Headaches in 2nd trimester

[cosylife]

I’ve been suffering with headaches (the type you get when you have a head cold) once a week since I was 14 weeks. The past week they have been everyday though. I thought it was lack of water so upped my intake, maybe going out for walks without a hat so on went the hat. Still getting them though!

Could it be hormonal? Any holistic/non paracetamol symptom relievers that anyone can suggest? I don’t want to rely on taking paracetamol all the time.

Have you had your BP checked recently? Any swelling? Have you told the MW?

It’s a nightmare. I have had this all the way through my pregnancy (now 28 weeks). I get a lot of head aches generally but rely on ibuprofen when not pregnant. I also have an acupressure mat which again I can’t use when pregnant.

I have started having massages every 2-3 weeks which I think has helped but is pricey! Also china gel is quite soothing if applied on the neck/shoulders (mine are tension headaches), and 4head stick on the forehead. You can also take codeine occasionally in pregnancy (though check this with your midwife first) but if you’re wanting to avoid paracetamol you probably won’t want to take this.

As above, definitely mention to your midwife too as it can be a symptom of preeclampsia (I think) which is v serious).

@DustyLee123 yeah see the midwives once a fortnight and blood pressure is fine. No swelling either.

@modgepodge massages sound like a great idea - I’ll look into that. I’ve raised it with the midwife and she said it’s just hormones and they’ll settle soon but seem to be ramping up!

Those headache sticks that you rub on are good.

Yup, pregnancy headaches/migraines are totally normal. Annoying but nothing to worry about (as your BP is fine)

Aspirin is good as it's prescribed in low doses in pregnancy to prevent pre-eclampsia anyway, so no harm in taking it.

Also, it sounds weird, but caffeine is supposed to help. If you're not a coffee or tea drinker, maybe try some cola/pepsi?

I've been having on and off headaches since around the time as you. Sometimes they're bad, sometimes they're mild. Coffee or cola helps mine and I just take aspirin when needed.