Headaches!

[OzKate]

Hi there

I'm almost 16wks pregnant and over the last week have been getting the worst headaches. I'm drinking at least 2 litres of water a day and steering clear of anything that could cause headaches. I don't really want to be taking too much paracetamol but I'm finding I have to, especially to get through work. In fact I didn't go to work the other day because it was so debilitating, not even panadol was helping.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is this something that may wear off after a couple of weeks or so?

I think you need to speak to your midwife and discuss the fact that over-the-counter preparations are not effective.

Hi OzKate, have been having the same thing! This is my second baby and I didn't have headaches anywhere near as bad first time round. I've been using paracetamol too which again I didn't do first time.
I had my 16 week midwife check this morning and she said it may be stress, have you got anything your worried about at the moment? she did also say that the excess progesterone can cause headaches and this should start to calm down any time now.
Hope that helps! its horrid isnt it?
Good luck,
K

Thanks Kity, luckily am just off to my 16 week check this morning so will hopefully get some advice like yours. I know! I'm not a whinger but the headache I have at the moment has been a marathon one, right through the night and have woken up with it. The only strange thing I did read from the internet was that caffeine (just one cup of coffee) can help with headaches or even migraines, lots of women were saying their doctors had said to give it a try, so I might have a cup of coffee today and experiment! Just hoping it is hormonal and nothing more sinister (blood pressure?) and starts to go soon.

Thanks!

Coffee does work for my headaches but it also worked before pregnancy and only certain kind of headaches (low blood pressure induced ones) so I've no idea if it helps everyone. Worth a try, I suppose, especially if you like coffee

I remember having a horrendous week of headaches around 16weeks. Had a full MOT with the GP - blood pressure, eye check, reflexes the lot! She said it was to do with an increase in progesterone but also referred me to a physio who specialised in headaches, and I swear, I could have kissed the guy! He manipulated my neck joints and gave me exercises to do and within 24hours the headache had gone. I'm now 30+3 and instead am now suffering from quite frequent spells of dizziness, and for that GP has recommended a cup of coffee, so it seems caffeine does have its plus points!

I second the Physio suggestion. Worked wonders for me!

I've just come back from the midwife and she also said it was normal/hormanal etc. I'm wondering whether it would be OK to go for a neck/shoulders massage, couldn't hurt surely? I'll ask about the Physio as well, many thanks, going to put a pot of coffee on now!