Bad Headaches

[Expectantmum]

Can you help me? I am 22 weeks pg and have had a cold for nearly three weeks suffering bad congestion in my nose and chest, since then I am getting really bad headaches (almost like a bad hangover), mostly first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I am trying to only take four paracetamol a day, as I am scared it will do some lasting damage. Do you think its something to worry about or just the cold/congestion causing the headaches and also do you think I am taking too many paracetamol? I am seeing the midwife on Thursday so will check with her but until then can you please rest my mind at ease .

dont worry about taking the paracetamol, what you are taking is fine

i would call you mw and ask to see her earlier, maybe you need a wee bp check

Can you see your midwife earlier or get a GP appt?

I'm sure the paracetamol won't do any harm.

That being said, is the headache a sinus headache? I find a hot mask often sorts out the underlying sinus problem and can avoid the headaches. Or, if you're not asthmatic, Olbas oil or similar?

You do need to see the midwife, anyway, as headaches can be a sign of high blood pressure, although this doesn't sound like that.

She only visits my surgery on a Thursday. Don't think its my bp as I would surely have the headache all the time. Today was fine up til about half an hour ago, but am coughing alot, so thought maybe that has triggered it. Thought maybe I'm not sleeping enough, but someone has suggested it could be blocked sinuses, cos I have only been like this since I've had the cold, do you not think so then?

have you tried that 4head? it works well for me, although im not sure if you can use it while pg, youd have to check

but you can ask your mw for a home visit. they are always out and about anyway

The headache is round the back of my head, and sometimes makes my ears hurt (that probably sounds strange?!!) and get a pain in my nose quite often too, but my nose is constantly blocked! Can't remember the last time I didn't wake myself up snoring!! I have no chance of getting a doctors appointment - you have to know usually three weeks in advance of being ill with the GP!

Sinus headaches are generally in the front. I think NHS direct is what you want, or maybe your doc's out of hours service? A BP check sounds very wise.