Headache for 2 days now - is it definitely ok to take paracetamol?

[GoldenDaffodil]

First timer here afraid to break any of the rules. I've had a really bad headache for 2 days now and it just won't go. Is it definitley ok to take some paracetamol? I'm 16 weeks.

Yes, fine. It's ibuprofen and aspirin you can't take. I got a lot of headaches when pg!

God yes get some down you

Yes, paracetamol and fluids, sleep if possible. No improvement, ring your midwife for a once over.

Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, you might be a little dehydrated which can cause a headache. Hope you are feeling better soon.

It's one of those judgements. The GP will say it's fine to take a couple of paracetamol, the midwife will probably say hold out if you can, but if it's really bad go ahead but don't take them too often (that was how it worked out in my case anyway). As Jeely says, ibuprofen and aspirin are not OK.

If the headache is caused by sinuses (I had that loads), try a saline nasal spray to clear them a bit; and an ice pack on your forehead and back of the neck. If you can stand it, steam might help too.

When my headaches were really bad, MNers told me to mention it to the GP or midwife - apparently a constant headache for more than 12 hours could indicate some kind of cause for concern (high BP I think). But in my case I had headaches for days and it was just really bad sinus congestion...

I had loads of headaches with both my pregnancies and always took a low dose of paracetamol to take the edge off if I couldn't sleep it off. Both my children are very healthy.

Agree you should get some medical advice if its persistant or really severe, just in case there's an underlying cause.

I've no qualms about taking the recommended dose of paracetemol for a headache. They're so very, very cautious about licensing drugs for use in pregnancy that if they say it's okay, I'm convinced!

Do try to drink a lot of water though, I had terrible headaches and later fluid retention (which is surprisingly painful!) which all resolved instantly the day I started making sure to drink pints and pints of water.

My third pregnancy was marred by headaches, apparently very common, and they began to ease off around 6 months.

Plain panadol was recommended by my consultant (a leading light in obstetrics) and plenty of rest. Somedays, i couldn't move and felt glued to the bed. Awful, but it got better.

Drinks with sugar can help too.

Have you tried those cooland calm strips that you put on your forehead? I find them absolutely fantastic.

Thank you so much for your replies everyone. I've just taken two paracetamol and downed them with a whole bottle of water.

I'm very good about drinking water but I might up my intake even more because the headaches keep coming. I'll also try a sugary drink altshiftdelete thanks for that tip.

GwennieF I haven't tried the cooland strips before but I'm going to call into Boots on my way home from work to pick some up.