Bad headache in pregnancy: what to know

Pregnancy can bring headaches through changes in sleep, stress, posture, hormones, missed meals, congestion, or not drinking enough. COVID-19, Common Cold, Allergic Rhinitis, and Chronic Sinusitis may add fever or facial pressure. Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion can cause head pain with thirst, weakness, dizziness, or heavy sweating.

A severe headache can also occur with high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication that may affect the brain, liver, kidneys, or placenta. A headache does not identify its cause by itself. Your maternity team may check blood pressure, urine, blood tests, and the baby’s wellbeing according to your symptoms and stage of pregnancy.

Stop strenuous activity, rest somewhere cool, drink water, and have a small meal if you have missed one. Keep a note of the onset, location, severity, vision symptoms, swelling, and fetal movements. Check with your obstetric clinician or pharmacist before taking any medicine; some pain medicines are unsuitable at particular stages of pregnancy.

Contact your maternity service promptly for a headache that does not settle with rest and fluids, returns repeatedly, or feels different from your usual headaches. Tell them about blood pressure readings and all medicines or supplements.

Seek urgent maternity or emergency care for severe or sudden pain, blurred or flashing vision, pain beneath the ribs, marked swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, confusion, fainting, weakness, seizures, fever with a stiff neck, or reduced fetal movement. Do not wait for a routine appointment when these symptoms occur.

Could my blood pressure or urine suggest a pregnancy complication? Which pain relief and dose are suitable for me? How should I monitor fetal movements, swelling, and headache changes at home?