Headaches

There are many reasons why you might experience a headache; not all of these are necessarily related to your pregnancy. Dehydration is one of the commonest reasons for developing a headache. It is important that you remain well hydrated during pregnancy, ensure you are drinking around 2 litres of water a day, especially in hot weather. Try taking simple pain-killers at home; it is safe to take 2x 500mg tablets (1g) of paracetamol every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 4g in 24 hours.

Severe headache:

always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk

you can't sleep

make 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

 

If something just doesn't feel right contact your local maternity team

East and North Hertfordshire:

01438 284124

The Princess Alexandra:

01279 444455, extension 2945

West Hertfordshire:

01923 217343

For more information on local services please click here.