Saturday, May 24, 2008

Vitamins and supplements part II.

Just got to look over a website discussing women afflicted with migraines during pregnancy. They have a couple of good tips on how to control nausea and emphasize to stay away from caffeine during first trimester.
Quote:
* Rest - This cannot be overemphasized. A temporary decrease in work responsibilities, especially in the first trimester, is preferable to using medications.
* Stress - A conscious effort to reduce stress is important. Sharing responsibilities, decreasing commitments, and obtaining adequate rest and exercise is strongly encouraged.
* Sleeping/eating patterns - It is very important to regulate sleeping and eating patterns to minimize headache. Skipping meals is strongly discouraged as this often triggers headaches.
* Caffeine - Caffeine should be eliminated or reduced as much as possible, especially in the first trimester.
* Trigger identification - This also is important. Try to identify specific triggers that consistently bring on your headaches (food, MSG, alcohol, bright lights, lack of sleep, certain odors, etc.) and strictly avoid them if at all possible.
* Nausea - Treat nausea early and aggressively. Avoid strong odors. Use Seabands, and/or finger acupressure over acupressure point P6 (information sheet available on request).
* Hydration - Avoid becoming dehydrated. Use clear liquids, soups, Popsicles, etc., and a bland diet such as rice, bananas, crackers, etc. If dehydration worsens, we can give you IV fluids in the office.
* Relaxation techniques - Methods such as biofeedback, guided imagery, relaxation exercises, etc., can be very helpful (information sheets available on request).
* Massage therapy - Massage therapy and physical therapy can be very helpful in alleviating certain types of headache pain.
* Acupuncture - Please note that acupuncture is generally not recommended in pregnancy. Ice packs - These should be used early and often in migraine attacks as an effective non-drug way to improve pain.
* Stimulus control - During a migraine, decrease stimulation as much as possible. Go to a quiet, dark room if at all possible. You likely will need someone to help watch the kids, take over responsibilities, etc. Plan ahead.


Any little bit helps, eh?

2 comments:

Pam said...

Ginger and peppermint may help with nausea too.

I've added you to my blogroll.
Pam
Pink Pearl Girl's Migraine World
http://pinkpurlgurl.blogspot.com

Kroshka said...

Pam thank you for the comment :)

and i read that ginger in moderation is not a bad thing as well. Might try those two things.