Could it be an allergy headache? Maybe you could try some Tylenol Allergy/Sinus med's. .that works great for most of my headaches? Is there a reason you can't take med's? Maybe you could go for a neck massage before next week. .headaches are so hard to deal with. .it's really hard to function when your head hurts. .have you tried standing in a hot shower, letting it beat down on your head and neck? I wish you luck. .I know how miserable that is. .Debbie

Talk to your doctor. My neighbor gets migraines and when she had one during her recent pregnancy the doctor told her to take a vicadon(sp?). I was shocked, but she's no dummy and she had a very good doctor. Mind you, I'm not telling you to take this! Just suggesting you talk to your doctor. I too had the headaches and Tylenol did absolutely nothing. I'm sorry you're hurting.

I used to get what I called "wrap around migraines". I would get relief from an ice pack both at the back of my neck and one on my head. The flexible gel packs work well for this. Tylenol never touched it. Ask your doctor if you can take Aspirin or Excedrine on a limited basis. Cold packs and a darkened room are the best advice I can offer.

I learned some relaxation techniques in a college phsych class one, deep breathing, eyes closed, visualizing relazing each part of the body. When I get my worst headaches, I go to bed, block out sound and light, and do that. Slow, counted breathing (think cleansing breath). Mine are usually muscular and hormonal.

I love the way it feels to have my hair washed in a salon then trimmed, with my eyes closed and no chatter with the stylist. If I go in with a headache, it takes care of it. Once I even called to get in the same day for that reason, a headache I couldn't get rid of. Maybe even ask for a scalp massage.

you know that fatty part between your thumb and index finger...right in the "V"...if you take your other hand and use your thumb and forefinger and pinch it really hard for a few minutes...sometimes that will cure a headache...it worked for me when I used to get migraines and didn't have any meds nearby!

I'd certainly be talking to my dr...sounds like you might have a sinus infection...there's got to be something you could try...maybe ask him if you could inhale some "Ocean" (salt water...good for curing some headaches and post nasal drip!)...Don't keep suffering Steph...Call your Doc!!

Here is a link that might be useful: headache pressure point cures

I get terrible headaches from referred tension in my neck and upper back. My physiotherapist recommends hot packs and massage of the neck and shoulders. If nothing else, heat helps. Standing in a very hot shower with my face in the hot water is also helpful.
Could you be caffeine-deprived? I had the headache that wouldn't quit one day, and a cup of coffee almost instantly fixed it. Dehydration will also cause nasty headaches that don't respond to medication.

Two suggestions. I find that if I lie down for a half hour after taking medication for headaches that it seems to help the medicine work better. A friend is a Christian Scientist, and doesn't take medications. She says a teaspoon of sugar helps, but I have never tried it.

Stephanie,

My niece, who just had her baby on July 20, was getting horrible headaches when she was at about the same stage of pregnancy as you are now. Her OB also had her take a Vicodin - once. Ask your OB if it would be ok for you.

Other than that, my niece just had to go into a quiet, darkened room and try to sleep.

((((Steph)))) I hope you feel better soon!!

Steph,

are you getting over heated? Sometimes that will cause headaches. My DD performs with a group at a Renaissance Faire, they were taught to put something cold on the top of their head to help. (Lots of the cast members can walk around with cups of water balanced on their heads!) You could just use an ice pack. Hope you feel better soon.

Ellie

With the pain being behind your eyes it sounds like a sinus headache. I get them often. Tylenol didn't help. Excedrin Extra Strength is the only thing that works for me. I keep some in my purse, in the night stand drawer as well as in the medicine cabinet. I'm sorry you can't try them.

When I used to get migraines there was nothing that would help.

I hope you get some relief soon Steph

(((Steph))) I have had a headache also for the past almost a week. I think I need a Chiro appt as mine is in the back of my head/neck. Any headache I get can turn into a migraine in a blink of an eye, so I make sure to take my meds....except that 'they say' that they can't get them anymore, and have exchanged it with something equal! HA! NOT! I will be calling other pharmacy's today to see if they can get my meds!!! I found 6 pills that I had in my overnight bag...so for a while last night, I felt good.

I am sorry that your head is hurting you. It is the PITS to be preggers and not feel well...just so few things that you can take. Hopefully today will be a better day for you!

I was going to recommend what Liz did, accupressure, I guess it's called. Maybe if Brent gave you a nice neck rub, it would help.

Maybe a massage will help.
Judy

When I was pregnant with DD#2, exH had to travel 3 hours away for his baby nephew's funeral and I came down with a doozy of a migraine. Had no phone, so had to walk downtown to a pay phone to call the doctor. He phoned in a scrip for darvocet. The pharmacy was only a block and a half away, but I had large black spots in my eyes and it was difficult to cross the street with little vision, being large and carrying a 2 year old. The darvocet didn't take away the migraine but did soften the edges.

Sometimes when you have a sinus headache it is due to severe inflammation. My doctor recommended using Afrin twice a day for 3 days only. I did and my headache went away. He called it vacuum sinusitis. I would think you would be able to use Afrin while your pregnant, and it might be better than taking any other medication. Hope whatever you try gives you some relief, I once had a headache with no let up for 5 days. It was almost unbearable.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions...

dbfirewife, I'm pregnant so I'm limited on what I can take.

I dont think I have a sinus infection. I had one a few months back and the pain is definitely different.

I think alot of it is tension that migrates into my head. I should probably get regular massages. I too love a scalp massage!! I get my hair done Thursday and she always massages my scalp for a few minutes while the conditioner sets. Love it!!

Regarding Vicodin...I have some, and it would probably work. Problem is (if my doc approves), it knocks me out and that's not fesible during the day with an active 2 year old, unfortunately!!! I wish I could just go lay down in the quiet whenever I want! But I do take naps when he does; that helps.

I might be having caffeine withdrawls. I used to drink soda and when I'm pregnant, I have no desire for soda at all so I've stopped and have been drinking water (and alot of it!!!) Maybe I'll try caffeinated coffee this morning and see if that helps.

Again, thanks! If it doesn't let up, I'll talk to my doctor.

I'll bet the caffiene has something to do with it. Bad headaches are a withdrawal symtom. Try a few swallows of coffee, or tea.

I was going to suggest that pressure point between the thumb and index finger too. I use that a lot.

I missed motrin more than anything else during this last pregnancy. Tylenol just doesn't cut it for me.

I agree, whenever I get a headache,I drink a cup of coffee and I'm better within 30 minutes.

Years ago, I had a horrible headache while in the hospital for a severe penicillin allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock). The nurse called my doctor at home to see if there was anything they could give me...and here's what he prescribed: a cup of hot tea with 4-5 teaspoons of sugar. I couldn't believe that would work, but it did! Through the years, a number of friends have tried it, with good results. It may not be as good as strong drugs, but it's worth a try.

You have my sympathy, because I know what headaches are like. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Nothing new to add Steph just wanted to say I'm sorry you are in pain and sure hope you find some relief soon. I do agree with calling the doc if nothing within reason seems to help with the headaches. Some good advice above. The caffeine might just help too.

((((Stephanie))))

((((Stephanie))))) Hope by the time you read this, you are feeling a bit better.

Last month I experienced daily tension headaches for the first time ever. It was awful, but a weekly 15-minute back and neck massage (along with a lot less stress!) left me virtually painless. When I feel a headache coming on, I just gently lower my head to get a maximum neck stretch. It usually goes away.

Feel better soon!
Dee

I feel better today. I did have some caffeine (coffee) this morning and I think it helped. The headache isn't gone completely but it's not nagging like it was, and I feel like I can function.

Thanks again!