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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Take Two and Call Me in the Morning

Some of the most common complaints of women in early pregnancy are: nausea, fatigue, heartburn, constipation, and headaches. So far, I have had a good sampling of everything but constipation (thank you pooper for still functioning regularly, if it weren't for you, it'd feel like this body had shit the bed). So, yes, in short, I still have "the barfs" -- it's just not on a daily basis. But you know how some companies keep a log of "number of days without an accident"? That's how I feel with my puke-o-meter: Number of days since I last puked.

Unfortunately, that has been 1. Yup, barfed yesterday morning. Twice.

But I think I've detailed my barfisodes on this blog enough to last you people a lifetime, so I'll skip the latest detailed update about that. No, instead I'm here to gripe about another of those complaints listed above: headaches.

Actually, I've always had issues with headaches. No, not migraines, I don't get those (thank you sweet baby jesus). I think the term that would best categorize the kinds of headaches I get are "tension headaches." Which is a little weird since I don't think of myself as a person with much stress or tension, but what I do have, I seem to store in my neck and shoulders (same as my dad), and this can give me some nasty noggin pain. For the most part, I think exercise helps me avoid most of these headaches and I don't truly suffer from them as much as I used to, but since becoming pregnant, they have returned with a vengeance.

Plus, it doesn't help that I've withdrawn from caffeine. Not because a pregnant woman can't have some caffeine (the dr said it's fine if I have a cup or two of coffee a day), but right now I just can't stomach caffeinated beverages -- coffee, caffeinated soda, etc all make me feel sick.

But the worst kinds of headaches? The kinds you wake up with and the kinds that last for more than a day. Unfortunately it's an especially brutal combo when those two combine forces as they've done for me in the past two days: It's like being attacked by a gang of brain ninjas. And because the only approved pain reliever for preggos is Tylenol (weak ass shit!), I haven't felt much relief.

Thankfully, this afternoon I came home and decided "screw the way this house looks, I'm taking a nap," so the nap + two of those weak-ass Tylenols (my only two for the day) + a 4 mile run (40:34) = headache dissipation!

If only a nap, Tylenol, and a run could cure some of the other above-listed complaints, but I suppose it'll be all worth it when I have a kid and I can hold my pain and suffering over his or her head the rest of his or her life, right?

23 comments:

TonyP said...

nausea, fatigue, heartburn, constipation, and headaches - that is my everyday :))

Nice that you got in the 4 mile run.

teacherwoman said...

I am a firm believer that running can cure headaches! Glad that the running, tylenol, and nap helped the headache!

Marcy said...

You are SOOOO lucky not have the constipation thing. I remember eating those Metamucil Fiber wafers like a mo-foer with Cam. Ewwwwhhhh.

I also hate those wake up with a headaches. Total suckage :-(

Anonymous said...

Glad the nap, tylenol, run combo knocked out the headache.

If you continue to get heartburn (I had it for almost my entire pregnancy with Shoo), try papaya or papaya enzyme tablets. It's amazingly helpful.

Shannon said...

I still hold the stretch marks and labor over their heads, so sure you can hold those stinking headaches over their head.

Tylenol sucks....I'm glad the headache went away.

MN Mom said...

Good News! Chocolate has caffine have you tried cocoa in the morning? Snickers for lunch? Give it a try. Might help the withdrawl.

Marlene said...

Well thank goodness for the pooper!

Glad to hear you were able to kick the headache.

Teacher Pursuits said...

BUMMER! I get about 1 headache per week... not too unbearable.

Michelle Simmons said...

I feel your pain! I had wicked 2 day long headaches when I was 10-16 weeks pregnant. Luckily after about 16 weeks they went away. Hope you feel better!

Aka Alice said...

I'm so sorry you're feeling so yukky. It ends fo-sho when you have the little one. I promise!

Erin said...

Jeepers. I feel so bad for you. I think the worst part of pregnancy related ailments was there wasn't much for drugs to comfort you. At least the evil heart burn isn't bothering you too much. If you do get it and it is all day, every day, you can take drugs for that. Ask your doctor. I wish I had sooner than later.

I never had the poo problem until I started taking iron pills in my last trimester. Colace was my friend at that point.

Hang in there, only...never mind. You have a ways to go.

Anonymous said...

barfisodes....

I learn so much colorful language reading your blog!

Unknown said...

I am with you, most of my headaches are tension headaches. I have poor posture in front of my computer.
Good luck racking up those barf free days. I can't wait to hear about a new record.

Alison said...

I've been getting headaches, too. I think it's a combo of hormones and caffeine withdrawal. One Tylenol and about 20 minutes with an icepack on my forehead always seems to cure them.

Anonymous said...

Hope the these spells pass soon. Nice job on the nap and run!

Unknown said...

I hope you are feeling better soon. Nausea and headaches are terrible!

lifestudent said...

I went in for all these MRI's and such a while ago and they told me I had "tension headaches". Like you, I dont think I'm very tense ;) Funny thing though, I was the opposite - no headaches during pregnancy (those didnt come back until I had a screaming newborn in the house!).

Keep on napping ... it will be your saving grace.

Wes said...

That's it. I no longer wish to be pregnant. I'm canceling my invetro for next week. (I don't think I could handle nine babies anyways).

Your "shit the bed" comment made me fall out of my chair :-)

J~Mom said...

I had headaches in the worst way. I was so dumb that when I got pregnant with my first I went cold turkey on caffeine and sent my body into total shock!

X-Country2 said...

Headaches are the worst! Glad you found a (sort of) cure.

Can't wait until you can prop up that kid and read them this blog entry. "See what mommy had to put up with on February 11, 2009!"

Anonymous said...

Ugh Jess...I hope you feel better soon.

Aron said...

ekkk headaches are not fun. glad you got rid of it!!

Laurel said...

LOL, "brain ninjas".

I get those headaches too. Hope they (and the pukes) start to go away soon.