*+*+*+**+ MEARS *+*+*+*+*

[jessicaandbumpsmummy]

Sorry to bother you about this, but im a bit concerned!

Im 38+2 and for the last 4 days i have had a SCREAMING headache, feeling very nauseous and with a lot of pain in my hips, pelvis nad lower back.

Im at my wits end.... crying because i hurt so much.

Phone my MW yesterday who couldnt give a damn and basically said "see you on wednesday" and we will see how you are.

I just dont feel this is right, BP is usually 100/50 and last time it was taken it was 130/60 - is this a concern?

Im going to book myself a docs appointment tomorrow but jsut wondered if you could shed any light.

Sorry it is such a ramble and TIA xxx

It sounds as though you have 2 separate things going on - pelvic pain possibly due to the softening of the ligaments which may be symphisis pubis dysfunction (SPD). The headache may be due to a number of things and because you are stressed thinking it could be blood pressure related, it will get worse.
What pain relief have you taken? I find pregnant women are loathe to take painkillers and headches then get worse.
Paracetamol should help both the headache and the pelvic pain and I would take it regularly (4 times a day)for 48 hours.
If that does not help the pelvic pain I would ask to see the physio who can give you a support belt. As your midwife I would want to know whether you have any urinary symptoms. You could have the start of a urinary tract infection which can cause back pain and nausea.
I suspect that you are nauseated because your headache is wearing you down.
Try the regualr paracetamol today and if there is no improvement definately make an appointment to be seen tomorrow. Yry and drink plenty which can be difficult when you feel nauseous.Take small amounts frequently. HTH.

doncha just love mears

Thank you so much.

Ive tried paracetemol - doesnt really help, more just takes the edge off. I have taken an ibuprofen which i know is not reccommended but i was desperate last night.

Urine wise i seem fine, have got thrush (again) and MW said yesterday i was group b strep which i think hasnt helped.

Will see how i go for the rest of today.... am off for a lie down in front of the telly as DH now taking Jess for a walk!

Definately do not take any more brufen.Anti-inflammatories are not recommended in pregnancy. You could take a stronger paracetamol based painkiller such as co-codamol (solpadol). Did you take the paracetamol on a regular basis though? Really needs to be taken regualrly to be effective when trying to beat the kind of headache/pain you describe.

Do not worry about groupB strep. You will be offered antibiotics in labour but remember the risk is incredibly small.

Have you tried a soak in the bath with some lovely bubbles and a candle burning? try and relax if you can. Cold compress to your forehead can be good too. Did you have any blood pressure problems last time?

BP last time was low all the way through til labour when it went up a bit.

Paracetemol i was taking every 6-8 hours, will try 4 hourly and stay away from ibuprofen.

Will relax in the bath tonight once jess is asleep.

I know the group b strep is antibiotics in labour, it was more the 24hr monitoring afterwards that concerned me - so much for getting home ASAP!

Thanks again Mears, you are an absolute star.

I think the best monitor for 24 hours is a mother! In my own unit we do not keep mums and babies in for 24 hours if antibiotics have been given 4 hours before delivery. A mother can tell when her baby is unwell because they are observing them all the time. As long as you know what to look out for there is no need to stay for 24 hours IMO.