Headaches after childbirth

[BeauticianNotMagician81]

I had ds4 last Friday. A water birth with gas and air. Ever since I've had a headache and a pain all down the left side of my neck and into my shoulder. I'm having to take loads of painkillers but it's just not shifting. I'm breast feeding and drinking loads of water. Is this normal I've never experienced headaches like this before.

I had terrible headaches for about a week after DD was born (also water birth with gas & air), usually always at the same time of day (noon). Did you lose blood? I lost a lot and was put on iron tablets for a month after she was born. I think the headaches stopped when the pills started working. If you're worried about that your GP can refer you for a blood test.

Did you spend a long time in the same position during labour/birth? Maybe you pulled a muscle in your neck/shoulder during? Definitely worth mentioning to your GP, you've got enough on your plate with a newborn to be dealing with that too. Good luck and enjoy the newborn snuggles :) x

Thanks so much for the reply Squaffle I didn't spend any length of time on one position during labour. I think the pain may be connected to breast feeding. Im making a GP appointment today as I can't cope any longer. Currently on day 8 of a headache and they are getting worse.

Glad to hear you are seeing the GP - without wishing to worry you I'd be getting my blood pressure checked. I had pre-eclampsia with my first and my consultant told me in rare cases (like mine) blood pressure can continue to spike. I had a horrible time and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. It's almost definitely not the issue, but it's worth a check.

Are your fingers swollen? Definitely see the doctor today - could be something, could be nothing but best to get checked.

Polly yes my ankles and fingers are swollen. I've had to take my rings off. I always get bad water retention but usually only my feet.

Yes really bad headaches for the first 10 days and your post also reminded me, with my second I got a sharp excruciating pain in my shoulder on day 7 which was terrifying and only went away if I lay down and came back if I stood up. It passed quickly so I never sought medical help and assumed it was to do with the after effects of epidural.

Drink even more water, each time I underestimated just how dehydrating establishing feeding is. Glad to see you have an appointment, it's definitely more sensible to just rule out any concerns with bp etc as others have said. Hope you feel much better soon x