nuhahyearlyLaunch pricing - Get £50 off!nuhahyearlyHeadaches in pregnancy are common and usually caused by hormonal changes, dehydration, or tiredness. Paracetamol is the only recommended painkiller during pregnancy. Contact your midwife urgently if you have a severe headache with visual changes or swelling, as this can indicate pre-eclampsia.
Headaches are one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, particularly in the first and third trimesters. The good news is that most pregnancy headaches are harmless, even though they can be miserable. Understanding what triggers them makes them easier to manage.
In the first trimester, the main culprits are hormonal changes. Oestrogen and progesterone levels rise sharply, affecting the blood vessels in your brain. Your blood volume is also increasing by up to 50% over the course of pregnancy, which changes circulation patterns and can trigger headaches.
Other common causes include dehydration (especially if morning sickness is making it hard to drink enough), fatigue and poor sleep, low blood sugar from irregular eating, caffeine withdrawal (if you have cut back since finding out you are pregnant), stress and tension, and sinus congestion (increased blood flow to mucous membranes can cause stuffiness and sinus pressure).
If you suffered from migraines before pregnancy, you may find they improve during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. Around 60-70% of migraine sufferers report improvement during pregnancy, thanks to the steady high levels of oestrogen. However, some people find their migraines stay the same or worsen.
Paracetamol is the only painkiller recommended during pregnancy. It is considered safe at standard doses throughout all three trimesters. Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.
Ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided during pregnancy. Ibuprofen (and other NSAIDs) are not recommended at any stage, and are particularly dangerous in the third trimester as they can affect the baby's circulation and reduce amniotic fluid. Aspirin should only be taken if specifically prescribed by your doctor (low-dose aspirin is sometimes prescribed for pre-eclampsia prevention, but this is a medical decision, not self-treatment).
Codeine and co-codamol should only be used if prescribed by your GP. They are not recommended for routine use in pregnancy.
Triptans (migraine-specific medication) should generally be avoided, though your GP may discuss the risks and benefits if your migraines are severe and debilitating.
Stay hydrated. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day. Dehydration is one of the most common and easily fixable headache triggers. If plain water is hard to stomach, try adding fruit slices or drinking herbal tea.
Eat regularly. Low blood sugar triggers headaches. Eat small, frequent meals and keep snacks handy. Do not skip meals, even if nausea makes eating unappealing.
Rest in a dark, quiet room. If a headache hits, lying down with your eyes closed in a cool, dark space can help it pass more quickly.
Apply a cold compress. A cold flannel or ice pack on your forehead or the back of your neck can provide relief, particularly for tension headaches.
Manage stress. Gentle exercise, prenatal yoga, breathing techniques, and getting outside for fresh air can all help reduce tension headaches. If anxiety is a factor, talk to your midwife about support options.
Check your posture. As your bump grows, your posture shifts. Poor posture, especially if you work at a desk, can cause tension in your neck and shoulders that radiates upward. Adjust your chair, take regular breaks, and stretch.
Get enough sleep. Easier said than done, but fatigue is a major headache trigger. A consistent bedtime routine and a supportive pillow can help.
Most pregnancy headaches are harmless, but a headache can occasionally be a warning sign of something more serious. Contact your maternity unit immediately if you experience:
A severe headache that does not improve with paracetamol. A headache accompanied by visual disturbances such as flashing lights, blurred vision, or seeing spots. A headache with sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet. A headache with pain in the upper part of your abdomen, just below your ribs. A headache with nausea or vomiting in the second half of pregnancy (after 20 weeks).
These symptoms can indicate pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy-specific condition that affects blood pressure and organ function. Pre-eclampsia develops after 20 weeks and affects around 2-8% of pregnancies. It is a serious condition that requires medical monitoring and sometimes early delivery, but it is treatable when caught early.
Never feel that you are overreacting by calling. Your maternity team would always rather assess you and send you home reassured than have you waiting at home with a symptom that needs attention.
First trimester: Headaches are most common here due to hormonal surges, blood volume changes, caffeine withdrawal, and the fatigue and dehydration that come with morning sickness. They tend to improve as your body adjusts.
Second trimester: For many people, headaches ease significantly in the middle months. Hormones stabilise, energy returns, and your body has adapted to its new baseline. This is often the most comfortable trimester overall.
Third trimester: Headaches can return due to poor sleep, physical strain, tension from carrying extra weight, and increased blood pressure. Any new or severe headache in the third trimester should be checked, as this is when pre-eclampsia is most likely to develop.
If headaches are a regular occurrence, keeping a brief diary can help you and your midwife identify patterns. Note when the headache started, how long it lasted, what you had eaten and drunk that day, how much sleep you got, what you were doing when it started, and what helped it improve. Patterns often emerge quickly, and knowing your triggers makes prevention much easier.
Yes, headaches are very common in pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. They are usually caused by hormonal changes, dehydration, fatigue, or tension. Most are harmless and improve with rest, fluids, and paracetamol.
Paracetamol is the only over-the-counter painkiller recommended during pregnancy. Ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided unless specifically prescribed by your doctor. Always take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
Contact your maternity unit if you have a severe headache that does not respond to paracetamol, especially if accompanied by visual changes, sudden swelling, upper abdominal pain, or nausea after 20 weeks. These can indicate pre-eclampsia.
Yes. A severe, persistent headache after 20 weeks, especially with visual disturbances or swelling, can be a warning sign of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia affects 2-8% of pregnancies and requires medical monitoring. Always get these symptoms checked.
Milestones, partner sharing, notes, photos, and a curated essentials guide. Free, no app to install.
Get Started Free© 2026 Nuhah. All rights reserved.