Pregnancy headache remedies: what is safe?

Headache in pregnancy may be linked with dehydration, missed meals, poor sleep, eye strain, stress, congestion or caffeine withdrawal. A pressure-like ache can differ from a migraine with throbbing pain, nausea or sensitivity to light. Headache can also occur with infections or high blood pressure, so a new, persistent or unusual pattern should not be dismissed as a normal pregnancy symptom.

Drink fluids regularly, eat a small balanced meal if you have missed food, rest in a quiet dim room and use a cool cloth. Gentle neck movement may help tension if it feels comfortable. Keep a note of timing, severity, sleep, food, fluids and other symptoms. Ask your maternity clinician or pharmacist before using painkillers, cold remedies, supplements or essential oils; avoid borrowing someone else’s prescription.

Contact your maternity team promptly for a severe, sudden, persistent or worsening headache, especially with visual changes, swelling, pain under the ribs, vomiting, fever, stiff neck, weakness, confusion or high blood pressure. Seek emergency help for collapse, seizure, severe neurological change or difficulty breathing. These warning signs need assessment for conditions that require treatment during pregnancy.

Which pain reliever, if any, is suitable for me? Should my blood pressure or urine be checked? What pattern of headache should trigger urgent maternity advice?