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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Headache at 13 weeks

8 replies

ButterflySally · 19/01/2011 12:44

Hello all.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have started getting headaches. I have one today that I can't get rid of. I thought it may be due to dehydration but (excuse the TMI) my pee is pale, I thought it may be due to low blood sugar but I've eaten, I've tried to sleep it off and it won't go.

I haven't taken any painkillers even though I know paracetemol is ok in pregnancy - I'm just not sure how much to take.

Should I be concerned? Or just ride it out? Any help would be appreciated!

OP posts:

JoyceBarnaby · 19/01/2011 12:54

First of all, I think it's highly unlikely to be anything to be concerned about. Headaches, sadly, are not uncommon in pregnancy. I'm suffering quite a lot in this pregnancy and feel a bit cheated because last time I didn't get a single headache for the whole 9 months!!

I am taking paracetamol - it is definitely fine to take in the normal recommended dosage as on the packet. So, I would suggest you take two paracetamol and lie down with a cold compress on your forehead, if that's possible. No matter what's causing my headache, I find that this is the only way to even think about sorting it once it's started.

When I saw a nurse last week, I did ask her to double check my blood pressure but it was fine. TBH, with no other problems it was very unlikely to be a problem, but I was there anyway having my swine flu jab so thought I may as well.

As you haven't even taken paracetamol yet, I would think it highly unlikely you have anything to worry about!! HTH x

JBrd · 19/01/2011 12:56

I used to get quite bad headaches in my first trimester, which were mostly due to low blood pressure (something I've struggled with in the past). I've tried all the things you've described, sometimes they would help, sometimes not.
I did take Paracetamol, the dose that's recommended on the packaging is fine when pg (my midwife told me).
Fresh air and sometimes (gentle) exercise, i.e. going for a walk, did help.

Sorry if I can't be of more help! If the headache really doesn't go away, you should probably talk to your midwife/GP.

ng1412 · 19/01/2011 12:59

I got terrible headaches in the first trimester and they would last for days. Spoke to my GP and he said I could take paracetamol, I took two tablets on one of the occasions I had a headache and as usual they didn't make the slightest difference so I just decided to ride it out, go to bed and drink lots of water.

If it's any comfort they went at about 14/15 weeks....:-)

MuffinMouse · 19/01/2011 13:04

Me too. They would last for 2-4 days until I asked a mw who gave the go ahead for paracetamol. I didn't get them in the second trimester.

A Dr told me that pg hormones make them more common in pg.

quasimodo123 · 19/01/2011 14:12

I used to get headaches on an almost daily basis from 7-13 weeks ish. They were usually a dull ache that wouldnt shift but were sometimes quite bad.

I did take pain killers on the odd occasion but mostly relied on 4head which worked brilliantly for me so might be worth a try?

Was also told by MW that headaches are very common.

Nunners · 19/01/2011 15:37

I get them a lot - currently 15+3 and had them since 10 weeks. I've found that they are often linked with not having drunk enough that day - try and get a good few pints of water down you and aim to drink as much as you can to keep your wee clear.

When that hasn't worked I've just accepted defeat and gone to bed with a couple of paracetamol, and sleep cured it.

Original poster

ButterflySally · 19/01/2011 16:33

Thanks everyone, for all your advice and tips. I have taken some paracetemol and have had a sleep. It hasn't completely gone but I'm feeling better.

I have to say, although I'm so pleased to be having a baby, the first trimester has been rough :( Am looking keenly forward to the second!

OP posts:

bananarama05 · 19/01/2011 23:00

I got really bad headaches for about 2 weeks around 16 weeks.

I drank lots of water, ate small amounts regularly etc but every day I woke up feeling awful so can only think it was hormone related. It even got to the point I had to take a day off work (my first in 2 years). Paracetamol didn't do a thing. Then I read in my NHS pregnancy book (the purple one from my MW) that ibuprofen can be taken in the 2nd trimester only.

A couple of neurofen later and I was a much happier bunny. I used to get migraine type headaches as a teenager and it was the only thing that helped then too.

Probably not recommended for everyone but it worked for me :)

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