13 weeks pregnant and terrible headache and backache..normal??

Question

I am 13 weeks pregnant and my back is killing me, I tin kit is because I sit in an office chair for 8 hours...I am able to get up for 10 minutes every hour, sometimes my back hurts so much it makes me feel like I need to throw up. For the past week, I have been getting terrible headaches.....is this all normal?? what can I do to relieve this especially my back since I'm stuck working and can't really change chairs because they are all the same..thanks for the comments!!

Answer 1

Try getting up more often and stretching. I know what it's like sitting at a desk job all day then when I go home and lay down it's like someone is hitting me in the back with a sledgehammer.
Try drinking more water and getting fluids in your body it will help all the cramps that you get.
For your headaches it's alright to take tylenol for it. Plus, if your staring at a computer everyday when you are on your breaks get away from your computer as much as you can..When you get home relax, put cold compresses on your head.
I wish I could tell you it gets better but I can't, I'm sorry.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, yes these things are normal. And the backache could cause the headache. When your back tenses it can pull the muscles in your shoulders and neck and then cause a tension headache. I'm no doctor, but my gut feel is that you have tension headaches from your back.

Is the headache behind one or both eyes or does it feel like a band on your head or at the back of your head or behind your ears? The first is probably migraine, the rest are tension.

You can get migraines due to hormone changes from pregnancy. Many foods can trigger migraines. You can try a food log to see if a headache comes or gets worse after some foods. Major triggers are chocolate, peanuts, and aged cheese. Caffeine can cause or help migraines, it depends on the person.

Here are a few things to try for your back and neck:
At work
- A phone book or small stool to raise you feet about 4-6 inches. This little bit of lift can relieve some strain on the back.
- A rolled up towel or cylinder pillow (or seat back) between your back (or tush) and the chair. I had a hand towel and a small bath towel which I could fold, roll, etc. to make me more comfortable.

At home
- Fold one hand or dish towel in half and roll up and roll-up another hand or dish towel. Lay on the floor (if possible), place the rolled towel under the small of your back and the folded/rolled towel under your neck. If this is not comfortable for your back, try a larger towel. Lay there for a few minutes, then take your arms and raise them up straight and bring them down next to your head. Do this about 5 times (as long as it feels better, not worse).
- Hot shower or bath to relax the muscles
- Massage from the hubby or a professional that works with pregnant women. I was given a couple of massages and one in my 8th month. It was WONDERFUL.
- Heating pad/pack on the neck and shoulders, also on the back, but keep on low-med heat.

With all of the above - if you have ANY questions or concerns, call you OB, that is what they are there for. Most of the time a nurse can give you info over the phone or advise if they want to see you.

Take care - you'll do great!

Answer 3

13 Weeks Pregnant Headache

Answer 4

Oh sweetie, I feel your pain!

I brought in a pillow from home to sit on, and I try to stretch my legs out and alter the position of my butt on the chair. Another thing that helps when it starts to hurt is sitting on the very edge of the chair, and straightening up your back nice and tall with a relaxed neck.

The headaches can be 3 things.

Extra hormones - take tylenol
Migrane - (preggo women are more likely to get them) watch out for triggers, like cheese, chocolate, spicy food etc.
Tension - try as hard as you can to relax your back and neck. if you have a microwave in your office, buy one of those neck things you can put in the microwave for a couple minutes and use it at work. (just make sure to stay hydrated and not get overheated).

Good luck!!

Answer 5

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 6

really bad headaches are also a sign of high blood pressure..which can lead into preclampcia. Thats why i had my daughter early. I had high blood pressure and the biggest sign besides swelling was headaches. make sure and ask your doctor. Run to walmart or a pharmacy and have your blood pressure checked. Can never be to careful.

Answer 7

i feel your pain! I am 10.5 weeks along and have headaches so badly that it's almost unbearable! I have tried the chiropracter, but that just makes it worse for me. The only thing I have found that works is a warm bath when you get home with the lights dimmed down. take tylenol every four hours like your life depended on it

Answer 8

oh you poor thing. i had headaches really bad in months 3 and 4. i found a great chiropractor, and after i see her i have NONE for a week. so i see her weekly. it really helped. part of it is hormones. also try stretching and exercising - don't sit too long, pay attention to your posture...i work at an office too. my sympathy!

Answer 9

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