Constant headache 3weeks post birth. Why?

[LauraSmurf]

Title Pretty much says it all. I gave birth - straightforward - 3 weeks ago. For the past week I have had nagging headache on and off. Last night it was so bad bit was like a migraine. But of course I can't take migraine meds as I am breast feeding.

Anyone else had this? Why is this happening? Is it a big problem?

How can I make it go away?

Tiredness?

Did you have an epidural

You can take paracetamol which may help - it might be worth calling the MW as you'll still be under their care, they may be able to advise you as to what it might be or what else you can take.

No epidural. Just gas and air and pethidine.

Paracetamol not touching it and been discharged by MW team. Getting hold of health visitor has proved impossible.

Oh well thanks for trying and listening.

As a migraine sufferer I find Kool and Soothe patches really good. They numb your head and give me quite a lot of pain relief. Headex also helps a bit and sometimes a warm compress, you know one of those microwave animals or bag of beans. Sorry I have no suggestion for the reason you are getting them though.

Are you breastfeeding? Might be dehydration.

Get your blood pressure checked.

I thought you were covered by midwives until baby was 28 days old regardless? One thing this thread is showing is that a number of things could be the cause - if you can't speak to your GP then phone the OOH service - not ideal on Christmas day but better than not speaking to a medic so soon post partum.

Tiredness
Dehydration
Hormones levels, all big headaches triggers, I had terrible migraine episodes after my second child was born, hope it passes for you soon.

Thanks everyone. I had a better day with it yesterday. My MIL has arrived for Christmas and she is a nurse. Got her to bring her blood pressure gauge and it's all fine. More than likely hormones, I had to stop a few pills because the hormones in them triggered migraines.

I have been drinking squash like its going out of style! So I don't think dehydration is likely, but I will try drinking more today.

Thanks so much for the thoughts. One question, does anyone know if anaemia can cause headaches!

Is it sugar free squash? That doesn't hydrate very well.

yes anaemia can causes dreadful headaches, and this was confirmed by the blood donation help and advice line to be a cause of migraine/headaches if you are suseptable to them, i gave blood once whilst having an horrendously heavy period and it triggered a three week migraine attack, never ever again!!! sorry bit of a random example but havin a baby does include significant blood loss was my point and i am rushing as off to lunch now

Make sure you are drinking at least 2 litres of water a day. You sound dehydrated. Breastfeeding will make you dehydrated if you are not drinking enough.

I would also say tiredness. My husband had cluster migranes after the birth of our 2 daughters (was not an excuse to get out of night feeds - he still did his part!)

A change of sleeping pattern can cause them/erratic sleeping patterns/sleeping too much (if possible!).

Dehydration also major cause.

I was in the same situation after a childbith 3 weeks ago. Constant [url=motherhow.com/postpartum-headache/]headaches[/url] and always bad mood and condition