Brain & Nervous System Headaches Symptoms Recognizing Dangerous Headaches in Pregnancy When to Call Your Doctor By Mark Foley, DO facebook linkedin Mark Foley, DO, is a family physician practicing osteopathic manipulative medicine, herbal remedies, and acupuncture. Learn about our editorial process Mark Foley, DO Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD on October 16, 2019 linkedin Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Learn about our Medical Review Board Brian Levine, MD Updated on April 02, 2020 Print While tension headaches and migraines won’t necessarily get worse during pregnancy (and they usually improve for women), occasionally a headache can be a warning sign of more serious problems. Migraines or other headaches occur during pregnancy for the same reasons they occur in most people, as a result of fatigue, tension, or change in eating patterns. In addition, changes in hormone levels and body chemistry may play a role in headaches (especially migraines) in pregnancy. Conservative treatment measures such as cold compresses and rest can be effective for many women, but medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be necessary in others. Be sure to learn more about which medications are safe to use during pregnancy. Verywell / Laura Porter Headache as Preeclampsia Symptom When a headache during pregnancy is accompanied by dizziness, blurred vision, or blind spots (scotoma), it's time to call your obstetrician or healthcare provider. These could be signs of preeclampsia, a condition that develops during the second half of pregnancy. It's marked by elevated blood pressure (hypertension), protein in the urine, and swelling, usually in the feet and legs. Some people with preeclampsia develop a headache that resembles a migraine—a throbbing headache with nausea and/or a sensitivity to light or sound. This is another cue to contact your doctor right away, especially if you don't normally get migraines or ithe condition is persistent. If preeclampsia becomes more severe, it can cause problems with your liver and a low number of platelets (blood cells that help in the clotting process). Left untreated, preeclampsia can develop into eclampsia, which includes seizures and possibly coma and blindness. Both conditions are dangerous to the mother’s health (and the baby) and need to be treated urgently. Treatment generally involves delivery of the baby in addition to medications to bring the blood pressure down. Headaches Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up This Doctor Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}. There was an error. Please try again. Red Flag Warning Signs Other headache red flags include a thunderclap headache, which causes a severe and sudden onset of head pain. Many people describe this as the worst headache of their life. Neurological symptoms like blurry vision or numbness, a headache associated with fever, and a headache linked to exertion are other indicators to seek medical attention. If you never usually get headaches and you get one during pregnancy, contact your doctor, as this too can be a warning sign. A Word From Verywell The good news is that most headaches during pregnancy can be easily relieved with simple remedies like rest, relaxation, a cold compress, and eating at regularly scheduled times. Biofeedback and stress management techniques can also be useful. But it's wise to be aware and call your doctor if your headache is persistent, feels different, or is associated with worrisome symptoms, like neurological problems. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Menon, R., & Bushnell, C.D. Headache and pregnancy. Neurologist, Mar;14(2):108-19. DOI:10.1097/NRL.0b013e3181663555 Additional Reading Ratcliffe, Stephen, et al, ed. Family Practice Obstetrics, Second Edition. Hanley & Belfus, Inc.: Philadelphia. 2001.