Headaches During Pregnancy
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
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. 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 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
For more information on common pregnancy symptoms, check out:
Your Body
