Headaches and other fun things
I forgot to mention in my 16 week review that I’ve been getting headaches pretty consistently in the evenings. It’s not every day, but it’s a good 50% of them. If it’s bad enough (or if I’m at work) I’ll take a tylenol, but sometimes I just try to sleep it off – not always successfully. I know someone else mentioned pregnancy headaches in the second trimester, the timing certainly coincides. But I’ve also been noticing a lot more stress being held in my shoulders and upper back again, so I’m wondering if that isn’t contributing. I’m going to have to go for another massage to work out the knots again. My right shoulder was really hurting today.
Also, in other fun-ness, something is off in my lower back. It’s a shooting kind of pain that goes down my left buttcheek, then over my left hip and down my leg. I would say almost certainly something pinched, a job for my chiropractor to fix. This is something I do remember from Devin’s pregnancy – same side, too. It’s not all the time, but once in a while I’ll just get a jolt down that buttcheek and yelp.
I’m starting to feel things loosening up – which I suspect is what led to the back issue. I’m hearing a lot of pops when I get out of a vehicle or get out of bed. Things just feel… loose. Not really loose like they’re going to get, but I can definitely feel things relaxing (except, of course, my damn shoulders).
The above notwithstanding, I feel wonderful. I feel things starting to shift now, into that phase of pregnancy that I loved more than anything: feeling the baby move, nausea going away, carrying a round belly. I cannot even describe the joy that seeps into me when I close my eyes. This baby is such a gift – no more or less than Devin was, but a gift regardless.
I will say what many wonderful ladies told me when I described the same pain in a bewildered pain. Sounds like that damn sciatica. Not fun.
He/she is a gift. Aren’t they all? :)
I mean to say bewildered WAY. Not very coherent I’m afraid.
Boo headaches, but yay baby wiggles! :D
Just wanted to say I really enjoy your blog! I also got really terrible headaches with Maddy. Sometimes I would have a small cup of caffiene to calm them down.
Headaches can most definitely be related to shoulder and upper back tension. The levator scapula muscle attaches the shoulder blade on one end, and to the transvere process, which are muscles around the cervical vertabrae. When it is sore, it can set off trigger points in the neck that cause headaches.
I had terrible headaches in my second trimester. The midwife told me that it was probably due to not drinking enough fluids. I started drinking more and they started subsiding.
The pain down your left side does sound like sciatica. My (half) sister had it in her last pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife about it.
I’m so happy you’re feeling better about the pregnancy.
I get headaches in pregnancy too, although mine are usually more in the first trimester. But they can definitely be a pregnancy symptom and hormone-related. And the back pain does sound like sciatica, but could also be from your sacroiliac (SI) joint loosening. I’ve has pain from this in all my pregnancies, starting early – 12 weeks or so – and it feels similar to what you describe. Either way, a chiropractor should be able to help.
And yay for more movement, less nausea, and your very cute little (but definitely there) bump!
And no, I’m not trying to write like the lolcat site – that should say I’ve HAD pain, not has. Gah – I hate typos.
I feel you on the headaches; I had quite a few in my last pregnancy, and they would last several days at a time (I really missed my ibuprofen!). So far I’ve been lucky this time, and only had one bad one so far. I keep two gel packs in the freezer to put on my head, since cold seems to help. A massage also sounds like a great idea.
I’m so glad you’re feeling wonderful overall!
I had headaches in both my pregnancies at the beginning of the second trimester. I think it is VERY COMMON and related to hormone changes. TYlenol helped, as did food. Glad you’re entering the best part of the pregnancy!
My headaches got worse with each one. The ones with Patrick turned into full-blown migraines. I hope they calm down for you soon.
I also got sciatia. It was worst with Cora and got better each one.
Anyway, it IS worth it!
So happy for you with each passing day!!
Jackie
I got lots and lots of headaches – hormones and not enough water. Hugs you.
I’m getting pretty excited here. I’m sorry you’re having headaches and back/leg pain though, that is no fun at all.
I’m looking forward to knitting for your babe in the new year (right now totally bogged down by Christmas knitting….sigh). Any preferences?