Bad headache in the third trimester: what to know

The third trimester can make sleep, posture, meals, and fluid intake harder to maintain. A warm environment can contribute to Heat Exhaustion or Dehydration. Allergic Rhinitis, Common Cold, Chronic Sinusitis, and COVID-19 may cause headache with congestion, fever, cough, or facial pressure.

Late-pregnancy headache can also accompany high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia. Pay attention to flashing lights, blurred vision, sudden swelling of the face or hands, pain below the ribs, nausea, or feeling markedly unwell. The headache’s cause cannot be determined from pain intensity alone, so maternity assessment may include blood pressure, urine, blood tests, and checks on the baby.

Stop activity, move to a cool place, drink fluids, and eat if you have gone without food. Rest on your side if comfortable and note the start time, triggers, severity, vision symptoms, swelling, and fetal movements. Call your maternity team the same day for a new, severe, persistent, or unusual headache.

Use medicines only after confirming they are suitable for pregnancy and your medical history. Bring a list of medicines and supplements to the assessment, and do not postpone care while trying repeated home remedies.

Seek urgent maternity or emergency care for sudden extreme pain, visual changes, severe swelling, upper abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, fainting, seizure, new weakness, fever with a stiff neck, vaginal bleeding, contractions with concern, or reduced fetal movement. Arrange help with transport if you feel unwell or dizzy.

Could this headache be linked to my blood pressure? What symptoms mean I should attend immediately? Which pain relief, fluids, and activity level are appropriate until I am assessed?