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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

postpartum headache from hell

57 replies

Jadefeather7 · 19/11/2019 20:19

Wondering if anyone here has suffered with a severe post partum headache (the type that makes you think you are about to die).

I had one during my c section. My blood pressure was so erratic (it was low throughout the pregnancy) that the anaesthetist told my husband that he was convinced his machine must be broken (I’m now doubtful about that). Two days later I had one again. All I remember is screaming at my husband to make sure he looked after my baby because this was it. I ended up in A&E and the doctors were baffled. I had MRIs after and everything was fine.

I’m pregnant again and I’m still traumatised by this experience. I’m reading stuff online about RCVS (I’m guessing that’s what I had) and potential risks of stroke and haemorrhage. I’m not really sure what to do as the doctors/consultants I’ve seen have all seemed pretty clueless about it. I can’t even find accounts online of people who have experienced it to see if it recurred for them. What would you do?

OP posts:
endofthelinefinally · 19/11/2019 20:20

You need to get medical advice and a bp check urgently.

TheTrollFairy · 19/11/2019 20:21

Did you have an epidural? When I was in hospital there was a woman who had an epidural and was suffering from the worst headache and apparently it was due to the epidural and I think the cure for it was weirdly enough another epidural.

endofthelinefinally · 19/11/2019 20:22

Sorry, just realised your question is hypothetical. You need careful monitoring pre and post partum this time.
Blood pressure monitoring is very important post partum.

endofthelinefinally · 19/11/2019 20:23

A very high profile case was Laura Touche. You can quote that to any HCP who doesn't take you seriously.

Original poster
Jadefeather7 · 19/11/2019 20:23

Yes I did have epidural. There is a headache that can be brought on by epidural but they ruled that out I think because that one gets better when lying down but with mine it happened when I was lying down.

OP posts:
Stickytoffeeprodding · 19/11/2019 20:25

I would avoid an epidural at all costs, that's what I would do. But in the event that it was necessary, I would ensure that the medical team were fully aware of your history, and had a plan in place.

Whosthebestbabainalltheworld · 19/11/2019 20:26

If spinal fluid leaks when they’re giving you the epidural I believe it can lead to severe headaches. Eases after some days when the fluid replenishes. Or that may be an old wives tale Confused

Original poster
Jadefeather7 · 19/11/2019 20:26

I will ask to be kept in for a few days this time. I was discharged the next day last time. The weird thing is my BP was fine during pregnancy and after the baby was born. It was only during the surgery that when the anaesthetist said his machine must be broken that it was ever mentioned as being abnormal.

OP posts:
Winterdaysarehere · 19/11/2019 20:27

I had what they thought was a heart attack post emcs.
Followed by a headache that needed morphine to shift it.
They said it was post eclampsia...
Last baby but never happened in previous natural births.
Terrifying..

Whosthebestbabainalltheworld · 19/11/2019 20:27

Actually I just googled it and it’s true!!!! Had it myself and it was hell..

Original poster
Jadefeather7 · 19/11/2019 20:27

I will have to have epidural as I will need a c section again. I could have general anaesthetic I guess but wanted to avoid that if possible.

OP posts:
endofthelinefinally · 19/11/2019 20:28

Eclampsia can happen for the first time post delivery.

PastTippingPoint · 19/11/2019 20:28

Could it have been a post dural headache? Although that wouldn't normally start during a c section, usually a few days after.

Have you booked with the midwives for this pregnancy yet? They may refer you to a consultant to discuss

OnlyAGirlsHorse · 19/11/2019 20:29

This was mentioned during antenatal classes I think? Something about spinals getting a bit of blocked air and it's a simple fix to take some more spinal fluid, fixes it instantly but I recall my midwife saying you'll think you're dying as it's really painful, but flag it to medical staff and they'll sort it. Can you discuss with your medical team for this pregnancy and/or request a birth debrief for last time to understand future prevention?

Dita73 · 19/11/2019 20:30

111 NOW!! Sending love Flowers

Original poster
Jadefeather7 · 19/11/2019 20:30

Can eclampsia be fleeting? By the time I had got to A&E and they checked my blood pressure it was fine. I guess if my readings were erratic during the c section it’s possible for blood pressure to rise and fall very quickly.

OP posts:
Darkstar4855 · 19/11/2019 20:31

Could it have been dehydration? I work nights and get awful throbbing headaches if I don’t drink enough.

You could ask for an appointment with the anaesthetist to see if they have any suggestions.

Original poster
Jadefeather7 · 19/11/2019 20:32

It wasn’t a spinal headache that’s one thing all the doctors I saw seemed convinced about. They just didn’t seem to know what it was. I can ask for a debrief but don’t have much hope as no one seemed to really understand it.

OP posts:
PearlsBeforeWine · 19/11/2019 20:37

I had one for days but I had spent 4 hours pushing and they thought I'd damaged a nerve in my neck. Was wearing sunglasses and on strong any migraine stuff.

(Cunts wouldn't give me a c section despite 36 hours labour back to back 11 lb baby.)

Original poster
Jadefeather7 · 19/11/2019 20:40

“Thunderclap headache refers to a severe and explosive headache with peak intensity at onset—as sudden and as unexpected as a “clap of thunder”. The term was first used to describe this type of headache as a presentation of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm.”

That’s what happened to me. I thought my head was exploding and I was convinced I was having an aneurysm.

OP posts:
Dita73 · 19/11/2019 20:47

Sorry! I misread your post! Not crazy but tired. Hope everything goes ok

PearlsBeforeWine · 19/11/2019 21:11

Probably not the same thing then, mine was much worse on certain head movements

I had a shit introduction to parenthood, really. We put ourselves through so much physical effort to have kids don't we.

Enjoy your new baby x

HappyHarlot · 19/11/2019 21:17

Ask them whether you need a 'blood patch' after your epidural. They take some blood out of your arm and inject a little into the epidural space to cause a tiny clot that will block any leak. Takes minutes to do then you lie completely flat for a couple of hours. Improves your headache within minutes.

legalseagull · 19/11/2019 21:20

Yes I had this during my c section. It cake on so suddenly and was so painful I screamed at the surgeons that I was having a stroke. It took hours to clear and was incredibly painful. I didn't have it at all during my other c section birth, so I don't think it's normal or definatelty going to happen again

TheTrollFairy · 19/11/2019 21:24

You can get a spinal block instead of epidural. Mine failed so they did spinal block