Prolonged headaches in early pregnancy

[bm2021]

Hello from a first time poster. I'm 12 weeks pregnant and I'm suffering from a mammoth week long headache. I start out the day not too bad and am able to get things done for a few hours then it gradually starts getting worse to the point where I have to go to bed late afternoon. I understand that headaches are common in pregnancy and don't want to be calling my GP for no reason so I'm just wondering if anyone else has had this experience? Hoping it's just normal and will let up soon!

[LivingMyBestLife2020]

I had a lot of headaches in early pregnancy. Don’t be worried to call and check in with your midwife

[peachypetite]

It’s normal and due to the hormones. I just drank crazy amounts of fluids and slept as much as possible.

[ChatWithMe]

I'm almost 7 weeks and I get headaches every evening. It's annoying cause I spend all day nauseous and tired then feel better at dinner and the headache starts. I feel like it's related to increased blood pressure and perhaps increased blood volume as pregnancy progresses. I can definitely sympathise.

[bm2021]

Thank you for the responses, kind of helps a tad knowing I’m not alone! I had a couple of hours headache free today but it’s back with a vengeance :( It also brings about the nausea I thought I’d gotten rid of. Fingers crossed it subsides soon, apologies for the moan!

[Hanrora06]

I’d ring your midwife and/or GP just for reassurance, and yeah just drink loads more water than you think you need. I think they generally say if there’s no visual disturbances it’s ok but I’d still say a week is worth a check in! I have bad headaches every few weeks, including last night and it’s rubbish. And I’m 18 weeks. So you don’t want to be having week long headaches for all this time if there’s something they can suggest!

[bm2021]

@Hanrora06 yeah I think if I’m no better tomorrow I’ll give them a call. Thank you!

[peachypetite]

Honestly the first trimester is just awful but it will get better.

[mrscatmad31]

I had bad headaches and it was down to caffeine withdrawal!

[HanPanPeg]

I had them into my second trimester - in fact reading this (I’m 27 weeks) has made me realise I haven’t had one in weeks and weeks! So they definitely do phase out.. to be replaced in my case by back 😖

[HanPanPeg]

Back ache!

[UrsulaSings]

I suffer with headaches anyway, but first trimester I got some horrendous headaches to the point I asked my midwife about it. It stopped from the second trimester.

[MinesALatte]

Hi OP, I’m 11 weeks and have been suffering horrendously with headaches and migraines for the last month, perhaps longer!
Same as you, wake up fairly ok-ish (slight ache in the head) but then they just progress throughout the day and paracetamol isn’t touching the sides for me. I’ve been on the phone to 111 once (in tears 🙈) as the migraine was so bad and the only thing I’ve found that helps a little bit is paracetamol with caffeine. The caffeine in the tablets is under the 200mg recommended daily intake when pregnant, and I only take one, but for some reason it helps. I’ve been caffeine free for over a year as was TTC but for some reason this helps ease them!
I’ve found no amount of water is helping and sleep sometimes makes it worse as it eases a bit when I am upright!? Very odd.
Have had conflicting information from doctors over codeine and ibuprofen and decided against taking either. Also had one doctor say I could have amitriptyline but mentioned it’s still a bit risky so also decided against that!
Praying it’s a first trimester thing 🤞🏻
Good luck with yours x

[MinesALatte]

Forgot to mention I’ve suffered with headaches and migraines since I was five, and when I told my doc I was pregnant she took my migraine medication off me! So it’s been challenging! X