Migraine Headaches Support Group

Feel free to ask questions, that's one of the reasons this site exists!

Ginger capsules washed down with strong mint tea can help take the edge off the pain and works wonders for the nausea.

If I were you I would consider calling a massage therapist or chiropractor. It's a drug-free way to get rid of a migraine completely.

Do you know what triggers your migraines? That's the real question. Opiates like Vicodin just cover the pain up -- you want to get rid of it entirely.

Hi!
I have cycle migraines so I know how horrible they are, but only after my children were born. I am sorry you are going through this!! I was very glad to read you are 35 weeks now!!! My first grand child is on the way and my daughter is having problems, including blood pressure, she is on bed reat.. so the are inducing her at 37 weeks. Sooo a few more weeks for you and it will all be worth it when you hold the baby and look a such a gift. I have no real medical advice expecially since you are pregrant..I do use heating pad on my migraines. I do know that it will be worth while and the light at the end of the tunnel is bright. I pray you will do better, time will pass. I have to wonder...this far along..why do they not induce? Crying is ok..your body WILL get the rest it needs. God Bless you and your baby. Smiles..Sally

I'm so sorry you are in so much pain, Katie. My migraines were horrific during all of my 4 completed pregnancies (I have also has a few miscarriages.)

My doctor would use a round of Corticosteroids for a Status Migrainous (A severe migraine which lasts more than 48 to 72 hour or more, and even strong narcotics don't seem to work for.) I would use a Medrol Dose Pack, or some Decadron for 5 days. It's the same med they give you when you go into preterm labor, to help with fetal lung development, and is safe to use during pregnancy.

In my OBGYN and Neuro opinion, the stress of the Status Migraine is WORSE than the meds they have to use to get rid of it.

Talk to your doc about a Corticosteroid. I've used them for years. I've used them during pregnancy AND during breastfeeding. Never had a problem. Babies were ALL fine, as well.

Thanks so much for your kind words and advice! I will be sure to look into these ideas, my health insurance is about to kick in, so I'm looking forward to exploring these suggestions. (I also bought some ginger root to stir fry into my dinner tonight!) I have a question about a medication my obgyn prescribed. He wrote me a prescription for fioricet. I've used this medication before when I wasn't pregnant, and aside from the addictive nature of the drug, I found it to be helpful for migraines that weren't as severe. I'm concerned about the baby though. Do you know if it will cause problems for her? Thanks so much for your help and advice, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!

I also had migraines during my pregnancy. I'm glad you are getting help and are in your last trimester. My dr. also gave me fioricet, and it didn't do much. This was 25 years ago, and I think because it has tylenol in it,it is safe. Aspirin is what you have to be careful with. Good luck!!

I took Fioracet during every one of my pregnancies, and daily during my last two. I had no other choice, as my migraines intensify during pregnancy, and the stress of the pain, plus the dehydration would easily put me into preterm labor, and I didn't want to lose my babies.

My babies, although I took Fioracet and Vicodin during pregnancy and breastfeeding (and I nurse for YEARS not weeks or months) were FINE.

Drugs are only "addictive" if you take them for pleasure, and you continue to take them even after you know they don't help you and are making your life worse. IF the drug works, and you don't take it for pleasure or continue taking it when if it makes your life worse, you are NOT "Addicted" although you can be physically dependent. They are NOT the same thing.

My babies did not show any sign of "addiction" from the Fioracet (or actually Fiorinal in the first two pregnancies, during the 80s, before the Fioracet was available) and my last baby was exposed to both Fioracet and Vicodin daily after the first trimester and showed absolutely NO signs of "withdrawal." (And,seeing as both these drugs have molecular weights high enough to not get into your milk in any quantity, breastfeeding will NOT prevent withdrawal in a baby who might experience it.)

I was scared, especially with the last baby, because the pain was SO bad, and I had to take up to 6 7.5 mg Vicodin a day, and at least 6 or more Fioracet. I can say this, the child is fine (she's 8) and her IQ is in the genius range (brag brag brag brag) She was born a month early, but I deliver early anyway (spend most of the pregnancy on bed rest, to prevent my kids from being born too early, from 12 weeks on)

I have found that Fioracet is good, but for a long term Status, Corticosteroids are about the only thing which will break the headache.

I hope you feel better. Don't worry about "Addiction" it is rarely seen in true pain patients.

Thanks for the advice PGell, and for putting my mind at ease about the fiorocet. I have been feeling so guilty for taking the medicine and have been trying to get by on tylenol and a half a cup of coffee for the last two days thinking I was doing the baby a favor. I also feel guilty about taking the medicine often even though, you're right, I'm not abusing it, just trying to knock out the headache. I really appreciate that you shared about your own pregnancies, I'm glad your babies were all alright. Thanks!

I know absolutely nothing about the meds your taking now, I do know that vicoden does nothing for my migraines either. My only suggestion would be, maybe a warm moist compress across your eyes/forehead. I have a rice bag, i put in the microwave, and lay down with it warm laying across my head...really seems to help. I have tried chiropractic care, which sometimes helped. I now get my adjustments from an osteopatic dr. which helps way more! God bless! Hope your feeling better soon!