headaches!!! aaarrrgggghhh!!!!

[mamjo]

Hiya all

I am 20 weeks pregnant and have had a headache everyday, all day since the very beginning. Some days its only mild and bearable, but some days it is agony and paracetamol just wont touch it. I have also tried all the external balms and stickers as well as massage but nothing works. My doctor just says it's normal. Is anyone else experiencing the same thing? and if so how are you coping?

[LeoniPoni]

I'm 35+5 and until about week 28 I suffered horrific headaches. I was constantly being told it was dehydration which I wouldn't believe since I was drinking thoughout the day. But I eventually started carrying a water bottle absolutely everywhere with me and sipping it constantly throughout the day and lo and behold...headaches eased and sometimes disappeared. Made me pee constantly but it was worth it to be able to focus my eyes without crying!

I have heard headaches are common in pregnancy, but people only ever say 'take it easy! Rest!' Which is easier said than done obviously!

[Hevster]

I have one too most days, not found anything to help so naff all use to you, but at least you're not the only one!

[ktwiltshire]

in my second pregancy i had horrible headaches and migraines, there wasnt much anyone could do, and the drs werent much help! not much helped other than lying down with my eyes shut, and resting whenever you feel the need to.
as leoni said, its best to check the basic things like dehydraton just incase, cant hurt to try at the end of the day

[crabwoman]

For me headaches were also caused by dehydration. Try to increse the amount you drink, even if it already seems enough. I would imagine a lot of the fluid you take in during the day goes directly to help your baby grow, so you only get whats left. I needed to drink at least a litre of water during the day to keep them at bay, and i found caffine made things even worse. Up your fluid intake, but don't expect instant results, it can take a day or so to re-hydrate.

[goodlifemummy]

I had one for three days the other day, and paracetamol was not helping, so I was advised to try co-codamol (codeine and para) by a GP. It did help, but also I think it was possibly lack of caffeine, I have been trying to cut down, not that I had a lot, but still, trying...a couple of cups of tea and a relaxing bath soon did the trick. I also like to rub Vicks on my temples, although not sure about the status of Vicks during up the duffery!

[mamjo]

Thanks ladies,

I drink at least 3 litres of pure water + 3 or 4 peppermint Teas + 2 or 3 decaff coffees everyday and dont think I could possibley take in anymore liquids. At least I now know others are also suffering too (sorry).

hope you are all feeling better soon and good luck with the rest of your pregnancies!!

[Hevster]

now you mention the coffee, sometimes a cup of cafinated coffee makes my headache go away at least for the rest of the day, and we are allowed 2 cups a day!

[first1]

I suffered with excruciating headaches around week 16. Every time I stood up it was the most splitting pain that would make me cry every time. Paracetamol did nothing. GP referred me to an obstetric physio. I swear I could have kissed the guy. He altered my neck somehow to relieve tension and gave me exercises for my temples. I promise you, 48hours later I was a different woman. I created a thread about this myself when it was happening and some other ladies mentioned they too had had physio or similar whihc proved beneficial. Yes I've had occasional headaches along the way but I know what to do now. The only headache I'm suffering from now is caused by sheer frustration that I'm still pregnant at 40+2! Oh and also, a proper cup of coffee was also recommended. Caffeine in moderation does have its benefits. Good luck!

[mamjo]

Thanks Hevster and first1 I will defo try the coffee, and then Im heading back to the docs for some of these exercises - they sound great.

Good luck first1, are they going to induce soon?

[japhrimel]

Try drinking some juice, not just pure water. Drinking too much plain water upsets your electrolyte balance so you can be dehydrated even whilst drinking lots - it'll go straight through you.

I'm getting a lot of sinus headaches and tension headaches. Facial massage seems to help the sinus headaches the most and stretches and specialist massage have helped the tension headaches in the past. Only problem is, I seem to be needing massage more and more often!

[first1]

mamjo hope the docs sort you out! Have you had your eye pressures checked? Sure you're fine but if GP cant do that, I'd book into your optician for an MOT. If I were you, I'd want to tick off all the boxes. Aw thanks for asking, I'm booked in for induction next Friday, will be 40+11 by then so reallyyyy hope this baby will be out by then!