Headache in pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia affects blood pressure and may affect the brain, liver, kidneys, or placenta. A headache may be pressure-related, but dehydration, migraine, poor sleep, or medication can also cause it. Because symptoms overlap, the headache should be considered alongside blood pressure and other findings. Report flashing lights, blurred vision, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, sudden swelling, breathlessness, or reduced urine.

Tell your maternity team immediately about a new or significant headache. Sit or lie somewhere safe while arranging assessment and take prescribed medicine as directed. Do not self-treat with someone else’s medicine or delay care to monitor the symptom at home. Assessment may include blood pressure, urine, blood tests, and checks on you and the baby. Antenatal care helps organise monitoring; induction or caesarean birth may be discussed if clinical findings make delivery safer.

Go to emergency care for a severe or sudden headache, visual disturbance, seizure, confusion, weakness, chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or severe pain beneath the ribs. Get urgent review when prescribed treatment does not ease the headache or it returns with high blood pressure. Do not drive if your vision or alertness is affected.

Ask how your blood pressure and urine results affect the plan, which symptoms mean emergency care, how to take prescribed medicine, and whether you need closer monitoring or discussion of timing and method of birth.