Migraine

You guys I have an on again off again migraine since yesterday... and although I'm super conservative when it comes to taking any type of medication during pregnancy (especially during the 1st trimester), I was about to gouge my own eyes out because the pain, nausea and light sensitivity is unbearable... I tried drinking a coke, then a coffee but it didn't help (it usually does) so I've been taking 2 Tylenols every 6-8 hours... the pain even wakes me up in the middle of the night once the Tylenol wears out...

I hope this doesn't have any ill effect on my baby. I feel so bad about it but I have an active 3 and a half year old boy running around and my husband is working abroad for weeks so I have no other option...

Anyone else suffer migraines during pregnancy? I get them 2-3 a year but according to Dr. Google, it is common during pregnancy to get migraines...  

[GRose]

Taking tylenol isn't going to hurt baby as long as you don't take more than the recommended dosage.
It is very common to develop migraines during pregnancy, hopefully this wont be an ongoing problem for you.
Feel better :)

[jessbbg]

Isabella -

There are several different culprits that you can try to alleviate.  I'm finding myself in the same boat though, having tried all the remedies.  The most common reasons are:

Dehydration - chug a ton of water (2+ liters) and you will feel better in literally about 2 - 5 minutes if this is the case

Protein deficiency - your body could be fiending for more building materials for your baby, try to eat a bunch of grilled chicken and see if that doesn't help

Caffeine - you've already tried that

Vaso-dilation - a lot of migraines are alleviated by constricting the blood vessels in the head and neck, but it takes 15 minutes or so of uninterrupted icing (which is painful to get through til it begins to constrict and numb), but worth a shot if the pain is severe.

Vaso-constriction - opening up the blood vessels, conversely, if icing isn't the solution, can often help.  This can be accomplished by soaking in a warm bath.  

And sometimes, we just don't know what's causing it, and none of the above work (i'm in that category at the moment).  Hopefully one of these will give you some relief... I hope you feel better soon!!

- Jess

[lookingforward34]

Hi there,

I thought being pregnant would eliminiate the premenstrual migraines I used to get, but lo and behold, I got a migraine right on time (and right on Thanksgiving!). I took Tylenol for 2 days, then I took Excedrin Migraine with a warm drink and that finally got rid of it. Good luck!