Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Postnatal health

As with all health-related issues, please seek advice from a RL health professional if you're worried about anything.

Original poster

Constant headache 3 weeks postpartum?

26 replies

cantthinkofaname2021 · 06/07/2021 12:32

Has anyone else had this? I guess it's like a tight band around my head/burning behind my eyes, or pain behind my eyes
Had c section 3 weeks ago, and breastfeeding now. Not sure it could be dehydration as I drink about 3 litres of water a day. Sort of goes away with ibuprofen/paracetamol but not 100% 😩

OP posts:
30degreesandmeltinghere · 06/07/2021 12:34

Please tell your mw /GP. I had similar.. They said like pre eclampsia symptoms but pp. Needed morphine to get rid of it.
Never leave a headache that long without advice imo.

Fitforforty · 06/07/2021 12:37

You can get postnatal eclampsia so you must speak to your GP about this.

BunnyRuddington · 06/07/2021 12:38

Another for getting this checked today.

QueenOfPain · 06/07/2021 12:39

Did you have an epidural?

AussieSue · 06/07/2021 12:42

Definitely get checked out. If you had a spinal or epidural for your c section, it could be a post dural puncture headache.

Tinselandlights · 06/07/2021 12:45

I had awful headaches post birth and the health visitor got me some help straight away when I told her. Get it checked out and I hope you're feeling better soon!

strawberrymilkshakeisdelicious · 06/07/2021 12:48

I'm echoing the advice above. Can be a PP version of preeclampsia, a complication of epidural etc.

Definitely get on the phone to GP

Original poster
cantthinkofaname2021 · 06/07/2021 13:01

Yes, I had an epidural
My midwife already discharged me, I had my blood pressure checked just last week as I had to get antibiotics for possible infection in my incision, would I not have high blood pressure with preeclampsia?
I'm also staying with family no where near home Sad

OP posts:
30degreesandmeltinghere · 06/07/2021 13:10

Go to an out of hours clinic op. I had an epidural and normal BP pp... Remember it's not just your gorgeous baby that needs looking after!

Toddlerteaplease · 06/07/2021 13:14

My dad had exactly these symptoms after a spinal anaesthetic for knee surgery. And my fee is had exactly the same after an epidural caused by a CSF leak. Quickly sorted with a blood patch.

timeisnotaline · 06/07/2021 13:18

Has it been since birth? Is it different standing up and walking around to lying down? That’s a key indicator of a spinal headache, which I had. (Obviously hospital discharged me 23 hours after birth while vomiting when I got up but that’s maternal aftercare on the nhs for you)

30degreesandmeltinghere · 06/07/2021 13:31

Have you had a covid jab? A headache worse standing up but better lying down needs medical attention I was told...

Original poster
cantthinkofaname2021 · 06/07/2021 13:37

No I don't think since birth, I think around 7 days post partum it started, I've had blood pressure done a few times since it started and it's always been okay
Not had covid jab, and laying down or standing doesn't make much difference
It's not all day constantly but maybe 50% of the day x

OP posts:
MoorGirl · 06/07/2021 13:38

I had a nasty headache for a few days post section. Definitely raise it. Hope you be well better soon.

timeisnotaline · 06/07/2021 13:54

It’s not a spinal headache then, but I’d still raise it.

timeisnotaline · 06/07/2021 13:56

Does neck stretching snd temple / neck massage by your partner relieve it? If so maybe you strained something pushing during birth? I did strain my neck a little with one.

linerforlife · 06/07/2021 13:58

Do get checked but also up your fluids even more. I was drinking around 2 litres just overnight in the beginning, I dread to think what my day time consumption was like. It's the driest thing you'll ever do!!!

Metallicalover · 06/07/2021 14:01

Get yourself reviewed, it's probably due to the epidural you can leak spinal fluid causing headaches xx

ThedaBara · 06/07/2021 14:17

This is not offered as standard, but a friend had similar symptoms and insisted on a blood test, and turned out to have very low vitamin D levels. Definitely insist on being seen and having tests!

dreamingdream · 01/08/2021 01:22

I had a constant headache during my third trimester, it turned out to be a serious rare pituitary condition for me, my life changed to be honest, I'm still coming to terms with it. But I'm getting emotional support.

Hopefully your headache is not like what I am going through.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 01/08/2021 11:48

I remember being told it was due to the epidural and the cure was another epidural weirdly- so get checked asap.

AshyLouM · 16/09/2023 07:55

Hi did this get resolved? Did it just go away over time? I have exactly the same thing! Blood pressure fine and don’t think it’s because of the spinal?

TomWambsgansSwans · 16/09/2023 08:58

@AshyLouM I had this - call your maternity unit and tell them - you can call about anything up to six weeks post birth. Just get it checked out and they will be able to help and put your mind at ease (I was fine by the way but my headaches were blinding!).

AshyLouM · 16/09/2023 15:48

@TomWambsgansSwans thank you! I saw the Anastasiologist he doesn’t think it’s due to the block and my BP is ok but they are going to arrange for an MRI just incase. I’m assuming it’s to do with hormones I think it started around day 4 and I’m now 2 weeks past that it’s so horrible it doesn’t go away with paracetamol and is mostly around all day! I defo had headaches with my first born but not like this. How long did yours last? Were they daily? X

TomWambsgansSwans · 16/09/2023 20:22

@AshyLouM I think mine lifted after a week or so - the health visitor was a bit worried about them but it turned out to be nothing! They did get better really quickly.

(Congratulations on your baby too!)