Does pre-eclampsia cause severe headache in pregnancy?

Pre-eclampsia can affect blood pressure and the nervous system. The associated headache may not settle with rest, fluids, or usual measures, and it can occur with visual changes, upper abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, or feeling unwell. Migraine, dehydration, viral illness, and other problems can also cause headache during pregnancy.

A clinician may measure your blood pressure, test your urine, arrange blood tests, and assess your baby's wellbeing. Describe when the headache started, how severe it feels, whether it is constant, and any medicines you have taken.

Call your maternity unit or obstetric clinician promptly for a severe or persistent headache. Follow the advice given for pregnancy-safe pain relief, and do not start or repeat medicines without checking that they are appropriate for you. Rest somewhere safe while arranging assessment if you feel dizzy or unwell.

Seek emergency maternity care immediately for a sudden severe headache, new vision changes, weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, fainting, a seizure, trouble breathing, severe upper abdominal pain, or reduced fetal movement. These symptoms require urgent assessment even if the headache improves temporarily.

Ask what blood pressure readings or symptoms require immediate return, whether your headache needs further tests, which pain relief is suitable, and how your baby will be monitored if pre-eclampsia is suspected.