Severe headache

A severe headache that won’t go away, sometimes with vomiting, might be a symptom of pre-eclampsia.

Call your midwife, doctor or hospital maternity unit if you have a very bad headache or a headache that won’t go away. This could be a symptom of pregnancy induced hypertension.

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy condition that needs careful monitoring.

In some pregnancies, it can lead to life-threatening problems for the mother and baby.

If you have a severe headache

  • Phone your maternity unit or your GP straight away.
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Pre-eclampsia
Obvious swelling
Changes in vision (blurring, flashing lights, difficulty focusing)