#  Headaches During Pregnancy 

 

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Headaches, which you’ll feel as pain or tension in different areas of your head, can be common in pregnancy. Most can be relieved with common remedies.

If you get headaches while you’re pregnant, you can:

- Drink **water**: 8 to 10 glasses daily.
- Try a cup of **coffee or caffeinated tea**.
- Take **acetaminophen (Tylenol®)** (650 mg) to help with pain.

If your headache does not go away after taking Tylenol and drinking water, or if you have headaches often, contact your clinic. There are safe medicines and treatments.

[Learn Which Medicines Are Safe during Pregnancy](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/safe-choices/medications "Bump & Beyond: Medications That Are Safe During Pregnancy | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)")

## When Is a Headache a Sign of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?

Headaches, particularly if they don’t go away, can be a sign of a pregnancy problem called [high blood pressure in pregnancy or preeclampsia](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/medical-care/high-blood-pressure-and-preeclampsia "Bump & Beyond: High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)"). **Preeclampsia** is a serious condition that can happen during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks, and sometimes after giving birth.

It’s normal for your blood pressure to rise a little bit during your pregnancy. But if it gets too high, it can become dangerous for both you and your baby.

**Call your clinic or go directly to** [**Labor & Delivery**](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/obstetrics/labor-delivery-and-postpartum-care "Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology: Division of Obstetrics: Labor, Delivery, and Postpartum Care | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") **if you have any of these signs:**

- **Very bad headache that won’t go away** after drinking water and taking acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- **Very bad pain in your belly**, especially under your right rib
- **Blurry vision**, or seeing **flashes of light**



[Learn More about Managing High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/medical-care/high-blood-pressure-and-preeclampsia "Bump & Beyond: High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)")

For more information on common pregnancy symptoms, check out:

- [Early Pregnancy: Common Symptoms and What to Do](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/your-body/early-pregnancy-symptoms "Bump & Beyond: Early Pregnancy: Common Symptoms and What to Do | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)")
- [Middle and Later Pregnancy: Common Symptoms and What to Do](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/your-body/middle-and-later-pregnancy-symptoms "Bump & Beyond: Middle and Later Pregnancy: Common Symptoms and What to Do | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)")

 headaches