Headaches in the 2nd trimester= normal?

Myanswer true

Since I hit week 13, my morning sickness has finally abated, only to be replaced with these screaming headaches that center around my temples and the base of my skull. Tylenol helps, but I try to avoid taking too much, because that can't be good for the baby. Is this normal, or something I ought to be calling the doctor about?

kpav151

i can relate, however i have had a migraine problem since my teens and i am treated for them by preventatives and then when they actually occur. Believe me, not being able to take anything has caused me agony (2 week migraine over thanksgiving and a 3 day over christmas). You kinda just learn to live with it. I know it sounds horrible but even my Neurologist isn't risking anything and prescribed as far as Tylonel 3. Being that you are only having these headache problems now go with the tylonel (i take it sporatically bc i know it doesnt work, for me atleast)...you can try some home remedies that i've learned over the years: if you are at work- dim the lights and the brightness on the computer screen. At home- dark room with low noise (sometimes a nap helps or even food)..lots of water- i tend to drink tea or coffee -pending if caffine agravates or helps your headaches- warm shower or bath where your body is submerged but not your head- neck and back mostly. Also icepack against the throbbing area or the neck...can help relieve your pain

bhead81

kpav151 said:

i can relate, however i have had a migraine problem since my teens and i am treated for them by preventatives and then when they actually occur. Believe me, not being able to take anything has caused me agony (2 week migraine over thanksgiving and a 3 day over christmas). You kinda just learn to live with it. I know it sounds horrible but even my Neurologist isn't risking anything and prescribed as far as Tylonel 3. Being that you are only having these headache problems now go with the tylonel (i take it sporatically bc i know it doesnt work, for me atleast)...you can try some home remedies that i've learned over the years: if you are at work- dim the lights and the brightness on the computer screen. At home- dark room with low noise (sometimes a nap helps or even food)..lots of water- i tend to drink tea or coffee -pending if caffine agravates or helps your headaches- warm shower or bath where your body is submerged but not your head- neck and back mostly. Also icepack against the throbbing area or the neck...can help relieve your pain

I am in the same boat.  I have horrible migraines and not being able to take my preventative meds has been a nightmare.  Weeks 13-15 were the worst for me headache wise.  I pretty much lived with a headache and/or migraine daily.  My neurologist is also very conservative and would not prescribe anything more than tylenol 3.  I really try not to take tylenol as it is known for rebound headaches. The home remedies here are great.  Also you can try peppermint oil.  I also use Doterra oils and love their headache blend.

melody7878

I feel everyone's pain. I'm currently suffering from headaches about 2-3 days per week (including right now.) On the days I get them, I wake up with them and it takes a few hours/half a day to get rid of them. I'm drinking a lot of water (150oz/day or so), getting plenty of rest, have little stress, and exercise about 3 days week. I've tried caffeine, cold packs, laying in a dark, quiet room, peppermint oil, etc. Sometimes my head throbs so hard I'm afraid something will burst. Glad to know I'm not the only one going through this.

RJHarmon

mrsgerman said:

Very normal. I had them daily from 11-16 weeks. Tylenol would do nothing for me. Really only thing that would sometimes help would be caffeine. Try to stay hydrated too. 

Same with me when I was pg with DS

katekat8721

Normal.

knirish1

Headaches have replaced nausea for me. I've figured out that I'm prone to them when my stomach is empty or I haven't drunk any water in a little bit. The best thing I've found is trying to prevent them rather than treat them. As many before me have said, lots of water. Hope they ease up for you soon!

jbethp

Ugh, same boat. I know I am only barely in/entering my second trimester right now, but I get headaches that last all day long. Dr. said to take two tylenol and drink lots of water. Naps, warm showers, and cold compresses help too.

Neighner20

With last pregnancy my doctor prescribed me something for them. 

Lynnja616

I think headaches anytime during pregnancy are normal.

My OB said a little caffeine can help in addition to Tylenol, quiet dark room, cold compress.

Soon2BMrsN

Yes, I got them frequently from weeks 15-20ish with both of my previous pregnancies, so I anticipate that they will be coming my way soon.

jamielynn827

I started getting migraines really bad. My doctor prescribed me imitrex but the side effects of that are crazier/worse than the migraines so I'm going to call them back and ask if there is anything else they can prescribe. My sister in law works at Obgyn obstetrician office and she said that there are some pain meds that are safe to take during pregnancy as well.

SweetTea420

I had headaches 2-3 times a week the first part of my second trimester. Definitely normal.

Niasiagraham

Ugh i have frequent headaches my second tri dic says its normal i try to drink alot of water.

Niasiagraham

Doc**

cchild101010

I can count on one hand the # of headaches I had pre pregnancy. However I had them all the time from weeks 11-17 and now they are less common. My dr told me Tylenol was fine. I would try to limit myself to just one - enough to dull it and allow me to function. Me dr told me to try exercise which is laughable since I'm a Pilates instructor who runs, cycles and rides horses several times/week. But maybe for others who are less active, exercise would be helpful. Mine really have decreased!

Good luck!

PrimRoseMama

Yes. Hormonal shifts.

Tylenol as directed on the package & a small amount of caffeine can help.

Also, during my second pg I found that msg free & nitrate free meat kept some of the worst headaches at bay.

khaalid00

I am not prone to headaches but I did get a whooping headache at week 14-15. Felt like I was hung over. Taking naps made it worse. Even after drinking plenty of water, it still didn't let up. Finally I gave in taking regular Tynelol. After 4 tablets and two days of some rest over a weekend, the pain went away quick. Since than I am trying to prevent that miserable episode from happening again.

kd&cd

I'm in week 4 of a constant headache...some days are worse than others.

Mariadpfeffer

I've been suffering with head aches/migraines since week 13, when it replaced nausea. Based of my head and temples. So bad I've taken time off work from being in so much pain and tried everything possible. Tylenol, not much affect. Finally OB prescribed Percocet which helped a little get out of the bad cycles. Sleep, water, stretching are about the best remedies I've found. Hope this passes soon!