Migraine and Labour?

[megsmeadow]

Here's one of my fears that I had managed to push aside for a long time but as my due date draws nearer it has been on my mind again.
I've suffered from migraines all my life and up until I got pregnant had been taking amitrityline as a prophylactic treatment (to prevent). Since being pregnant I've had some migraines but probably not as many. My main trigger is tiredness though. So my concern is having a migraine while in Labour, it does reduce my overall pain threshold, but moreso would that increase risks of things like strokes as there is dilatation of blood vessels in the lining of the brain during a migraine.
Not sure how rational my thinking is around this?

 

[evajo]

Hi, no advice on migranes i'm afraid - but i can see your concern. Perhaps talk to your mw, maybe there is something they can do during labour if you do get one. What pain releif were you concidering - it may be that you could re think if you have a ong labour so you will have chance to rest x

 

[megsmeadow]

Thanks evajo, I was hoping to try tens, relaxation and gas and air, but I've put on my birth plan that I'm open to discussing diamorphine or an epidural if the need arises. I really hadn't thought about labour starting a migraine off before, especially if it is a bit long. I'll definately have a chat with my MW. Thanks!!

 

[titch]

I used to get migranes, you have my massive sympathy I think using relaxation during labour is a really good idea, you'll not exhaust yourself, so thats bound to help. If youre anxious about it, its definately worth asking your midwife. There may be some medication you can take to prevent it happening when you go into labour. Make sure you rest up in the last few weeks too! x

 

[racheldee]

i get migraines too triggered by tiredness and fatigue i had one wednesday and it was awful
my mw told me during the early and first stages of labour to just try and relax and keep calm as much as possible, keep drinking loads of fluids especially water and lucozade sport drinks that give a slow release energy also eating slow release foods
i hope this helps!

 

[megsmeadow]

Thanks girls!! I knew I wouldn't be the only one! Rachel, sorry you've been suffering too! I seem to get a constant headache which I've had for about 5 days now, not unusual for me to go 2 weeks with it. BP fine though so nothing to do with that. It makes sense trying to stay relaxed and rest as much as possible to try and reduce the triggers. I might put it in my birth plan too. And will definately speak to the MW! Just one of those things that's been popping into my head as the big day is drawing closer!!