headaches in pregnancy?

Question

Im 12 weeks pregnant and have recently been getting headaches. I now they are a common symptom in pregnancy but I also know that they can indicate high blood pressure. At what point do u need to get checked out? after one? if they go on for a few days without rest? if they come and go over a period of time? what other things should i be looking for as well, that may indicate HBP? I don't want to go running to the doc for every little pregnancy symptom so am trying to disinguish between just a symptom and something more. Only experienced ladies to answer please.

Answer 1

Girl, along with my nausea, I have also had the debilitating headaches, just like you. I am also twelve weeks, and the headaches come, and I can't get them to go away, not even with Tylenol.

My doctor told me that these were normal, though, and that they should ease up a bit within my second trimester. I wouldn't get too concerned about the high blood pressure issue unless you have some of the other symptoms to go with it. As a matter of fact, my blood pressure is rather low.

Relax, because your headaches shouldn't last too much longer. Mine are easing up a bit, finally. I think that yours will, too.

Answer 2

I am currently 17wks 5 days and about a month or two ago i started experiencing headaches that rendered me useless and meant i took to bed for hours on end. After a few weeks of "on again-off again" heachaches i went to the doc. He told me that it is a common symptom of pregnancy and mine were actually migraines. He also said i should have went to see him earlier. He gave me a prescription for medication that was entirely safe for baby but a little stronger than tyenol. He also advised that i get my eyes checked incase that was a contributing factor (they were fine) and look away from the computer more often (like alot of people my whole day at work is spent looking at computer screens). Also, when i felt one coming on, try to sit for a while in a dark quiet place (my archive room at work! lol). This helps to avoid a full-blown attack and i've only had to take the medication once!

If they are becoming really debilitating you should see your doc - thats what they are there for... even if it is to discuss every little pregnancy symptom. My doc recommends i see/contact him with any concern i have because its better to be safe than sorry and even if it turns out to be nothing at the very least its my own piece of mind.

Best of luck!

Answer 3

Usually pregnancy induced high blood pressure happens later in the pregnancy. This is probably just one of those first trimester things. Your doctor will monitor your BP throughout your pregnancy and watch for complications.

Try drinking a tall glass of water when you feel a headache coming on. Often times a headache is an indication you are slightly de-hydrated and you might be surprised at how often you can cure a headache by simply hydrating.

Feel better

Answer 4

I recently had my baby on Nov.2nd and I also experienced having headaches at the first trimester. I believe that is common, my headaches were pretty bad however, I would take Tylenol and it took the headaches away temporarly.

The only problem was that I kept getting these headaches but I just took tylenol and it went away. My doctor told me that it was OK, too take tylenol but I should not take any other medication.. I also got my blood pressure checked and I was fine... Good Luck to you, and do not panic. Being pregnant is a big challange but it is so worth it.... Congratulations by the way!!!!

Answer 5

i'm currently 25 weeks pregnant and i have experienced headaches almost daily during my entire pregnancy . . sometimes tylenol works, sometimes it doesn't . . . if i were you, i wouldn't really stress about it . . worrying will cause your blood pressure to go up unnecessarily . . things to look for that could mean HBP are swelling in your feet, hands, or face and/or blurred vision . . . just make sure on your next dr visit that you tell him/her of your concern for the headaches . . they will automatically check your blood pressure . . but i'm guessing that everything is fine . . . even with my persistant headaches, my blood pressure has been within the normal range each time . . but then again, each woman is different . . but like i said, don't worry so much about it . . and make sure you bring it up at your next dr appt . . .

Answer 6

Here are a couple of thoughts. You could go up to a pharmacy and check your bloodpressure at one of those free booths. You could get a bloodpressure monitor and check it at home. I probably wouldn't run off to the doctor until you have reason to believe your bp is high. But, if the headaches continue or get really severe, definitely do.

You can take a small dose of tylenol when pregnant. You could actually call your doctor and ask how much is reccomended, and then that would be a good opportunity to ask about headaches.

Answer 7

I had horrible headaches with my 3rd pregnancy. After doing a little research, I found out they are probably just hormone related.
With HBP you might have blurry vision too. When in doubt ask your doctor. I would just call and ask the nurse, it is better for you to know than to worry yourself.

Answer 8

You may be drinking to much caffeine. I got bad migraines with my pregnancy, That I blacked out in my fourth month while I was at work and fell and fractured my skull. The doctor actually said that it was the Dr. pepper I was drinking. No more caffeine for me for the next 4 months. (I had my baby at 36 weeks.)

Answer 9

Headache is a pain in the head, scalp or neck. Headaches can be
caused by minor problems like eyestrain, lack of coffee or more
serious reasons like head injury, brain tumors, encephalitis and
meningitis. Taking painkillers continuously can have harmful side
effects, so it is better to modify your lifestyle. More information
available at http://tinyurl.com/q8696

Answer 10

I experienced regular headaches in the beginning, but it was due to a caffine withdrawel. It doesn't hurt to ask the doc.