Constant headaches at 17 weeks

[peachgreen]

I'm 17+1 today and have had a headache for about a week. Horrible, poundy thing, on both sides, made worse with physical exertion of any kind, or any pressure on the back of my neck (i.e. lying in the bath or on a too-firm pillow).

I'm drinking enough, I'm sleeping as much as I can, and I'm ensuring I have a little bit of caffeine as I know this can help. Had my midwife appointment at 16 weeks and had a little bit of protein in my urine but not enough to worry them, especially given that my blood pressure was fine and I've had no swelling, weight gain or visual disturbances.

It eases off a LITTLE with paracetamol but I'm worried about taking so many (I'm taking 2 x tablets 3 x a day). Is this normal? Did other people experience the same thing? Is there anything else I can do to tackle the pain?

You need to see your midwife or practice nurse and have your BP and urine checked again.

And to ask an expert about pain relief. Headache in pregnancy is not unusual though yours has gone on for a while. I really recommend seeking professional advice and reassurance. Hope your head is better soon

I had the headache even when I last had my BP and urine checked, though... But I take your point! I'll give them a call tomorrow, I'm in for a blood test anyway so hopefully they'll be able to check it while I'm there. :) Thanks for your advice!

Agree with others about checking with midwife though I recall I had headaches every day round this time for about 3 weeks.

Also make sure you are drinking enough water.

Thanks @dippypanda - Definitely drinking enough as I'm having 3l of water a day, plus half a cup of tea, a decaff coffee and a soft drink with a meal. Hopefully it's totally normal and will be gone in a few weeks as yours were. But will check with midwife!

Definitely sounds like you're drinking enough. I also upped my caffeine as well, as an avid coffee drinker (approx 8-10 mugs coffee pre-pregnancy) I found on days I didn't drink at least two cups then I also had a headache and still do to be honest. Hopefully it'll ease off soon for you

Please go and get checked for pre eclampsia however, this is really rare before 20 weeks. It could be anaemia, I got migraine like headaches from 16 weeks until they gave me iron tablets at 28 weeks. It stopped then, get checked x

Thanks @nmechge1. I'm pretty sure it's not pre-eclampsia as I have no other symptoms (my BP was perfect less than a week ago) but I will get the midwife to double check it tomorrow. Anemia is a good shout, I'll ask about that. Thank you!

BP changes with PE can come on rapidly, so don't rely on last week's readings. Make a big fuss over hopefully nothing.

Had my BP checked today while I was at a blood test and all is fine. Of course the headache is now finally going away! Typical! Thanks for your support and advice, ladies. :)