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Step 1
Drink a Coke
Drinking sugary sodas is not exactly recommended for pregnant women or anyone else, however a Coca-Cola can often help ease a pregnancy migraine if you drink it at the very first sign.
I swear that I don't own stock in Coke, but I will say that helping you get through pregnancy migraines is a really good reason to keep the cola on hand. Besides, Coke has many other useful applications such as cleaning corroded cables.
Coke alone, of course, is not going to do the trick. This is a combo maneuver. As soon as you get that first little tingle or visual disturbance, you need to chug the coke and then head for a dark room to fall asleep before the caffeine hits your system. This can be tricky and should only be attempted if you think you can fall asleep quickly. -
Step 2
Bradley Method
Whether or not you plan on natural childbirth, you need to take a Bradley Method class if you suffer from migraines during pregnancy. The relaxation techniques that are taught to help a woman deal with labor in the Bradley Method are actually ideal for getting through migraine pain.
Plus, let's face it: Migraine pain is WAY worse than labor. If you can use Bradley techniques to get through a pregnancy migraine, labor will be a breeze. Think of it as training.
If you want more information on the Bradley Method, see the link under resources. -
Step 3
Cold Pack
A cold pack right across the forehead is a great relief, but it is even more effective if you also put cold towels around your neck and something hot on your feet. Place your feet in a tub, on a heating pad or on a hot water bottle. -
Step 4
Lavender
A few drops of lavender essential oil on the temples or earlobes can help. Just make sure you don't overdo it. Don't even try this if you think you might be allergic or if you normally negatively react to essential oils.
You can also use a lavender eye pack or pillow bag. Breathing a steaming cup of lavender tea can work wonders. Just make sure that whatever type of lavender item you use that it is natural and not artificially scented. Artificial scents can sometimes aggravate migraines. -
Step 5
Yoga Blocks
Sit in the floor in a cobbler's pose and stack up some yoga blocks in front of you. You can also use an ottoman or whatever else you have around the house.
Lean forward until your forehead is resting fully on the blocks. Place your hands on the floor and close your eyes. Concentrate on relaxing the muscles in your eyes, scalp, face, jaw, neck and shoulders. Do this for as long as you can.
If your belly is making it difficult for you to breathe while leaning forward, make your head support higher so that you are almost sitting up. -
Step 6
Homeopathy
Homeopathy can offer safe, relatively inexpensive relief for pregnancy-induced migraines. Visit a homeopath or inquire at your local health food store about homeopathic remedies. -
Step 7
Just Throw Up
If you feel nausea, don't try to fight it. When migraines come with nausea, the pain is often somewhat relieved when you vomit. It's not pleasant or pretty, but puking is better than feeling like someone is stabbing a knife in your eyeball. I have found it particularly effective to use the Coke-nap technique directly after throwing up.
