Pregnancy and a frequent Headaches?

Question

I very VERY rarely had headaches before i was pregnant. The headaches I had weren't bad at all and went away with some tylenol. Now i go to bed with a headache and wake up with one. These also feel like what is described as a migraine because there is sensitivity to sunlight and nausea along with the headaches. I am only allowed to take tylenol and tylenol extra strength. Ive also tried excedrine (The only reason you aren't supposed to take it while pregnant is because of the caffine level and i haven't cut caffine out of my diet) and NO medicine will work. They are horrible horrible headaches. I asked my OBGYN about it and she told me that it was my estrogen level, but it also seemed like she just pushed it to the side. Has anyone else experienced this? What is it? What did you do to stop it/prevent it?

Im four months pregnant

Answer 1

Have you had your blood pressure taken? Have you had it taken after you lie down for at least 30 minutes? Are you eating 100g of protein a day. Are you drinking plenty of water, particularly before bed? Are you salting your food to taste?

Blood pressure, nutrition, hydration and salt levels can cause headaches and are easy to fix. Except blood pressure, but that can be a very serious problem and needs to be monitored.

Also I would go to see a chiropractor and if possible transfer your care to a midwife - who will have more time for you or another OB.

Also you *can* take advil and aspirin during the first two trimesters. Just not the last trimester because it reduces clotting and can cause the duct in the babies heart to close prematurely which would cause the fetus to die in the womb, there are some other problems that can occur as well. Speak to your pharmacist and see if they have any suggestions or call Motherisk.org it is long distance but use a 10-10 number and it should cost less than $2 and is worth the call

Motherisk's Home Line - [phone] - for information about the risk or safety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, chemicals, x-rays, chronic disease and infections during pregnancy

These Helplines are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST

Answer 2

Several very important issues you must know:

1. Stop taking excedrin unless absolutely cleared by your OB. why? because it contains aspirin and a small risk to the fetus has been demonstrated in nonhuman animal studies. Unfortunately there are few options for pain control in pregnancy. Talk again with your OB. If you feel your relationship with you OB is not satisfactory, you could switch.

2. most headaches are harmless. but your symptoms can be seen in migraines and migraines can worsen during pregnancy. Cluster headaches can also have similar symptoms.
3. Other causes of headaches are rare. Your symptoms do not fit this, but brain aneuyrsms can cause headaches as well. Discuss this possibility with your OB.

Answer 3

I have been having headaches a lot. But I havent had nausea. Where in your head is it located. I get them at the base of my skull, and right behind my eyes. I have found that the ones right behind my eyes is because my eyes have gotten worse during the pregnancy. I put in my contacts and the headache gets better, or goes away. The ones at the base of my skull need to be cracked out, you can try going to the chiropractor, it is safe during pregnancy, but make sure that they do pregnancy chiropractic before you go. I am also 4 months along. My cousin said she found a Motrin that was made with acetaphetomin instead of ibuprofen. She said that it really helped her pain, but Tylenol wouldn't work. I hope you can find some relief. My midwife did suggest trying to have half a cup of coffee, caffeine is known to get rid of headaches. I would look at what you are eating too, My dad used to get migraines from Pepsi, They are quite often linked to diet, or a certain type of food. Good Luck

Answer 4

There can be many things that can cause headaches during pregnancy, most of them (although uncomfortable) are not serious. Has your blood pressure been checked sometimes during pregnancy your blood pressure rises which can result in headaches. This can potentially be dangerous to you and your unborn child, if you feel that your OBGYN is pooh-pooh your concern you should consult a different MD. Check out the link below it may help you and give you peace of mind. But, trust your instincts if you feel something is wrong get a second opinion.

Answer 5

I had this with my 2nd child. I hate to tell you this, but I still get them. I now have medication that helps.

When I was pregnant, I stayed as hydrated as I could, exercised and kept a food journal. You may some triggers. It could be more than the pregnancy. The good thing is that if it is more than the pregnancy, then you can do something about it. If it is just your hormones, then you will want to stay hydrated and try to get some exercise. It helped. It wasn't a miracle cure, but it was a source of relief.

Good luck.

Answer 6

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

Answer 7

Actually, you aren't supposed to take Excedrin b/c of the Aspirin in it, not the caffeine. Aspirin in pregnancy is not recommended. I have migraines too and my doctor gave me a prescription for Darvocet N. You may ask your doctor about this. It seems to work better for me than just Tylenol. Also, you can take Ibuprofen and Aleve up to 30 weeks, but make sure you check w/ your doctor first. Speak up to your doctor and tell him/her the severity of these headaches. Frequent headaches can also be a sign of pregnancy complications like Gestational Diabetes and Pre-Eclampsia, so make sure you ask your doctor about these conditions as well.

Answer 8

i had HORRIBLE headaches with my last one. my doctor did not push it aside, because i wouldn't let her!!! get another doc if the one you have won't listen to you hon. this is YOUR body, not his/hers.

there is a safe medication that you can take for headaches. my obgyn prescribed it to me. i had bad headaches till about 6 or 7 months along...then they came back the last 2 weeks.
this COULD be a sign that you do need to cut out your caffeine intake, since caffeine has been linked to migraines (my husband suffers from severe migraines).
also it could be a warning sign...
mine was followed by my diagnoses of Gestational Diabetes...and after i started eating right they went away.

BUG THE CRAP out of your doc if you have to! there is no need for you to be uncomfortable if there are ways to help you out.

Answer 9

That is interesting because my wife was the exact opposite. She is telling me (as I read this to her) she believes it could be stress or worrying too much. She agreed that Tylenol didn't do to much either. Try to actually relax for a day. Have you man take over house duties for a day and see how you feel. Hope you make it through this. It will be over sooner than you think.

Answer 10

I think that if you OBGYN pushed it to the side when its obviously a problem for you, then you should try getting a second opinion. Good luck and congrats!!