A Bad Headache at 35 Weeks Pregnant

Headaches can occur with dehydration, missed meals, poor sleep, muscle tension, migraine, heat exposure, or an infection. In late pregnancy, a significant headache can also be part of a pregnancy-related blood pressure problem, so severity and associated symptoms matter more than trying to identify the cause at home.

Note whether the pain started suddenly or built gradually, where it is located, whether it differs from your usual headaches, and whether light, sound, movement, or posture affects it. Check your temperature if you feel unwell, but do not delay calling while searching for equipment or taking repeated readings.

Stop what you are doing, sit or lie somewhere safe, sip water if you can, and avoid driving yourself if the pain or vision changes affect concentration. Contact your maternity unit now for individual triage. Tell them that you are 35 weeks pregnant and describe the headache before discussing any home treatment.

Use only a pain medicine that your maternity clinician or pharmacist has confirmed is suitable for you in pregnancy. Do not take someone else's migraine medicine or combine cold, flu, and pain products without checking their ingredients, as products can overlap.

Seek urgent maternity assessment for a severe, persistent, or rapidly worsening headache; blurred vision, flashing lights, or blind spots; new swelling of the face or hands; pain beneath the ribs; vomiting; breathlessness; or reduced baby movements. A measured high blood pressure also needs prompt clinical advice.

Call emergency services for a thunderclap headache, collapse, seizure, confusion, weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, loss of vision, severe neck stiffness, or a headache after significant head injury. Do not wait for the pain to settle when neurological symptoms are present.

Be ready to explain the onset, intensity, location, associated vision or neurological symptoms, vomiting, swelling, upper abdominal pain, fever, medicines taken, and your baby's movements. Ask whether you need blood pressure, urine, blood, or neurological checks and where the assessment should happen.