ve been worried about pales in comparison to what Heather is worried about.) But things like massages and reciting mantras helped. Completing a rosary really helped me and also helped my insomnia, even if you aren’t religious, its a nice way of forcing you to refocus thoughts. I have heard acupunture helps. But when I tried that, it gave me an instant and really bad headache.
Good luck!
Amanda says:
Try a Paleo diet. If that doesn’t totally cure it (it should at least help) then go for Paleo + low tyramine, histamine and arginine diet can be helpful.
This podcast from Robb Wolf should help explain:
http://robbwolf.com/2012/01/31/chris-kresser-migraines-iodine-omega-ratio-fibromyalgia-dysbiosis-vitamin-c-and-the-personal-paleo-code-paleo-solution-episode-117/
Connie says:
I just went for a prenatal appointment yesterday and asked about this because I’m starting to get migraines. They told me the only thing I can take right now is acetaminiphen (aka Tylenol). Maybe this is a first trimester thing? (I’m only 8 1/2 weeks). I’m guessing more options are available later in pregnancy? I hope she can get some relief soon. Migraines are miserable.
kate says:
I get very bad migraines several times a month (though never been pregnant). One cool thing I’ve figured out is that my nerves can be tricked – my brain can’t process too many inputs at once. I have my boyfriend very lightly rub the inside of my forearm with a few fingers in a random pattern so that it constantly tickles (in a nice way). Somehow, the tickling feeling distracts me from feeling the pain. It’s worth a try!
TracyKM says:
I’m so glad to see other votes for Paleo and wheat free eating. And that will also help Heather prevent GD. I’ve had migraines since puberty. My triggers were mixed-meat hot dogs (I was fine with all beef), air pollution (and bad smells like perfume and the cleaning aisle) and closed in spaces with poor ventilation (do you open windows in your house? Maybe there’s a dust, mite, or mold issue). Too much sugar (remember, even the sugar in fruit and milk–natural sugar–can add up to too much for some people), not enough protein would also trigger one.
I highly recommend Dr Davis’s “Wheat Belly” and also the site: http://theprimalparent.com/
Finding her triggers by keeping a detailed food, stress, and location diary might be very helpful. I hope she finds relief, and it’s not a symptom of something else. Migraines suck.
Natalie says:
I suffer from horrible weather related migraines and my saviour other than my drugs is a gel ice pack (gel so it doesn’t freeze hard and is soft to lay on), coke, and a peppermint roll on that I use on my temples and neck. Feel better, Heather!
Michele says:
Yep, if I or my daughter feel a migraine coming on, we’ll drink a REAL Coke (NOT diet – it does nothing for us) and sometimes that will help.
CAM says:
Definitely echo what others have said about caffeine and the ice packs. An ice pack on the back of the neck and forehead feels like heaven to me when I have a migraine.
Nellie says:
Oh, I hope Heather starts feeling better real soon!
I’ve heard the scent of green apples works for some people who suffer from severe migraine headaches or eat some dark chocolate, the higher the cacao %, the better.
Sending lots of hugs and pain-free, joyful thoughts your way!!
Kristin says:
Try Benedryl. That’s what they gave me when I had a severe migraine while still breastfeeding my baby.
Lindsey says:
Hi guys,
I would echo the acupuncture, chiropractor. Then L&D for fluid. So sorry you are dealing with this!
Lindsey
April says:
I deal with migraines bad too but tenfold while pregnant. I also take an anticoagulant daily while pregnant (Lovenox). My last pregnancy my migraines were so bad my perinatologist put me on Inderol daily. It helped a TON. slight risk of the baby being smaller but I had no issues with that and because I was monitored so much anyway because I’m high risk we just kept an eye out. I also recommend chiropractic. It helps a lot as well.
Tonya says:
Poor Heather Praying that she feels better soon.
I was a migraine sufferer for many years until a total hysterectomy at 39 pretty much cured me. Ironically, pregnancy always stopped mine as well. But, here’s what helped me as well as anything….during the day, excedrin migraine with massive amounts of coke. At night, Tylenol PM. Phenergin with both. Over many years I tried every prescription medication out there, and those ended up being my go-to. I’m not sure if that would help Heather, or if she could even take so much caffeine, but anything is worth a try if it’s ok with her doctor.
April says:
Sorry…it’s spelled Inderal. It’s suggested usage isn’t for migraines but it does work for them. Hope it helps. I know how debilitating they are!!
twingles says:
Ugh, the only thing I can think of to try is hot tea, if she likes it. I don’t get headaches often but when I do they are bad, borderline migraine. I had a couple while pg and the tea always worked. Tea actually has a miniscule amount of caffeine so it should be safe on that front.
Hope she feels better. I know the next few months can’t go by fast enough. It sucks to not be able to enjoy pregnancy.
Nia says:
I am the opposite…I get at least 23 migraines A MONTH but they decreased when I was pregnant. It was glorious!! But they came back with a vengeance right after I had my baby
Since she is pregnant and has the drug allergies, I’d try acupuncture and a chiropractor first. Those are two sure fire ways to lessen the intensity or rid of them all together (unless they are hormone induced). Since she’s doing better with eating and gaining weight, you can also look up the migraine diet. It talks a lot about changing your diet and it is probably more than what she can do since she’s pregnant and just now gaining weight so have her to avoid the known triggers: peanuts, food additives, yeast products, cultured dairy, citrus, bananas, dried fruit, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners. Surely if she cannot afford to eliminate them, have her to just reduce her intake of those triggers.
Nia says:
That should say 2-3 migraines a month…I’d die if I had23 a month!
Heather says:
Oh thank GOD. I was seriously going to WEEP for you.
Becky says:
I suffer from migraines all the time. Peppermint is my best friend. Go to the spice section of the grocery store. get a bottle of peppermint extract. you can either apply it to a hot compress and place on her forehead or boil some water an put a splash(very tiny) in a cup and inhale. I also find that a hot shower with bath and body works bigalow peppermint body scrub works too. sometimes migraines come on for me when im dehydrated….drink water or a cup of coffee..the caffeine helps too(i know shes prego)
Michele says:
I had horrible pregnant migraines. I tried to just keep as hydrated as possible. I had raging morning sickness but never to the extent that Heather’s had it. I found with my first that if I could catch the headache before it got horrible, always having a Jolly Ranchers candy in my mouth helped. Weird. My daughter gets severe migraines and was diagnosed with a migraine syndrome last year. Her neurologist said that when she feels the headache coming on, all computer, cell phone and TV activity needs to immediately stop. That will keep her eyes from straining and can reduce the severity of the migraine. Not that Heather or the blog readers want to hear that, but it might be worth a shot.
Paige says:
Uff. I am a migraine sufferer. With my first pregnancy, they were so much better. But with my second, they were a little better than normal life, but I still had some doozies. I had one 3 day one in particular that crippled me, and with a toddler at home and a full-time job and considerable commute, I called my doctor and begged for mercy, making it clear that “toughing it out” wasn’t an option any more. (Oh, and I had to laugh bitterly when the nurse said “but you can take EXTRA STRENGTH Tylenol.”) He prescribed Fiorcet – which is Tylenol, Caffeine, and some other magic ingredient. It definitely helped it go away. I was far enough along that it was considered “safe” – though I did not have your set of pregnancy risk factors, to be fair. A friend of mine gets migraines – has since she was a toddler – when she was pregnant her neurologist researched Imitrex’s studies on pregnancy and discussed with the pharma company in depth and concluded that it was OK to take. She took it throughout her pregnancy and her son was fine – anecdotal, I know, but if you’re putting together a case…. Feel better. Migraines are no joke, and it’s just that much worse when pregnant.
noelle says:
When it comes to migraines, cheese is a big trigger for me and Coke is a savior! The Coke (regular not diet) will also help with the nausea (just make sure the caffeine is ok with her contractions).
When I was pregnant I soaked my feet in hot water and put ice packs on my head and back of my neck. The cold helps construct the blood vessels and the heat sends the blood rushing toward your feet instead. I was very skeptically, since Imitrex and Aleve are traditionally the only the thing that relieve my migraines but it truly worked.
Sending good gibes your way!
Sarah says:
I regularly get migraines and they were way worse during pregnancy so I really feel for her. I was prescribed something old-school to combat them during pregnancy, one of those drugs that isn’t really used anymore but is still around and is safe. It is a pain killer but runs a big risk of bounce-back headaches. It’s a Catch 22.
Michele says:
Compazine maybe? I was given that with my first but I was too scared to take it.
noelle says:
*constrict not construct
noelle says:
*Vibes not gibes!
Gah.
Lisa says:
I don’t have any advice to share but I want to let Heather know I’m thinking about her and sending ealing thoughts and love her way. I hope Dr. Risky can come up with something that helps.
Maris says:
My friend cured his lifelong migraines by realizing they are from stress, even stress he was unaware of…
On page 64 in Pain Free for Life, Scott Brady writes,
In the past ten years, many helpful medications for migraines have hit the market. Still, a nagging question remains in my mind: What causes the blood vessels to constrict and dilate in the first place? In answer, I believe that repressed emotions in the subconscious mind cause autonomic nervous system activation, which leads to blood vessel changes in migraine headaches-or AOS
Feel better heather!
Sara says:
Wow, can I relate. I have suffered with migraines since I was a teenager, and even now get several a month. I take gabapentin to help (though I think that is an off-label use) but my dr also suggested taking riboflavin to help. Maybe the riboflavin could help Heather? Also, my husband bought me a sinus forehead wrap, which you can heat or ice, and that helps a lot. I think he found it at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I throw it in the microwave for 45 seconds and it can help me relax enough to take a nap. My youngest is 4, and I don’t remember how bad they were during my pregnancies. I’m thinking that mine were actually better–I wish that was the case for Heather. Just keep taking care of her–you all are lucky to have each other! Hope she feels better soon!
lisa says:
Sometimes ice packs work and sometimes heat works. Wet a wash cloth and then put it in the microwave for 30 seconds or so to make it HOT. Do this many times in a row. Or just use an ice pack to freeze your brain. Migraines are MISERABLE!
Heather says:
https://dkmommyspot.com/how-to-use-peppermint-essential-oil-for-migraines-and-nausea/
I have a friend who says essential oil(peppermint) gets rid of her migranes.
Kim says:
Admittedly I don’t know my ass from my elbow and I don’t get migraines – my husband does though.
Rather than go through trying to relieve pain, how about tackling the root. I’ve heard amazing things about going gluten-free. Remove all gluten and maintain a plant-based diet with whole (gluten-free) grains. No processed “food.”
Also, get rid of all chemicals in the house. Clean with vinegar rather than chemicals (works perfectly for us). I think as a society we downplay just how much chemicals affect us. Stay away from perfumes and fragrances (they contain neurotoxins and cancer-causing chemicals). Perfumes also (being a non-regulated industry) impact baby boys’ reproductive organs in utero.
It goes back to the garbage in, garbage out idea. Try to eliminate the crap and she’d probably not suffer from the migraine quite as much.
Just an idea. Hope Heather feels better soon. This is one heck of a tough pregnancy.
Kim says:
Oh, should mention, I’m not currently pregnant (3 kids) and I don’t get migraines, but I do get terrible headaches from perfume, so there are definitely triggers there which is why I mentioned it. Buy unscented products (deodorant etc) if you feel it’s worth a try.
Eddy says:
Stay as hydrated as possible, try the peppermint oil and get the gluten out of your system. It will make such a difference without the gluten!
Vicky says:
I would say Mike that you do an awesome job supporting Heather during her pregnancy. Many men would not do what you do (trust me).
I hope Heather feels better soon.
Alyssa says:
I’ve had migraines since I was a teenager. It took me years to figure out caffeine was the easiest solution for me. Not sure if that will help during pregnancy, though But, additionally, a good chiropractor really helped get them under control. Hope something in this long list help Heather out.
Kayla says:
I used chiropractor adjustments, massages, and acupuncture for migraines during my pregnancy.
Sonya says:
I have migraines monthly. When not pregnant, I take Sumatriptan and that knocks them right out.
When I was pregnant, I wasn’t allowed to take my medicine and I had multi-day migraines in the first trimester that were so awful. My doctor recommended that I drink caffeine as a remedy to constrict the blood vessels the way Sumatriptan does, even though that’s often considered a no-no during pregnancy. I couldn’t give up my one Coke a day anyway when pregnant, so I drank a lot of Coke. He also recommended drinking Gatorade, which I tried, but didn’t enjoy (I threw it up-don’t recommend). I also employed my normal home remedies-ice pack or heating pack on head or Vapo-Rub rubbed all over my temples, under my nose, on my sinuses, etc. Vapo-Rub sounds weird, but it’s my favorite migraine relief remedy. It doesn’t make it go away, but it does seem to relieve a lot of the pressure thanks to all that menthol.
Another thing that gives short-term relief is pinching pressure points…I tend to pinch the pressure point in the curve between my thumb and index finger and that seems to release some endorphins and offer a little shot of relief.
One comment about the suggestion of going gluten free and clearing out chemicals…I’m not saying that won’t help, but it depends on what triggers Heather’s migraines. Mine are triggered by my hormones-I have them monthly around the time of my period. That’s why I had migraines in the first trimester when your hormones are crazy all over the place. So, if you have any idea what triggers Heather’s hormones normally, that might help you figure out how to relieve them.
Good luck-I really hope Heather feels much better soon!
Kristi says:
I have a lavender pillow that you put in the microwave and place over your face and breath in the scent. It really works for me and my hubby too.
Hope Heather is done with this migraine very quickly!
Amber says:
I suffer with chronic migranes and had them with my pregnancy and before I get negative comments about taking prescriptions while pregnant I had a AVM when I was 24 so I have to take them to function.
I took topamax throughout my pregnancy along with extra folic acid. If you have a migraine my doctor gave me esgic (sp?) which is just a caffine pill. I think imitrex might also be ok but I’d check with your doctor.
Mike after Heather has the Acrobat she might want to go see a neurologist if she hasn’t already to see what type of migraines she has so she can get some preventative medicine.
Barbara says:
I am so sorry that this pregnancy has you both feeling so badly. I know that when you are holding your beautiful little son…all of this will be something in the past. At the risk of sounding like a bit of a weirdo (I really am not…just open minded) have you considered visiting an herbalist. I just saw someone….Ema from Ema’s Herbs in Ventura. She is an amazingly gifted woman and I am sure she could suggest a tea (or two) that would help. Thinking of your family and sending warm, healing thoughts. PS If you go, arrive before she opens so that you will be seen first.
Stacie says:
Maybe reflexology? One where the person knows about which spots to avoid so as to not trigger any labour. Feel better real soon!!
Kristen says:
I am pregnant with twins and just a few weeks behind you all. I feel so much for you all because my husband and I are dealing with a lot of the same issues.
Things that help
– wrapping my head in ice packs
– water: swimming, showers staying hydrated
– avoiding all foods with histamines http://www.urticaria.thunderworksinc.com/pages/lowhistamine.htm
I hope you find some relief
KeraLinnea says:
Check with the doctor, but I’ve had migraine success with Anacin’s migraine formula. It’s aspirin, acetaminophen(tylenol) and caffeine. Combined with a dark room and an ice pack, it does wonders. I seem to remember thatHeather has some clotting issues, so be sure to check with Dr. Risky before taking anything with aspirin.
I’m so sorry, Heather. You are getting it from all directions this pregnancy. Good Vibes coming your way.
Lauren says:
Caffeine, for sure. And there’s this stuff called Head-On, which is like a balm that you smear on your temples and across your forehead, and I swear, it kinda helps. I mean, it’s not going to make it go away, but it will take the edge off, temporarily. And goofy, so you’ll at least get a little giggle out of it.
FEEL BETTER!! xo
http://www.amazon.com/HeadOn-Directly-Forehead-Migraine-Relief/dp/B000AIGBBE
Kristina says:
Oy – Heather really is doin it tough with this pregnancy! I second and third what some other people have said. Accupuncture was a savior for me during my first pregnancy. I saw this amazing woman in Santa Monica who specialized in pregnancy and fertility. She just had a really nice touch. Probably that is a bit far for you guys to go – but just in case her website is below.
http://www.lbinder.com
Glenda says:
Feel better soon Heather!
Danielle says:
I actually just met with my OB regarding the migraines I’ve been getting during this pregnancy. I get them normally as well. My OB prescribed Esgic-Plus. It’s Tylenol, caffeine, and Butalbital. I know Heather has had some reactions to medications and I can’t recall if Tylenol was on the “watch list”. But it may be something she could try! Good luck!!
Ivette says:
Hi Mike & Heather,
Long time blog reader and fellow migraine sufferer here. I’ve never been pregnant, but I hope my tips still help. I would be lost w/out my ice gel packs. They are a life saver when my head is bursting. I also had a doctor recommend I have a coke and eat salty chips (lays, fritos, etc..) with it. Something about opening blood vessels. It doesn’t always help, but it’s definately worth the shot. Feel better!
Mary says:
okay, so this may sound way out of left field but could it be her jaw? I’ve had the worst migraines my whole life. They would come only rarely and there was little to nothing I could do to get rid of them except going to bed. Well, I found out I have joint problems with my jaw and after seeing my chiro for it, I rarely (maybe 1x a year) get them anymore. AND, when I do get them, I can immediately go in and he can massage and relax the jaw and the pain just drains away. I know it sounds really weird but just a thought. Understanding exactly where the pain is coming from is a good first step..
Lisa says:
She should be able to take a mild opiate like norco….the Tylenol in it is a different class of drug from ibuprofen. I take them sometimes for my migraines and I took them occasionally during pregnancy(under dr’s orders, of course).
Ree says:
Hi,
I am a long-time reader but not a blog commenter, but I had migraines with both of my babies, though only one was considered high-risk (and that was for placenta previa, so nothing like what your family is suffering).
My OB and my neurologist OK’d imitrex during my pregnancies. I didn’t need it often, and my anecdotal evidence of two doesn’t help, I know, but consider that you can use a nasal spray to avoid stomach problems, for example. The migraine nausea atop of the existing nausea must be so horrible.
Everyone has different triggers, and I won’t give you any assvice about special diets or scented pillows, but just let you know what worked for me. Early on, I ended up on IVs because of dehydration from throwing up from migraines, which is why my drs. OKd the imitrex.
Paula says:
I can’t say enough good things about accupuncture for migraines!
I was a total skeptic… left the office with a bit less pain, but then within an hour it was totally gone. I wanted to try to find a drug-free solution
Molly says:
Given the different problems Heather is dealing with, I would recommend a wholistic approach to just *taking care of her*. Massage and acupuncture are great for wholistic healthcare. I recently started getting medical massages at an integrative health center, and it has reduced stress and pain in my life in so many ways. A friend who suffers from migraines said she recently felt so good after a myofascial massage, a particular kind that is good for migraines. Get an appointment right away! This is a hard time, and I think it requires extra special care of the whole person, not just responding to each individual symptom (regular child care for Annie so Heather can take baths, go to a prenatal yoga class, just sit outside and breathe deeply for a bit of every day, for example).
Molly says:
Here’s a link re: myofascial massage:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-and-migraines/specialists/why-not-suggest-myofascial-therapy-for-migraine.aspx
Melissa says:
I will echo everyone who said ice packs. I was in the hospital for a surgery, and was not allowed anything for my migraine prior to the surgery. I was in tears my head hurt so bad. They brought me ice packs and using one on my forehead and behind my neck helped immensely.
I feel so bad for Heather, I can just imagine how bad you and Annie feel for her.
Janell says:
I get migraines frequently and try to avoid pills at all costs. Some of the things that work for me are steamy showers or baths, cold washcloth on the forehead, rubbing icy hot or ben gay on my forehead, neck, and temples, caffeine, neck massages, and getting myself to throw up (gross I know, but it relieves the pressure in my head)
Charlene says:
Fiorcet is a class C drug. tylenol, caffiene and barbituite. not sure if Heather wants to go there. I would say prenatal massage, gental manipultion of her neck and ice would be best. ask Dr. Risky if there is anything else.
Jessica says:
Poor Heather, I got them through my triplet pregnancy and the nurses used to tell me to drink caffeine. I was sort of paranoid to drink it but did on the occasions that the migraines were unbearable.
kierstin says:
i had migraines through my last 2 pregnancies. One I was given a blood pressure medicine that helped. But for a non prescription fix, go to JCP or Macy’s, they have an awesome lotion from Origins. It is called Peace of Mind. It is a lotion that smells like peppermint and has really helped my migraines that i have gotten with and without pregnancies. It is worth every penny!!!
EmilyC says:
Echoing what others have said – accupuncture! I’m usually a western medicine person but used accupuncture for pregnancy issues that nothing else could fix and it was AMAZING. I also found that Coke and/or Excedrine was the only thing that helped with my pregnancy headaches. My sister recently went GF after being diagnosed with Celiac and its had a huge impact on her migrane suffering too, so that’s definitely something to consider (but difficult if eating is already a struggle while your pregnant). Try finding a really great holistic/integrative/naturopathic doctor that would work with you AND Dr. Risky to see if there are other natural remedies that could alleviate your migraines and other pregnancy issues. Good Luck!!!
Maggie says:
Maybe the pros of caffeine would outweigh the cons right now? If she’s into holistic approaches, maybe try acupuncture? Even a prenatal massage might be helpful (ie: dark room & massaging pressure points). At this point I’m assuming she’s desperate & will try just about anything!
Jeanie says:
I have no cure, but just want to say I hope Heather feels better very soon. And, Mike, I think you’re an awesome husband and dad.
Victoria says:
Biofeedback – I learned to increase my body temperature 4 degrees via visualization, breathing and listening to music, which increases the blood flow to the brain and voila, no more migraine.
Luana says:
I started having migraines when I was 5, and what really helped me was putting my feet in really hot water. As hot as you can stand it, adding hotter water as soon as you get used to the temperature. But it has to be really almost scalding, or it wont work! When you start feeling some sort of hot flashes the pain also starts receding or going away completely. It usually takes about 10-20 min for me, and resting afterwards also helps. I’ m sure you could do it without risks even being pregnant. I hopeyou feel better soon!!
Carrie Lee says:
I’ve had both types of migraines – since puberty with auras and during my mid-20’s started getting them without auras, too. Caffeine really helped the ones with auras, but when I got both types I was put on a low dose of Inderal (blood pressure med). Miracle – very few break through to a real headache now. I had to give up caffeine when my heart valves (congenital) started to be symptomatic . And I’ve increased the Inderal over the years to help with my vertigo issues (part of migraine pattern). Initially, the dr didn’t want me on Inderal pregnant, but the migraines got so bad so fast, they put me right back on it (just dosed every few hours instead of long-acting). I was weaned off the Inderal before delivery, but during labor an aura started. They had to treat me for a migraine during labor!!
I wish you the best of luck finding something to treat your migraines. You’ve got a full medical plate. But it appears you’re handling all things well. Supportive husbands are the best!!
Nan says:
If you haven’t tried acupuncture then it is worth a try. I do also use the pressure point between thumb and first finger.
But my go-to remedies are caffeine and peppermint oil on forehead and temples. I am currently using a rollerball called Migrastick that is peppermint and lavender oils (I think.) Also, that Head On Apply directly to Forehead works surprisingly well.
Adding ice or an lavender pillow over eyes in a dark room also helps.
char says:
Didn’t see this mentioned in a quick scan of all the comments – but my niece’s neurologist suggested Butterburr for her migraines. She had ones where she lost vision and they came on fast and lasted hours (scary when driving alone!) She takes it every day and has not had a migraine for 2 years. I don’t know if it mixes with pregnancy – but worth looking into.
Liz says:
I don’t have anything helpful to add…I just wanted to say that I’m really sorry Heather is suffering like this. Mike, you are doing amazing things for your family and they are lucky to have you.
anita says:
Count me as one that rid of migraines by going gluten free. My doctor made me give up gluten due to a thyroid issue, and I have not had a single migraine since (and I was getting them frequently prior to that).
I’m not paleo but it sounds interesting to me – but I would suggest eliminating gluten from her diet – as hard as it may be at first it really is worth it if it does the trick.
Sandi says:
Ginger is supposed to be good for nausea and migraines. This article says to check with your doctor first since it thins the blood. Might be worth looking into though. I like the crystallized ginger from trader joes, it’s covered in sugar which helps
Hope you feel better soon!
http://www.livestrong.com/article/112700-health-benefits-ginger-tea/
Kerry says:
Acupuncture!!
I hope you feel better soon!
Lynn says:
My daughter gets migraines and one thing that seems to help is Natural Magnesium Calm (Raspberry Lemon flavor) by Natural Vitality. It’s a powder that you mix with water. It helps you relax which then helps you sleep. I bought ours at Whole Foods. I just looked it up to see if you can take it while pregnant and they do recommend it. So it wouldn’t hurt to ask you doctor. I hope you feel better soon!
Michelle says:
Hey heather,
So sorry about the migraines. I’m a fellow sufferer. I can trace my first migraine back to about the age of 4 and have had them ever since. They didn’t increase in frequency until I hit my mid-20’s (when i say increase i mean 2-4 a week of non-rebound type migraines). I went through most of the preventatives until settling on topamax.
With my first two pregnancies my migraines seem to space out in frequency, maybe 1 a month and the severity wasn’t nearly as bad. But my third and last was awful. Like you now I grasped at anything. I was finally approved to take my imitrex injectables after I was in my second trimester, as well as using fioricet with codeine.
Since having my last I’ve been approved for Botox therapy and its been wonderful!!!! I get like 36 small Botox injections around my head, neck and jaw. It lasts approximately 3 months and then I get another round. I believe Botox would be approved for use during pregnancy because it doesn’t enter the bloodstream. There are some strict requirements by insurance, like frequency (I think it’s more than 2 a week, maybe t
3) and the Neuro has to be sure and sign off to make sure they headaches aren’t a result of rebounds.
Anyway. It’s definitely something I would ask about when at the Neuro’s office. Good luck!
Michelle
Lanie says:
Acupuncture? Yoga? Also maybe check labels for any food dyes, additives or possibly gluten. With such a severe reaction to the medication the other week maybe Heather has additional allergies? Hope that everyone is headache free and healthy. Take care.
Leigh Elliott says:
I am so sorry to hear that Heather suffers with migraines. I, too, am a fellow sufferer. I had a migraine towards the end of my one and only pregnancy that started 4 weeks before I had my daughter. I begged my doctor to give me something for the pain and they would only allow Tylenol. It was torture. I did get some relief from acupuncture, and massage. It is not fair, so not fair, what Heather has to go through–really, what you all go through when she is suffering. But having a supportive husband or partner is the most any sufferer of migraines could have. You are definitely tuned into her needs and care. When I am in pain, knowing my husband “gets it” and that it is not “just a headache” makes all the difference in the world to me. Hang in there, Spohrs!
Auntie_M says:
I’m rather late in chiming in on this and I also haven’t any idea of whether or not this med is safe while pregnant, but I had horrible, life-stopping migraines for years and most migraine meds didn’t work and only made me more sick to my stomach than I was before taking them. And then a neurologist had me try Maxalt MLT. God bless her!! It melts in your mouth and works within minutes. I still tended to crash (as in fall blissfully asleep) but all pain, nausea, light & sound sensitivity, and other migraine associated issues would be gone. It’s the best. I haven’t had a full blown migraine in years now, but still carry a Maxalt with me, at least when traveling.
Here is a link to what drugs.com says about it in relation to pregnancy–which means nothing to me!
http://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/rizatriptan.html
Trisha says:
Okay, so long time migraine sufferer here myself and I also have a aspirin allergy, so my options always seem limited.
During my pregnancy, my doctor would allow me a small amount of black coffee or a coke to help take the edge off when I could feel a migraine lurking.
The other thing that may seem very strange but seemed to work, was ice & heat therapy.
I would lay down in a cool dark room and pack ice around my neck and head and put a heating pad on high heat around my feet. Something about shrinking the blood vessels slightly to help reduce the throbbing by cooling down around the head area and drawing that blood flow down to lower extremities. I read it in a natural migraine healing article and it helped me a lot when I would get them while pregnant.
Hope Heather finds something to help her through it, poor thing!
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