a bit paranoid - weird vision and headache

[berolina]

I'm 36 weeks. This afternoon I was on the computer when I started getting a white flickering area in front of my eyes which made it very difficult to read or write anything. It went after about half an hour once I'd spent some time lying down with my eyes shut. A short time after that I got a headache - not a very bad one, concentrated between my eyes, and that's almost gone too now. However, I've read that these things can be symptoms of pre-eclampsia and am a bit paranoid. My blood pressure's always been normal throughout my pregnancy (last time I had it checked was Tuesday) and I haven't had any swelling. Should I contact the doctor/midwife or am I being over-worried? Thanks!

[hoxtonchick]

in your position i would give the midwife a ring i think. i'd probably think i was being paranoid but would do it anyway. hopefully they'll be able to put your mind at rest.

[Cooperoo]

Hi Bero, call the midwife. I hope it is just a bad headache/migraine but best to be safe. Take care a make sure you post to let us know you are OK. You have been well monitored so far so I am sure it is nothing serious. Hope all OK.

[jampots]

sounds like a migraine - the flickering/vision distortion apparently occurs as the blood vessels contract and then the headache comes when they dilate. I agree its worth calling the midwife just to be on the safe side though - maybe you need to rest more

[SaintGeorge]

Definitely sounds like a migraine to me ? long term sufferer. Sudden onset adult migraines should always be checked out. The chances are it is just a slight rise in your blood pressure or a drop in your blood sugar (were you hungry when it happened?) that has caused it but best to be on the safe side and get it checked, especially as you are pregnant.

[SaintGeorge]

Oh and if it happens again, try breathing into a paper bag. If you can slightly increase your carbon dioxide levels whilst still at the 'visual' stage then you can sometimes stave off the worsening of the symptoms.

HTH

[berolina]

Thank you everyone. (Coop - I assume you saw my typo-filled post on the June thread - that was when the headache was kicking in).
Couldn't reach my MW, but have spoken to a doctor who has said to wait and see if the vision disturbances come back, and if they do, to pop down to the hospital. He reckons it sounds more like exhaustion though. And the headache itself wasn't too alarming - when I get them (now and again) it's always in that place.
The migraine theory makes sense, although I've never had one before. SaintGeorge - it's interesting you say that about the carbon dioxide - I had a lung function test a couple of weeks ago (asthma) and my CO2 levels were very low - apparently I tend to hyperventilate without realising it.
Thanks again - I'm off for a rest

[Cooperoo]

Glad you are feeling more positive and have had some good advice. REST REST REST. Yes loved your June post hee hee.
Take care.

[Mirage]

This happened to me last week.I was trying to read dd a story & couldn't see the words properly.It turned out to be dehydration-a glass of water & a lie down for 20 minutes sorted it out.I'm 36wks pregnant too & worried about pre eclampsia so can understand how scary it was for you.

Glad you were ok!