Nonstop Headache After Labor Epidural: What’s Really Happening to Your Body?

Could That Headache You're Feeling After Delivery Be from Your Epidural?

Persistent headaches after childbirth might be more than postpartum stress—they could be spinal headaches linked to your epidural.

Many new moms dismiss these symptoms as normal, but your body could be warning you of something more. Headaches that occur after labor, especially when sitting or standing, might actually signal a common epidural side effect known as a post-dural puncture headache.

What causes a nonstop headache after a labor epidural?

Spinal fluid leaks caused during epidural placement often trigger spinal headaches.

When the epidural needle accidentally punctures the dura—the outer membrane of the spinal cord—cerebrospinal fluid can leak out. This decreases fluid pressure in the brain, creating a vacuum effect that leads to intense headaches, especially when upright.

How can you tell a headache is from your epidural?

The pain worsens when you sit or stand, but eases when lying down.

This is a hallmark symptom of a spinal headache. Unlike tension or cluster headaches, it literally "drops" when you lie flat. You may also experience neck stiffness, nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound.

What are the symptoms of a post-epidural spinal headache?

Symptoms usually start within 24-48 hours post childbirth and include pain that changes with position.

Other signs can include:

• Severe throbbing pain behind the eyes or in the back of the head
• Dizziness or “brain fog”
• Hearing loss or tinnitus
• Blurred vision or double vision
• Shoulder and neck discomfort

How long does a spinal headache last after delivery?

Many resolve in a few days, but some can linger for weeks without treatment.

If untreated, the spinal headache can worsen or become debilitating. That’s why it's essential not to “wait it out” if symptoms intensify or interfere with newborn care.

When should you see a doctor about your headache?

If your headache hasn’t improved within 48 hours or gets worse, seek medical help immediately.

A blood patch procedure might be necessary to seal the dural leak. Better safe than sorry—it’s always best to check with your care team.

What’s a blood patch and how does it help?

Doctors inject a small amount of your blood into the epidural space to “patch” the leak.

It’s quick, done under sterile conditions, and works in over 95% of cases. Relief is often immediate—literally within minutes of the procedure.

Can anything prevent a post-epidural headache?

Yes! Proper technique and smaller needles reduce risk significantly.

Using pencil-point (atraumatic) spinal needles and having experienced anesthesia staff are key prevention factors. If you’ve had this before, discuss it in your birth plan.

Does hydration really help ease these headaches?

Proper hydration slightly increases spinal fluid pressure and may ease discomfort.

Fluids like water, electrolyte-rich beverages, or even caffeine can help—sometimes enough to delay or avoid more invasive treatment.

How is this different from other postpartum headaches?

Unlike migraines or tension headaches, spinal headaches relate directly to fluid loss in the spine.

That’s why they react so dramatically with position changes—which makes them easy to misidentify without context.

What’s the long-term impact of an untreated spinal headache?

In rare cases, it can cause chronic migraines or neurological issues.

Long-term low spinal fluid pressure can affect brain function, hearing, and overall quality of life. Chronic sufferers may need imaging or neurologist guidance.