Forum 3rd trimester

Unbearable headache, should I induce labor earlier?

12 replies

Tulp
Hi ladies,

I'm new here, but I really wanted to share my story.

For the past 3 weeks I've had terrible headaches that are now becoming unbearable. My midwife already referred me to the hospital because I had quite high blood pressure a few times (though not anymore now). I was then referred to a neurologist for the headaches, and I also have an appointment with the gynecologist right after.

I'm currently 33 weeks and 4 days pregnant, but I'm really at my wit's end now. I barely sleep anymore, and the headaches are really starting to wear me down. On my midwife's advice, I've been taking 8 paracetamol a day, but it doesn't help at all. Most likely, I'm not allowed to take any other medication either. Since last Thursday, I've also been retaining quite a lot of fluid in my feet and hands; my midwife is already aware of this.

Could this be a reason to induce labor earlier? Or would they really let me keep walking around like this for another 6 weeks? Because I really can't manage that.

Love, xx

Replies

  1. pingu #2

    That's awful, Tulp!
    What did the neurologist say? Is the headache definitely due to your pregnancy?

  2. Hartje #3

    I have a high-risk pregnancy that they don't want to last too long, but also not shorter than 36 weeks, according to my OB-GYN due to risks associated with preterm birth. I think 36 weeks is really the limit. Can't you get a pethidine injection to get some sleep?
    It sounds really tough for you, strength for the last 2.5 weeks for sure!

  3. Tulp started this #4

    I have an appointment with the neurologist tomorrow, and they want to see if there might be another cause. But they think that chance is very small. We'll wait and see, but I'm really done with this.

    They'd rather not give medications or injections, etc. So I don't think I'll get any anytime soon.

  4. Hartje #5

    That's right. But during my labor, they offered it to me so I could catch up on some sleep and then continue laboring. That's why I was thinking about it! Luckily, they know what they're doing! Good luck tomorrow!

  5. Tulp started this #6

    Oh, that wouldn't be bad at all. Well, we'll wait and see tomorrow.

  6. Anonymous Guest #7

    I don't want to worry you, but the symptoms really sound like pre-eclampsia. It's also known as HELLP syndrome. As long as the baby is doing well, they won't intervene... but otherwise they will. Strength!

  7. Hartje #8

    How did it go today, Tulip?

  8. anoniem Guest #9

    I don't want to scare you either, but headaches, swelling (fluid retention), high blood pressure... are the typical signs of pre-eclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension; dangerous for you and the baby. I'd contact the OB-GYN quickly. Hopefully it's not that, but I'd still get it checked out.
    Good luck!

  9. Hartje #10

    Good reading, she's already under extra control, had complaints for three weeks. Seems unlikely that they'd overlook that. I'm going crazy from all the blood pressure checks, but they don't do it for nothing!

  10. Tulp started this #11

    The neurologist found nothing, thankfully. The OB decided to induce at 37 weeks, and I got blood pressure meds. I'm just wondering when they'll kick in. Had my BP checked again today and it was 164/90.

    I'm getting poked every week and they're checking my urine because they were also thinking about pre-eclampsia, but so far the values are still good.

  11. floydi #12

    That sounds so frustrating, Tulip! If you want me to wish you strength, I will, but I have no advice or tips unfortunately. Three long weeks left for you! I’d really keep complaining because then there are often more options than doctors initially suggest. Anyway, strength, Meis. Hopefully, your blood pressure and headache go down.

  12. Tulp started this #13

    Thank you so much, Floydi, love you!
    I'm really struggling right now. The medication is only making my headaches worse, so increasing the dose isn't an option unfortunately. I'm at a point where I just want it all to be over so I can finally have some peace, but well. I still need to keep going for a bit, and I'll just have to manage for another 3 weeks.

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