Headaches are extremely common, with 50% to 75% of adults suffering at least one in the last year. Perhaps you’ve even endured a few headaches yourself. Whether they came from drinking too much alcohol or skipping your morning coffee, you know just how painful they can be.
Moms might have it the worst, though. Between temper tantrums, time outs and endless to-dos, it’s only a matter of time before their heads start pounding. With so many things to trigger your stress response, you might get headaches so often that you almost expect them. At this point, however, you’re no longer dealing with a headache. What you have is a migraine.
Migraines are more of a nuisance than headaches and can be extremely debilitating. Unfortunately, moms don’t have the luxury of hiding in a dark room to wait out the nausea, fatigue and splitting pain. The kids need you. Duty calls!
While it’s likely impossible to escape migraines completely, there are ways to manage them. Here’s what you need to know to ward off the pain and be the best mom you can be:
Presented by - Orthobiologics Associates
Anything Can Trigger a Migraine
Practically anything can trigger a migraine, including dehydration, stress, bright light, certain foods, and lack of sleep. Nearly three in four people say they experience migraines when the weather changes and barometric pressure fluctuates. Another 64% cite intense odors as their most common migraine trigger. Even estrogen levels can spur a migraine. Many women experience recurring headaches just prior to menstruation when estrogen levels dip.
Pregnancy Can Help — or Hurt
Speaking of estrogen, women who suffer from hormonal migraines often experience relief during pregnancy. Both estrogen and progesterone levels are very high during the second and third trimesters, so headache symptoms may lessen or disappear completely during this time. However, the situation may change drastically after delivery when hormone levels plummet. That’s why so many women experience postpartum migraines, regardless of whether they suffered from them before becoming pregnant.
Keep a Symptom Diary
It’s difficult to prevent and treat migraines when you’re not sure what’s causing them. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a symptom diary. Journal about when and how you experience migraine symptoms and keep track of everything you eat, drink and do each day. Write about family drama, social anxieties, and personal struggles too. Putting all your thoughts on paper will help you release stress rather than internalize it, which can do wonders for both your brain and body.
Routines Offer Relief
Journaling will inevitably make you more aware of your symptoms. Eventually, you may notice a trend between personal habits and migraine attacks. At this point, you can root out potential triggers, document the results, and develop a healthier lifestyle that supports your overall health. If extremes are causing migraines, a solid routine can offer relief. Establish mealtimes, bedtimes, and wake-up times for the whole family to get everyone on the same schedule and make your routines easier to follow.
Medications Can Help
Most moms are used to popping a Tylenol or Ibuprofen when their head starts pounding. However, while over-the-counter painkillers might alleviate minor headaches, they’re unlikely to stop a full-on migraine. That’s why many moms seek prescription medications for their migraines. Most doctors will prescribe triptans or CGRP antagonists, which are available as nasal sprays, injections, and pills. Others will recommend preventative medications like antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and even botox injections to reduce migraine frequency and severity.
Respond to Early Warning Signs
A headache isn’t the beginning of a migraine. It’s the first clinical sign that you’re in the middle of one. At this point, taking your medication and avoiding triggers will do very little to reduce your migraine symptoms. Therefore, it’s crucial that you recognize and respond to early warning signs. As soon as you notice any nausea, pain, or fatigue, pop a pill. The more proactive you are, the less severe and lengthy your migraines will be.
Plan for Support
Aside from keeping your medications with you, one of the best ways to manage migraines is to plan for outside support. Whether you have a nanny or family members who live nearby, it’s important to share your condition with those closest to you. When a migraine strikes, they’ll know what to do. With loved ones lending a hand, you get a ride home, plan for childcare and disappear into your bedroom for a nap if need be. That way you can heal quickly and get back to mom life ASAP.
Managing Migraines as a Family
When a migraine strikes, the last thing you want to do is tell the kids. Rather, you want to be strong for them and push through the pain to be the best mom ever. Yet, being open about your condition is often the best course of action. Instead of hiding your pain, share your struggles and describe your symptoms. You’d be surprised how much children understand if you only take the time to offer an explanation.
Once everyone’s aware of your migraines, you can work together as a family to manage them. With a little effort and a whole lot of patience, you can make it through — and be a great parent to your kids.
