When is a headache something to worry about?

[is it puppies?]

I am 20 weeks this week and have occasional pretty nasty migrain-y type headaches. This isn't really unusual for me it has actually really reduced during pregnancy especially during the first trimester, but a handful of times I have had a few days or a week's worth. I figure it's still just hormone headaches or hunger induced. I wasn't concerned really until today when I started to feel a bit swollen (again, nothing major and not different than pre-pregnancy, my wedding ring is a big snug but not as much as in summer, and I just *feel* a little bit puffy...) so I was looking up swelling during pregnancy and then I noticed swelling and headaches which could be pre-e.

I had two or three bad headaches last week, and the swelling is only today, so I am not exactly worried. I was just wondering how will I know that I should worry?

I saw my Dr. last week and BP is fine, protein is fine, everything else is fine but my weight gain is a bit much but not enough for her to comment on it when she originally warned me that I should be careful not to gain too much so I don't think she'd be shy about commenting if it was a concern(I think I've gained 20lbs it is all the eating, not from swelling)

[thefreckledmama]

I personally wouldn't worry, because somewhere in the ballpark of 20ish weeks is when I usually start having pregnancy related swelling-but this is my 4th pregnancy, so I know that is normal for me.

It's my understanding that pre-e can become an issue very suddenly in some cases. Taking that into consideration, I would probably contact your Dr., and let them know what's been going on, and let them make the call if they want to see you and check your BP, urine, etc.

[baileyann3]

Maybe try drinking like a massive amount of water, see if that helps.

[claddaghmom]

I got the pregnancy headaches in the 2nd trimester. Wowsa they were almost unbearable. Ginger and tons of water helped...didn't take it away but it helped. I heard 15% of pregnant women get pregnancy migraines. I've also heard it can be related to rising levels of progesterone.

I didn't notice swelling until the last week before birth though. But from what I hear, swelling is normal and starts after the 1st trimester. Can you check your blood pressure at home if you are worried? You can buy cuffs on ebay for cheap.

[Oztok5]

I had nearly daily headaches starting around 16ish weeks. I monitored my BP daily, and it was never elevated. I drank a ton of water, but I'm not sure that really helped. I think they pretty much stopped by 21 weeks or so. I do still get the occasional headache, but it's certainly not as often as it used to be.

Honestly, I have no idea what was causing them, but I'm glad it's over!