I had my 2nd c-section 6 days ago. Today while i was sitting down and talking on the phone I all of a sudden got a pain in the lower back of my head/neck and then kind of like pulses of pain down my spine. I layed down and it went away (besides a slight general headache). Is this a normal possible side effect from the epidural? I don't remember this happening with my first one but i know every time is different. I have a dr. appt in 2 more days, can I wait to discuss it with him then or is this something i should call him about as an emergency? Right now i'm waiting to see if it happens again before calling.
When I went back to get my stitches out my BP was still high. Dr. sent me for bloodwork to make sure i didn't have pre-eclampsia (which apparently you can get after giving birth as well). Went back a few days later and bloodwork was fine and my BP was pretty much back to normal so I really think it was after effects of the epidural for a few days. Thanks for all the responses :)
This happened to me after my second C section. The doctor told me I needed to lie down more, that I was doing too much too soon and the nerves in my spine were still irritated and needed more rest. I did and it went away immediately.
If your headaches go away almost IMMEDIATELY when you lay down flat you could have a leak in your spinal fluid. This is a fairly common side effect of an epidural and will go away, if the headaches are unbearable they can repair the hole with a "blood patch" (they take blood from your arm and inject it into your back).
My third child I had this, and got a blood patch.
You should go see your OB as a follow up and see if this is your issue. Either way you should go to your OB and talk to him about these persistent issues and see if this is related to your epidural.
Good luck, I hope you feel better.
I would calll your ob/gyn office and let them know. I had the epidural headache, I would get it every time I sat up for any length of time. I can't remember how long I had them, I was in the hospital for a week and it was 22 years aog, I do remember those headahes.
I had headaches severe one for 6 months after my epidural
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I think I would call so it's documented.... if a pattern starts it will be good info to know how many times it occurred and what you were doing when it happened.
If it's leaking CSF a week after surgery, I'd call the OB to let him/her know. They might want to you see an anesthesiologist. But don't get upset - it's common and is easily fixed or you just have to wait it out.
Congrats on baby #2. Try to rest more (if you can).
Spinal headaches are a common side effect, as is short or long term back pain, these side effects are all listed on the epidural consent form that you must sign prior to receiving the anesthesia. I would contact your doctor. good luck and congrats on your new baby.
I had a few headaches after spinal never had that with my first when I didn't have a spinal but also the strains of motherhood can give you backpain as well as your uterus shrinking. Good luck!
It sounds like an epidural headache because it went away when you laid down. I had one the day after delivering by c-section. I think you should let the Dr. know right away, though, so they know what is going on. Good luck and congratulations!
If it went away the moment you laid flat.. I'm also laying money on your CSF leaking out. Call you OB. This can be totally mild, or so severe it requires hospitalization via ambulance transport.
