Severe headache as a pregnancy symptom

Pregnancy can coincide with dehydration, missed meals, tiredness, heat, congestion, infection, or tension in the neck and shoulders. A severe or changing headache also calls for checks for pregnancy-related blood pressure problems. The symptom does not identify one diagnosis by itself. Your clinician may review blood pressure, urine, vision, neurological findings, medicines, and other pregnancy symptoms.

Rest somewhere cool and quiet, drink fluids gradually, and eat if you have missed a meal. Keep a brief record of onset, duration, severity, location, visual symptoms, fever, vomiting, and possible triggers. Use only pain relief approved by your pregnancy clinician, and check before taking a new product. Call your maternity team today if the headache remains severe or differs from your usual pattern.

Seek emergency care for sudden peak-intensity pain, collapse, confusion, seizure, one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, breathing difficulty, or loss of vision. Contact maternity services urgently for flashing lights, severe swelling, upper abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or reduced fetal movement. Bring a list of medicines and your pregnancy details if you attend.

Ask how soon your blood pressure should be checked, which symptoms require maternity triage, and what headache treatments are compatible with your stage of pregnancy.