Headaches and BP?

[rabrog]

I've had a headache since yesterday. It's kind of off and on, but more "on." I talked to my doc at church today and he said my bp is high (I know my numbers from a few weeks ago). He said if I still have a headache tomorrow to call the clinic and he'll fit me in.

I plan to up my magnesium and protein intake. What else can I do?

My numbers are right around 140/90 resting. That's been consistent after a large jump about a year ago with no identifiable cause.

Ideas?

Jenn

[AbbieB]

I'm confused...did your blood pressure jump just recently or has it been at this "high" level since before you conceived?

I would say your head aches could be do to BP if things have gone up but probably not if things are the same.

I am dealing with rising BP at the end of pregnancy that I can honestly say is because of a poor diet :( . I have struggled with poor appetite this whole pregnancy.)

I upped my protein and started taking calcium/magnesium and everything leveled out.

If you are worried definitely go see your doc.I would try some other things to relieve a head ache first. Things like the hot then cold shower you might do for a hang over. Massage your face and scalp. Lay down in a dark quiet room.

Some other reasons for a headache offf the top of my head: Did you stop drinking caffeine recently? Maybe you need a little. Is the weather changing a lot (high humidity then low humidity)? That always gives me head aches. Do you need more rest? Are you getting sick? Are you at 28 weeks or so and your blood volume is starting to increase causing some sinus related headaches?

[rabrog]

It's been at this level for about a year. I'm 11.5w now. With DD the BP settled to 115/80ish during the pregnancy and stayed there until about a year ago when it jumped. Even not pg. it's higher than what we (myself and my doc) would like to see, but I can't get it down for anything.

Def. not caffiene - I've been drinking Coke Classic daily due to nausea (which has started to wane, thank goodness). Could be a bit of sleep deprivation. No big temp changes here (yet).

I know I'm overly freaked about this - we tried for 9 months and finally used Metformin to get pregnant this time. This baby is very much wanted and so I know I'm more worried about things in general. :(

Jenn

[leafwood]

I had two really bad head aches early on in this pregnancy. One at about 12 weeks and one at 14 weeks. It was like someone was squeezing my entire head and I just wanted to cry. After a whole day I took one Tylenol and after an hour felt 100% better. I managed the second one with rest and a ton of water.

My BP has been fine all along, and my MW said it was a "hormone headache" from all the changes taking place.

Just trying to say that headaches are not always a sign of something serious so try not to worry (not good for the BP :wink ).

Hope you feel better soon!

[rabrog]

I hadn't even thought about the hormones...good point. Two ibuprofen did take care of it for a while yesterday but it's back today.

Jenn

[GinaRae]

Cellery is supposed to be VERY good about naturally lowering your BP. I know my midwife would suggest eating 2-4 stalks a day to get it down. 4 is definitely best while you're running high.

Cinnamon is also supposed to help I believe. I THINK you can take capsules of cinnamon (but look this up first, please!)

I usually get headaches when my BP goes up too, but yours seems to be up anyway. Hormones sounds like a good reason. Also, if you're like me, it might be something in the air. For instance, I am in Petco several hours every Saturday and they're renovating. All the new paint, signs, flooring, etc. is causing me to have major headaches.

[alisaparrent]

What good ideas you guys have!! I had a HORRIBLE migraine last night. I'm 12 weeks, so I'm guessing a hormone flex of some sort. It was so awful. I finally gave in and took a tylnol after throwing up and putting ice packs on head. I wanted to cry all night, it was horrible~