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What to do if…
you are pregnant and you notice a sudden severe headache or vision changes

Short answer

Get urgent medical help now. If symptoms are sudden or severe, call 911; otherwise contact your OB/midwife or Labor & Delivery triage right away and be prepared to go in today.

Do not do these things

  • Do not wait for a routine prenatal visit if the headache is sudden, severe, or comes with vision changes.
  • Do not drive yourself if you have blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, weakness, or feel unsafe.
  • Do not take extra doses of medication beyond the label, mix multiple headache meds, or start a new medicine “to see if it helps.”
  • Do not assume it’s “just migraine” if it’s new, different, or escalating.
  • Do not minimize it when you call—say clearly: “I’m pregnant and I have a sudden severe headache and/or vision changes.”

What to do now

  1. Call 911 immediately if this feels like an emergency. Examples: the worst sudden headache of your life, fainting, seizure, trouble speaking, one-sided weakness/numbness, facial droop, confusion, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or you can’t see properly.
  2. If not at the 911 level, contact urgent pregnancy care right now. Call your OB/GYN or midwife’s on-call line. If you can’t reach them quickly, call Labor & Delivery (L&D) triage (if you have a delivery hospital or have been told to use L&D). Many systems direct people around 20+ weeks to L&D—follow what your clinic/hospital tells you. If you’re not sure where to go or you can’t reach anyone promptly, go to an Emergency Department.
  3. Say the key words that help you get triaged correctly. Tell them:
    • you are pregnant (and how many weeks)
    • when it started and whether it came on suddenly
    • what the vision changes are (blurry, flashes, spots, double vision, partial loss)
    • any other warning signs (upper belly/rib pain, severe nausea/vomiting, sudden swelling of face/hands, feeling very unwell)
    • any history of high blood pressure or preeclampsia
  4. If you have a home blood pressure cuff, take one reading—but don’t delay contacting care to do it. Write down the numbers and time and share them.
  5. Get safer while you wait. Sit or lie down, reduce bright light if it worsens symptoms, and have someone stay with you. If you’re alone, call someone to come over and arrange transport (or 911 if you feel unsafe).
  6. Get ready to be evaluated today. Bring ID, insurance card, a list of medications/supplements, and your prenatal clinic name. If you go to an ER, tell every staff member early: “I am pregnant.”

What can wait

  • You do not need to diagnose yourself (preeclampsia, migraine, dehydration, etc.) before getting seen.
  • You do not need to finish tasks, drive somewhere “quickly,” or wait for office hours.
  • You do not need to decide about tests or treatment until you’ve been assessed.

Important reassurance

These symptoms can be scary, and it’s reasonable to seek urgent care even if you feel unsure. Getting checked quickly is the safest move for you and your pregnancy, and clinicians expect you to come in for this.

Scope note

This guide is only about the first steps to get you assessed safely. Follow the instructions you’re given by 911/your OB/L&D/ER staff.

Important note

This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Severe headache or vision changes during pregnancy can be urgent—seek same-day evaluation, and use 911 if symptoms are sudden, severe, or you feel unsafe.

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