Pregnancy headache - please help - going mad

[Stargazing]

A literal headache, not a figurative one like "how can I stop my MiL from ever getting to hold the baby" (although this, too, is a consideration)

My head has been throbbing for a week now, no joke. Obviously I don't want to take paracetamol but have done a few times in desperation.

Am drinking water and avoiding caffeine.

It hurts soooo much. Every time little 11mo dd shrieks I want to cry. Can't bear it. Am 17 weeks. Please help.

If you are over 12 weeks, then take paracetemol as normal - if not, you can still take it - just make sure you stick to every 6 hours rather than every 4.

When I had the early pg headaches this time, I used 4head stuff - very good - and also the cool strips to stick on my head.

I couldn't take paracetemol as I kept throwing it up ...

I got headaches in early pregnancy as symptoms each time but not by 17 weeks. Do you have any symptoms of pre ecclampsia as that can cause headaches. If you're worried then call your midwife.

Have you mentioned to to your midwife? I'm pretty sure can take paracetamol if you are over 12 weeks - it's aspirin you should avoid. I'm sure someone who knows for certain will be along soon. Have you tried an ice pack? Hope you feel better soon.

get a 4head stick from boots-i got really headachey in both my pgs and this worked a treat!

you rub it on your head, its uses natural things to make it go away. its around a fiver

a headache as severe as this and long lasting is not good....you can take paracetomal, and obviously make sure you are hydrated....have you mentioned to the midwife? is your BP and wee normal, as Jodie has said, it can be a symptom of pre-eclampsia

so sorry you are feeling rough

I had horrible throbbing headaches at exactly that stage, enough to make me grab my head and wince with agony. They lasted days.

My doctor told me it was probably because my blood pressure had dropped a bit with the strain of supporting a whole new system, and it would pass (it did). He told me paracetamol was OK.

I also found that 4head stuff good.

Sympathy...

thanks everyone - had a m/w appointment y'day and mentioned it but urine and BP were normal - she said just to drink loads of water - have heard of that For Head stuff, will give it a go. Can't get to the acupuncturist today but might try for later in the week if this persists.

I tend to get migraines anyway, but think they are just a bit worse in pregnancy.

thanks again

i had hellish headaches and migraines for the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. i was in despair as paracetamol didn't even scratch the surface.
Paracetamol Extra, which is paracetamol + caffeine, were a bit more effective. Some pharmacists will tell you they're fine to take during pregnancy; others will say you shouldn't. But if you look at the quantity of caffeine in it, it's no different to taking paracetamol and then drinking a can of coke or having a cup of tea. So i felt it was worth the risk as I was in such pain.
I also found the Migrastick good. And definitely keep up your fluid intake (2litres of water a day.)
hope it eases off..

Vapour rub works just as well as 4head and is a fraction of the price.

Caffeine really might help. That's what I would try, if I were you.