A.W. asks from San Mateo, CA on December 11, 2007
Major Headaches During Pregnancy??
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.
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!
Featured Answers
M.G. answers from San Francisco on December 17, 2007
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.
C.L. answers from Sacramento on December 14, 2007
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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C.L. answers from Sacramento on December 14, 2007
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.
M.R. answers from Colorado Springs on December 12, 2007
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!
L.C. answers from San Francisco on December 12, 2007
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.
C.D. answers from San Francisco on December 13, 2007
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
A.S. answers from Sacramento on December 12, 2007
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.
J.A. answers from San Francisco on December 11, 2007
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.
T.C. answers from Salinas on December 12, 2007
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!!!!
T.L. answers from San Francisco on December 13, 2007
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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