Headache at 36 weeks pregnant: what to know

Late pregnancy can bring disrupted sleep, neck strain, missed meals and increased effort in hot weather. Nasal blockage from Allergic Rhinitis, Chronic Sinusitis or a Common Cold may also cause pressure. COVID-19, Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion can cause headache alongside fever, weakness, thirst or dizziness. The key concern in late pregnancy is a headache linked with raised blood pressure or pre-eclampsia. A diagnosis cannot be made from pain location alone, so blood pressure, urine and symptoms need professional assessment when the headache is persistent or unfamiliar.

Contact your maternity unit or obstetric team for advice if the headache is new, ongoing or not improving. While waiting, rest on your side in a cool, quiet place, drink fluids, eat a light meal if appropriate, and reduce bright screens. Do not start, stop or combine medicines without checking that they are suitable in pregnancy. Keep a note of the start time, severity, blood-pressure readings if you have been given a monitor, and any change in fetal movement.

Seek urgent maternity or emergency help for severe headache, visual changes, flashing lights, pain beneath the ribs, sudden swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, confusion, weakness, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, or repeated vomiting. Contact the maternity unit promptly for reduced fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, fluid loss or regular painful contractions. Do not wait for a routine appointment when these symptoms occur.

Could my blood pressure or urine suggest a pregnancy complication? Which pain-relief medicine and dose are suitable for me? Should I attend triage today? What change in fetal movement should prompt immediate contact?