Extremely bad headache during pregnancy

Headache can follow poor sleep, dehydration, heat, stress, a viral illness, nasal inflammation or migraine. During pregnancy, however, a severe or unusual headache can also occur with a blood-pressure problem and needs checking rather than self-diagnosis. Record its onset, location, severity, duration and associated symptoms. Visual changes, flashing lights, upper abdominal pain, swelling, vomiting or reduced alertness make the situation more concerning.

Rest in a quiet, cool room, drink fluids in small amounts and eat if you have missed a meal. Avoid heat and bright screens. Speak with your maternity team or GP before taking any pain medicine, including products bought without a prescription; some medicines are unsuitable in pregnancy. Do not ignore a headache that keeps returning or does not improve with rest and hydration.

Seek emergency care for a sudden thunderclap headache, fainting, confusion, weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, a seizure, fever with a stiff neck, severe visual disturbance, chest pain, severe breathlessness, or repeated vomiting. Contact maternity care urgently for a persistent severe headache, especially with facial or hand swelling, upper abdominal pain or changes in vision.

Ask whether your blood pressure and urine need checking, which pain-relief options are suitable, and whether migraine, infection, dehydration or another cause fits the pattern. Bring a list of medicines and describe any visual, neurological, fever or pregnancy-related symptoms.