HEADACHES during pregnancy could mask serious conditions, a Southampton doctor has warned.

Dr Kirsty Revell, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology at Princess Anne Hospital, said some headaches could hide potentially life-threatening neurological conditions like cerebral venous thrombosis – a blood clot in the sinuses of the brain – or pressure build-up in the skull.

In a recent review, Dr Revell looked at the common causes of headaches during and after pregnancy and how doctors and midwives can manage any conditions associated with them. She found that while most are benign, some headache types can be more dangerous and an indication that something is seriously wrong and said it was vital GPs, obstetricians and midwives are aware of the signs and symptoms.

She added: “While it is important not to cause unnecessary alarm or panic, women should be aware that if they suffer from continuous headaches during pregnancy or migraines that are very different to their normal type, they should discuss it with their GP or midwife.”