Headaches

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2004

I won't say anything about the diet:chuckle (We've been there!)

But, the headache does trouble me a little bit. Do you know what your blood pressure is? Any swelling in the hands and feet? How about blurry vision or visual changes of any kind with the headache? I am asking because I think you need to rule out PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension.) Be nice if you could dip your urine for protein, but I imagine you don't have dipsticks for that in your bathroom.

Also, could it be you are dehydrated? That would cause headache. (As would the stress of chasing 2 little ones!)

Hope you get better quick!

SnowymtnRN · Jan 12, 2004

Originally posted by sbic56
I won't say anything about the diet:chuckle (We've been there!)

TEEHEE! :kiss I shouldn't say i'm totally low carbing, cuz i'm definitely not. Not unless you count the 2 poptarts i ate this mornign for breakfast, and the large bowl of grapes i just ate! :chair:

But, the headache does trouble me a little bit. Do you know what your blood pressure is? Any swelling in the hands and feet? How about blurry vision or visual changes of any kind with the headache? I am asking because I think you need to rule out PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension.) Be nice if you could dip your urine for protein, but I imagine you don't have dipsticks for that in your bathroom.

Also, could it be you are dehydrated? That would cause headache. (As would the stress of chasing 2 little ones!)

my BP has been low, usually is anyway (pg or not). Last check was 104/60. No swelling in my hands/feet unless i'm wearing binding socks or on my feet a lot ya know? But definitely not the norm. My last urine dip was fine, they all have been actually. I'm due to go in for the GTT this week which i always tend to run slightly high, however i feel this time (if i'm careful) since the past 4 mths pre-preggo and then watching my diet while preggo has been low carb/good carbs. KWIM?

It COULD be dehydration, and honestly if i drink any more water today i think i'll PUKE. I hate water, am trying to be good i swear. Had a cup of coffee tonight, also had a cup of hot cider, several glasses of water thru the day and one diet coke. So TODAY i'd say no, i'm not dehydrated, but then again, who knows, kwim?

Then there's my boys. Need i say more? Not to mention i've felt yucky today so no outside play time, so you can IMAGINE what my house looks like! :chuckle

So again, who knows??? lol My DH is working night shifts this week (not usually but this week has to) so he's not here, its harder when he's gone for me to do everything for the kids.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2004

Well, probably the headache is nothing serious, then. Just annoying, no doubt!

I think you need a "moment of Zen":chuckle "OMMMMMMM"

...And a full body rub with scented oils when hubby gets home!

skislalom · Jan 12, 2004

My last pregnancy I had headaches and migraines thru the whole thing. I had quite a few headaches with my other pregnancies but the last one was like a constant headache. Alot of it can have to do with your hormones...I have hormone fluctuations that cause migraines now and I have to be careful what type of bcp I use.

Be sure you are staying hydrated, pg headaches are a common occurance but should definitely be noted to your doc. I wish I had answers for you but...I never found a way to rid myself of them completely and still suffer migraines. Unfortunately most "migraine" meds are NOT safe to take during pregnancy....tylenol and LOTS of water (and maybe a cup of java or a Pepsi or two;) ) was what I used.

Good luck and I hope you feel better. :)

~Toni

Dayray, RN · Jan 12, 2004

My first thought were the same sbic56 , It doesn't sound like you have any of the other symptoms of PIH but it's worth keeping an eye out for protein in your urine (you can just ask your doc to do this when you see them) some people have PIH and never get the elevated BP (atypical PIH).

but.....*puts on the lecture hat* In pregnancy you have to drink a disgustingly huge amount of water to be well hydrated. I mean if your not in the BR every ten minutes your probably not drinking enough water. Remember that in pregnancy your body makes and carries around extra blood + the baby is surrounded by fluid. To be well hydrated you should drink 2 liters of water a day, you can drink soda and juice but they don't count toward the 2 liters , I've even heard some say that it should be 3 liters. *takes off the lecture hat*.

I can defiantly sympathize I hate drinking water *sips a diet Pepsi* but I think sbic56 may be right about the HA coming from dehydration. Then again if you used to eat a lot of carbs it can cause a nasty HA when you cut down. The carb withdrawal only last about 2 weeks so it sounds like you would be past that already.

SnowymtnRN · Jan 12, 2004

Originally posted by sbic56
Well, probably the headache is nothing serious, then. Just annoying, no doubt!

I think you need a "moment of Zen":chuckle "OMMMMMMM"

...And a full body rub with scented oils when hubby gets home!

Now THAT'S what i'm talkin about!!!!! lol

SnowymtnRN · Jan 12, 2004

Originally posted by Dayray
My first thought were the same sbic56 , It doesn't sound like you have any of the other symptoms of PIH but it's worth keeping an eye out for protein in your urine (you can just ask your doc to do this when you see them) some people have PIH and never get the elevated BP (atypical PIH).

but.....*puts on the lecture hat* In pregnancy you have to drink a disgustingly huge amount of water to be well hydrated. I mean if your not in the BR every ten minutes your probably not drinking enough water. Remember that in pregnancy your body makes and carries around extra blood + the baby is surrounded by fluid. To be well hydrated you should drink 2 liters of water a day, you can drink soda and juice but they don't count toward the 2 liters , I've even heard some say that it should be 3 liters. *takes off the lecture hat*.

I can defiantly sympathize I hate drinking water *sips a diet Pepsi* but I think sbic56 may be right about the HA coming from dehydration. Then again if you used to eat a lot of carbs it can cause a nasty HA when you cut down. The carb withdrawal only last about 2 weeks so it sounds like you would be past that already.

I knew i'd get the lecture hat! :chuckle Seriousely, i know you are right. I've always had water issues, and i know its the best for me right now. But i'm starting to think that its a hydration issue, and i'm spending LOTs of time on the toilet now! :chuckle UGH i just hate water. Today i've had a Pepsi and for breakfast i had a waffle, a piece of sausage and a pop tart. lolI'm drinking juice right now, but after that i'll start hammering the water. sigh.....who said being pregnant was fun.

I'm going to tell the doc, he already knows i've been having them off and on, but i keep reminding him they are buggin the crap outta me! lol

Thanks for the tips, keep 'em comin!

SnowymtnRN · Jan 12, 2004

OH and have been negative for protein as well every time. I know it can still happen, but honestly i don't think that's it. But then again, what do i know?

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2004

Snowy... I feel the pain...I'm 28 weeks now and had a headache for 4 days..I've been watching the diet, fluids (I'm on an ice chip craze now..mmm little pica?), getting enough rest. Took tylenol, ice packs to neck, heat, rest, coffee...... nothing worked...finally broke down and took 2 baby ASA....yes I know...shame on me, but its finally going away and I can tolerate looking at my kids.

Been there with the toxemia and PIH with the past two, so I've been keeping an eye on the pressure and urine things...

Good luck, call the doc let them know.

SnowymtnRN · Jan 12, 2004

Originally posted by michelle126
Snowy... I feel the pain...I'm 28 weeks now and had a headache for 4 days..I've been watching the diet, fluids (I'm on an ice chip craze now..mmm little pica?), getting enough rest. Took tylenol, ice packs to neck, heat, rest, coffee...... nothing worked...finally broke down and took 2 baby ASA....yes I know...shame on me, but its finally going away and I can tolerate looking at my kids.

Been there with the toxemia and PIH with the past two, so I've been keeping an eye on the pressure and urine things...

Good luck, call the doc let them know.

Shame shame.....lol No seriousely, i hope you feel better. Have you talked to your doc about it? That's scary since you have a hx of PIH!!!

hang in there girlfriend, i can commisserate for you. That massage sounds better and better doens't it? lol

Brenda-RN,BSN, WA. · Feb 25, 2004

I have ahd three babies, and have had migranes with each one. I do think that you need to get checked for PIH. There are safe meds. to take. My doctor let me take Tylenol #3's, they really helped, and did nothurt my baby. It is best not to take anything, but if it gets really bad you mat have to take something stronger than just Tylenol once. As long as you don't take it often. But ask the doc. Good luck, it is so worth the pain!!!

ok, so i'm 28 weeks pregnant. I can't seem to rid myself of these stupid headaches! You'd think i got enough sleep, usually at least 8 hours, but i can't sleep anymore than that cuz i have a 3 year old and a 15 mth old. I talked to my OB about it, and he said the usual....tylenol, moist packs on my neck, humidifier, etcc...but tonight i had to break down and make some coffee to hopefully help with the Tylenol. And i don't even drink coffee very much! Now i'll probably be up all night. I'm going to call the doc tomorrow since its been about 2 days now that i've had the nagging ongoing headache, but i am looking for suggestions. I have wondered if its dietary related, cuz i'm sort of low carbing (i eat the good carbs, but am staying away from sugar, enriched flour, etc..) so today i've really ate a lot more than i usually do. Its not helping. Any thoughts or suggestions for me, oh wise nurses of babies!!!! lol :chuckle