What does severe headache in pregnancy feel like with pre-eclampsia?

A pre-eclampsia headache can remain severe despite rest or usual pregnancy-safe treatment. It may occur with blurred vision, flashing lights, upper abdominal or rib pain, nausea, vomiting, sudden swelling, or feeling generally unwell. These symptoms can have other causes, so the headache does not establish the diagnosis by itself.

Call your maternity team promptly if you have a new, severe, persistent, or unusual headache. Tell them when it began and describe any vision changes or pain under the ribs. They may measure blood pressure, check urine and blood tests, and assess your baby. Do not wait for a routine appointment.

Go to urgent maternity care for severe headache with visual disturbance, confusion, weakness, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling, or breathlessness. Call emergency services for a seizure, collapse, severe breathing difficulty, or sudden neurological symptoms.

Ask whether your blood pressure and test results suggest pre-eclampsia, how your baby will be monitored, what treatment may be offered, and which symptoms require emergency help.