Headaches under 20 weeks
There are many reasons why you might have a headache; most of these are unrelated to your pregnancy. Dehydration is one of the commonest reasons for developing a headache. It is important that you remain well hydrated during pregnancy and avoid dehydration, especially in hot weather (6-8 medium glasses or 1.6L throughout the day). Try taking paracetamol at home; it is safe to take 2x 500mg tablets (1g) of paracetamol every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 4g in 24 hours. Do not take NSAIDS such as ibuprofen whilst pregnant.
Severe headache:
Always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
You can't sleep
Makes daily life difficult to manage
Moderate headache:
Always there
Makes it hard to concentrate
You can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild headache:
Comes and goes
You can manage to sleep
Is annoying but doesn't stop you doing things like going to work
Call 999 if you/ the pregnant women has a headache any of the following:
Having a seizure (fit)
Unable to speak
Sudden onset of severe headache reaching maximal pain within seconds
Any loss of consciousness
Neck stiffness/ pain or develop a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the ‘Glass Test’)
Numbness or weakness in arms and/ or legs
Drowsiness or confusion
Call your GP surgery or NHS 111 out of hours today if you have any of the following:
Persistent moderate headache which is not relieved within 12 hours of taking regular paracetamol (2x 500mg tablets 4-6 hourly)
Visual or hearing disturbance, double vision
A temperature of 38°C or over (or feel hot to touch)
Your headache settles when taking regular paracetamol
Your headache improves when drinking enough fluids. (6-8 medium glasses or 1.6L throughout the day) or after a sleep
If you suffer with migraine and you are experiencing a typical migraine headache
Contact your GP surgery if you are still worried. Tell your community midwife at your next appointment.
Pain relief
Paracetamol 2x 500mg tablets (1g) 4-6 hourly not exceeding 4g in 24hours. Do not take NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen whilst pregnant.
