What should you know about intense headache during pregnancy?

Pregnancy can bring headaches through dehydration, missed meals, poor sleep, stress, heat, or changes in caffeine intake. Nasal congestion and facial pressure from allergic rhinitis, a common cold, or chronic sinusitis can also cause head pain. A headache with fever or body aches may occur with an infection such as COVID-19 or dengue fever.

A severe headache can also be a warning sign of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, particularly after the middle of pregnancy. The symptom alone cannot identify the cause, so a clinician may check blood pressure, urine, neurological signs, temperature, and hydration.

Stop strenuous activity and rest in a quiet, dim room. Sip water regularly, eat a small balanced meal if you have missed food, and avoid overheating. Record when the pain began, where it is located, how quickly it became intense, and any medicines or supplements already taken.

Contact your maternity team or clinician for advice before taking a pain medicine. Do not start, stop, or combine medicines during pregnancy without checking that they are suitable for you.

Seek urgent medical care now for a sudden worst-ever headache, new confusion, fainting, seizure, weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, severe vision changes, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever with a stiff neck, repeated vomiting, or severe upper abdominal pain.

Prompt assessment is also needed for a headache with new facial or hand swelling, high blood pressure, reduced fetal movement, or pain that does not improve with rest and clinician-approved measures. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, confused, or have vision problems.

Ask: Could my blood pressure or urine need checking? Which pain-relief options fit my pregnancy and medical history? Could dehydration, heat, congestion, or an infection be contributing? What symptoms should make me return urgently?