Major Headaches During Pregnancy??

Updated on December 17, 2007
A.W. asks from San Mateo, CA
17 answers

Hi there,
I'm currently 19 weeks pregnant with twins. I've read that headaches are common in pregnancy, but this is ridiculous! It seems almost every morning lately I wake with an irritating headache that will sometimes go away, but sometimes progresses into an intolerable migraine. I work with people all day and have to be on the ball, but I can't seem to stay on it when a migraine makes it so I can't see straight or stand the way someone might smell when they come into my office. :( I don't want to medicate every day with tylenol, I stay hydrated, I've even tried having a half cup of coffee to see if it's residual caffeine headaches, but nothing seems to work. Today is one of those days and I need to go home but can't because I'm the only one in my office. Any suggestions?? Thanks so much!

A.

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So What Happened?

Thank you everyone for your advice! I also got a chance to speak with my doctor from Kaiser, and she says there isn't much I can do either but medicate with tylenol or something a bit stronger. Unfortunatley, I'm allergic to Vicodin and I hate the idea of taking Tylenol every single morning. Today I took some just to stop the inevitable from coming on, so I hope this will work. They test my urine every time I see the doctor to make sure there is no abundance of proteins to cause pre-eclampsia, so I think I'm just stuck with this. Thanks again, everyone!

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M.G.

answers from San Francisco on

A Chiropractor did help for me but you pretty much stuck with them for now. I remember those headaches all too well. There will get better in the third trimester but by then you get the whole "I am so tired" thing.
Good luck.

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C.L.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi, A.. I've never been much of a headache sufferer myself, but I did live with a migraine sufferer for a few years... and learned a few things about migraines.

Definitely look into chiropractic care, and definitely look into homeopathic remedies. I know there's an aromatherapy essential oil that is supposed to help with migraines. If I recall what it is, I'll send you a message.

Also, look at what you're eating and drinking. A lot of times, the culprit can be hidden in normal foods. I know that MSG can cause migraines, and so can aspertame.

Good luck with the headaches and the pregnancy.

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L.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi A.,

I have boy/girl twins who were born April 2004! I was very nauseated the whole pregnancy and took phenergen every day just to feel a little better. I did go through a headache phase and took tylenol. Have you talked to your doctor about your headaches? One suggestion is that you may need more rest. A twin pregancy puts a lot of extra work on your body and perhaps you need to slow down now. At your stage I was napping every day and resting the rest of the time! Good luck! L.

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G.D.

answers from Modesto on

This happened to me too... and I found out it was the sugar... turns out I was consuming too much sugar (GATORADE!!!) I was drinking it like it was going out of style...because it was helping me with naucea!!! Love, G.. :0)

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L.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Please have your blood pressure checked. Take care.

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B.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I used to get migraines and found that reducing sugar and yeast all but got rid of them. I went on a yeast free diet for 6 months and have not had a migraine since.

It means a lot of cooking for yourself, but the lack of pain is stunningly worth it.

Good luck!
B.

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R.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Were you a migraine sufferer before your pregnancy? I've suffered with them since the age of 5 and while my first pregnancy (with my son) was almost headache-free, my second pregnancy (with my daughter) was riddled with headaches, mostly migraines.

At about 18-20 weeks, the OB/Gyn finally decided to prescribe medication for it since I was missing about a day of work each week due to the headaches. He prescribed Vicodin every 4-6 hours (5/500 - 5 mg Vicodin with 500 milligram Acetaminophen). Needless to say I was worried about the effects on the baby but also worried about my health. I spoke with my cousin who happens to be a pharmacist (and fellow mom and migraine sufferer). While no studies have been done on pregnant women with Vicodin, she could find no serious issues with me taking it under the doctor's advice. However, I opted to take a half dose every 6-8 hours as needed rather than a full tablet every 4-6 hours.

Other non-drug solutions are cold packs on the back of your neck, my cousin swears by banana peels on her neck. Temple and neck massage can also alleviate the pain.

Good luck!

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B.R.

answers from Chico on

I had twin boys but I don't remember having any headaches. Until after they were born. lol Have you talked to your doctor? Twins are awesome! Enjoy!

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C.D.

answers from Stockton on

Congrats on your twins, how exciting!

Please have your blood pressure checked.

To make a really long story short I almost died from something called HELLP syndrome when I was pregnant and severe headache was my biggest symptom. Check it regularly even if its at the grocery store and go in immediately if it gets high.

I hope you feel better fast!

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S.W.

answers from San Francisco on

A., have you concidered homeopathic advice? I hate taking medications (although I do when it is necessary) and I have found that when I eat the right foods, drink enough water (which it sounds like you are doing both those things), and have regular chiropractic adjustments I feel much better. I had migranes during both my pregnancies and even sometimes suffer from them now. They aren't pretty. But before you rely solely on Tylenol or other medical advice, do some research on homeopathy. I am VERY glad I did!

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T.L.

answers from San Francisco on

HI there yeah that must be horrible. I can only imagine. but I think you need an energy treatment. I have been studying with ki masters from korea and they give amazing energy treatments. I really think that after one treatment your headaches would go away. Here is the website please read about Chun-su (energy Treatmen) I live in oakland and i can offer you one as well but the ki master can feel more what is going on in your body more than me. Here is the site.. www.ki-life.org. Let me know how it goes. Be well T.

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T.C.

answers from Salinas on

I strongly recommend talking to your doctor ASAP. It may be a sign of hypertension and that may cause complications you can not afford while pregnant with twins.
I have four year old twins, so I understand!
Do not put this off! Call your doctor NOW!!!!

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J.A.

answers from San Francisco on

When I was pregnant with my twins I often got headaches too (most turned into horrible migraines) so I know exactly how you feel! The only thing that helped was lying in a dark room and having my husband rub my back...I know that doesnt help you when your at work but I think once the headaches get to that point that's all your left with (Tylenol wont touch the pain) On the days that I was the only person in the office I would turn off the office light and turn down the brightness on the computer screen - sorry I cant be of more help....good luck with your babies.

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A.S.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi A., I had headaches that started with my second pregnancy and I would not take any medication for it. they offered me Tylenolwith Codine and Vicodin and I wouldn't take either. But with my third pregnancy I just couldn't take the headaches anymore so I took the Vicodin and they said it was safe and wouldn't cross over to the baby. My aby came out fine and I was much more comfortable. But I do understand why you don't want to take anything.
Good luck.
A.

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C.D.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi A.,
I am Dr. Demaray a chiropractor in Vacaville. I have seen many pregnant ladies with your complaints. Pregnancy puts a large strainon your spine, throwing your posture into positions its never been in before. This can lead to neck pain and headaches. I would suggest you see your chiropractor right away as they could address the spinal misalignment and probably give you relief fairly quickly.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Demaray

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L.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I had a similar scenario when I was pregnant. My headaches came every afternoon into the evening and it turned out that I was anemic and my iron was very low. Once I started taking iron supplements (non-constipating form), it got much better. You may consider having your blood tested to see if you're anemic.

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M.R.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Sorry to hear that you're not doing well...and that your MD said all you can do is take tylenol - not true!

I really encourage you to look into seeing a chiropractor starting now and continuing throughout your pregnancy. Since you have Kaiser and they typically do not cover chiropractic, I will suggest that you look up Life Chiropractic College West (in Hayward) or Palmer West (in San Jose). Both of these learning institutions provide care at a cost that is much lower than the standard chiropractor's office.

Chiropractic can really help you throughout your pregnancy for the headaches and other issues that will arise in your last trimester. I honestly can not fathom how miserable I would have been had I not had regular care throughout my pregnancy. And, just a little tip for once your twins are born, have them checked out right after by a chiropractor specializing in pediatrics, too...they get pretty well out of line during the birth process. The adjustments are just like someone pushing you with their pinky finger - very very gentle.

Give it a try...there's no need for you to suffer!

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