Do BH usually come with headaches?

[LissyGlitter]

I have been getting strong BH (kind of painful, but not like real contractions, just like mild period pains) yesterday and today, they come and go, but when they are bad I get an intense hangover-like headache and sometimes see floating dots. My neck is also stiff. I am drinking gallons of water and juice so I can't be dehydrated. Any suggestions? I'm 35 weeks.

Are you prone to migraines?

No, I'm not generally a headachey person.

Don't want to worry you, but go and see your MW and get your BP and urine checked.

All of what you have described could point to Pre-Eclampsia. This is a potentially very serious and very dangerous condition.

Is this your first baby? Have you had any swelling, especially in your hands and face? Any kind of belly ache?

I really really don't want to panic you, but you must get this checked ASAP.

I have been getting BH a lot in this pregnancy but no headaches. I agree with IWroteOffLightningMcQueen, I think you should go and get checked out straight away just in case.

Agree with what others have said - I certainly didn't get headaches with BH and I've never heard of a link. You might just be coming down with a virus or it might be something more sinister - please call your MW ASAP and if she doesn't answer get yourself to the hospital (call a cab or get someone to drive you).

ok, I will ring her.

Lissy please try not to worry, it really could all be for nothing, or even just down to low iron or something as easily fixed.

But do get yourself checked one way the other today. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Good luck!

Well I rang the day assessment unit and they just said to make an appointment to see my midwife at some point this week, which I have done. She wasn't concerned as I only get the spots before my eyes sometimes. She did say if it gets any worse to ring back.

I wouldn't let it go there. I would ring the GP and ask to speak to the GP. What i was going to say if you were prone to migraines was thaqt the hormones that rush through you when you go into labour could also trigger migraine. But, since you don't get migraines that's not likely.

Really, don't let the NHS fob you off. I would NHS direct also and see what they say.

I guess if you wanted to rule out pre-eclampsia you could also get your blood presure checked and also get one those stick to dip in your wee. I think both these things are available at a pharmacist... but not sure about the wee sticks (on which you would be looking for protein).

Agree with everyone else, I would get my blood pressure checked today,
at 35 weeks do you test your urine at home, check it for protein

Ok, slightly tmi here, but what is your urine like? It is dark & smelly? Has lots of floaters in?

Is your poo (really no good way to say that) pale?
Do the headaches go with painkillers?

Have you had pain over the top of your bump? Feels like heartburn, but nothing shifts it.

What was your BP like last time you were checked?

Sudden onset nausea?

Just be careful with the BP check.

Firstly GP's don't always know what to look for, if a GP takes it, you decide if it is obivously raised from your previous reading, or even if it a lot higher than your booking in reading, go to A&E, don't wait it out.

Secondly, a lot of the pharmacies that do these 'free BP checks' use electronic machines, these have proven to give pregnant women low BP readings, which can obviously be very misleading.

You can buy the protein test sticks, but, I think (from memory) you can't buy them from the chemist, you may have to order them online (I know I did) however, MW's will never act on any home tests you do, and obviously there is time wasted in waiting for them to be delivered.

Do you have any swelling/stomache ache (other than the BH's!)?

Lastly, do not wait with this. As I said, it could all be nothing, but it could all be everything. You need to get it checked out today. A&E if needs be. (FWIW, I had PE, if I were you I'd have already been at A&E, and I am not one for showing up there for nothing!)

Right, I rang back and they have agreed to see me in the day unit, so I will go up there now. Thanks

Let us know how you get on. I hope its all fine.

Everything is fine. It does look like I have a UTI though, so I'm drinking plenty and I have to wait for results to come back from the lab to see which antibiotics I should go on. She told me if it gets any worse, particularly if I get any swelling, to get straight back up there.

Good news then! Glad to hear it.

Good news Lissy
Always worth checking these things out, if anything just to put your mind at rest.

How are you today?