Headache and ear pain during pregnancy

Pregnancy can coincide with colds, sinus pressure, earwax buildup, or a middle-ear infection. Pain from the throat or jaw may also be felt in the ear. A blocked or painful ear can make a headache feel one-sided or heavy, but symptoms alone cannot identify the cause. Earache provides more detail about common patterns.

Tell your maternity team about the pregnancy stage, the location and onset of pain, fever, congestion, hearing changes, discharge, swelling, vision symptoms, and any blood-pressure concerns. A clinician can examine the ear and choose pregnancy-appropriate care.

Rest in a quiet room, drink regularly, and use a warm cloth on the outer ear if it feels comforting. Do not use cotton buds or put drops into the ear unless a clinician or pharmacist recommends them. Check every medicine, including cold remedies and herbal products, with a maternity clinician or pharmacist before taking it. Antibiotics may be suitable for some diagnosed infections, but they should be selected by a clinician.

Contact your maternity team promptly for a severe, persistent, or unusual headache, especially with blurred vision, flashing lights, facial or hand swelling, upper abdominal pain, vomiting, or feeling very unwell. Seek urgent care for fainting, confusion, weakness, trouble speaking, a stiff neck with fever, severe dizziness, ear discharge, or sudden hearing loss. Emergency symptoms should not be attributed to pregnancy without assessment.

Could this be congestion, wax, or an ear infection? Which pain relief and nasal measures are suitable during my pregnancy? Do I need a blood-pressure check, ear examination, or follow-up?