Migraine Today!

There are many side effects of pregnancy, none the least of which is an increased risk for migraine headaches. I am prone to migraines, and for the last two days have felt a migraine coming on. This is probably the result of entering my third trimester, coupled with caring for several sick children the last few days.

While some women will experience less severe and frequent migraines during pregnancy, other women will find their migraines get worse. I think I fall into one of those in between categories.

In times of old when a migraine struck I would simply lay in bed most of the day and feel sorry for myself. I generally have 3 day migraines, that start out mild and end with some sort of vomiting, vision disturbances and general malaise.

When you have 2 or more children under 3 however, you'll soon realize that laying down most of the day is not an option when you have a migraine.

How do you cope? There are a variety of strategies.

1. Try to rest during the day if you can.
2. Have a friend, family member or mommy's helper come by if possible to provide you some time to rest.
3. Talk with your health care provider about remedies for preventing migraine.
4. Take some tylenol extra strength at the first sign of a migraine. Taking a medication before the symptoms get bad is often necessary to prevent a full blown attack.
5. Try a cold ice pack on your head, which can help reduce the inflammation of the blood vessels causing pain.
6. Have a cup of coffee or tea with some caffeine to help reduce the pain.
7. Avoid too much stimulation. This means dim the lights if possible and turn off the TV.

Dealing with a migraine is certainly no fun. I find acupuncture works best to help relieve my headaches, or at least reduce them to a dull roar so I can better cope with my family. There are actually many studies that confirm the efficacy for acupuncture for relieving migraine headaches. Find someone nearby qualified to administer acupuncture and have them on speed dial. If you think of it, ask your acupuncturist what points on the body you can also stimulate to help alleviate your head pain.

There is an acunpressure point located in the webbing of your hand between your thumb and first finger that is helpful for relieving migraine pain. Press this periodically during the day.

Most people find a combination of techniques works best for them. The biggest relief for me today? My oldest came up to me and kissed my head and smiled when she made my migraine "magically disappear". Yes my head still hurts, but I have a smile on my face...

Don't forget to check out Double Duty for more tips and techniques on parenting closely spaced children while pregnant!