Constant headache and flashing lights since giving birth - any ideas?

[Hellothere89]

I am 4.5 weeks postpartum with DS2. I had an elective c-section this time but since he’s been born I’ve had a constant headache (over my eyes and up my neck) and flashing white lights at the side of both my eyes which come and go throughout the day. The symptoms tend to be worse morning and evening. A coffee helps to ease the headache but nothing gets rid of it completely.

I had preeclampsia with DS1 (postpartum too) - I’ve been closely monitored and had no issues with my blood pressure at all this time (I have a home monitor too). I went back to MAU 2 weeks ago - my blood tests were fine, my urine was clear and they don’t think it’s related to the spinal (the headache doesn’t seem to get worse with sitting / lying and I have no other symptoms). They did an MRI on my head to rule anything else out and nothing came up on that.

I do have a history of migraines with aura which seem to be hormonal - these have got better as I’ve got older. With both pregnancies I had debilitating migraines from 12-20/22 weeks (with sickness but no aura) and they went on their own. I had a headache PP with DS1 but it went after a few weeks once they sorted my blood pressure.

Has anyone experienced anything similar or have any idea what could be causing this? Midwives don’t seem to know (they discharged me and said they’d get better in time). I’m EBF and making sure I’m hydrated and eating enough…

I would go and get an optician to check your eyes. Flashing can be a sign of retinal damage and that can be caused by childbirth particularly if it was a difficult birth with extended pushing.

I had very similar symptoms after having my first child, it was diagnosed as a form of migraine, and I was prescribed some fairly strong medication...but it faded away gradually by about 10 weeks I think (and I managed the pain with paracetamol as I was worried about taking the stronger meds).
I think hormonal changes post particularly can cause all sorts of odd symptoms that may settle with time.

Ugh, I'm sorry....
It sounds like a hormone induced migraine.
You should have it checked out for sure, but hormones do all sorts of weird stuff to us, I hope it resolves quickly.
Hang in ther.e

I immediately thought of PDPH, who told you they don’t think it’s this? If it wasn’t an expert then I’d be asking for further investigations - at least a possible discussion with an anaesthetist or similar

Thank you - I had my eyes checked as that was my first thought too, but that isn’t the issue. I didn’t actually do any pushing as I had a c-section.

Thanks so much for your reply. I was concerned it was this too - I was seen by a consultant and an anaesthetist at hospital who said my symptoms aren’t consistent with it. I don’t have any sickness and it’s also not worse with sitting or standing. The headache itself isn’t really severe it’s just pretty constant!

This is really reassuring. I think I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s probably hormones (especially as I had it in pregnancy too and weirdly they lasted about 10 weeks). Who diagnosed them for you, if you don’t mind me asking? I think I might check in with my GP and see what he says.

No doubt some rest and a good nights sleep would help but pretty difficult with a newborn and BF! 🤣

Thank you! I think you’re right about them being hormone related. Will definitely speak to my GP though

I think the hospital mentioned migraine as a possible cause of visual disturbance on my discharge notes (because I'd had the symptoms there), and GP then decided he thought that was the cause. I had also been v anaemic which was resolved over that period too, never sure if that was involved somewhere in the mix...
I hope it fades away for you too op, fingers crossed :-)

Thank you! I had a large blood loss and ended up anaemic so maybe that’s not helping either. I’m on iron tablets though. Sounds very similar to your situation so thanks so much for sharing, it really helps ☺️

Go to an optician. I have glaucoma at an early age

I’d recommend acupuncture with a practitioner who specialises in female health. Worked wonders for my migraines in pregnancy!

That’s weird timing - I’ve literally just messaged the lady I used to see! Great minds, thank you

Ooo you have a lady, that’s great! Hope it works out for you 🤞🤞

She helped me when I was ttc and after miscarriages so hopefully she can help again!

It’s crazy what they can do isn’t it. I went for morning sickness, got that sorted and she went on to help me with my migraines, a skin issue I had and impressively turned my baby when she was breach!