When evaluating a pregnant woman with severe headache, what should not be overlooked in her assessment?

In the context of evaluating a pregnant woman presenting with a severe headache, considering fetal well-being is paramount. Severe headaches during pregnancy can be indicative of a range of complications, including but not limited to preeclampsia, which poses risks not only to the mother but also to the developing fetus. Ensuring fetal well-being means monitoring for potential issues such as impaired placental perfusion or hypertensive emergencies that could affect the baby's health.

While the other factors listed—maternal dietary habits, history of substance abuse, and family history of hypertension—are also important for the overall assessment in pregnancy, they do not carry the same immediate risk to fetal health in the context of a severe headache. Maternal dietary habits may influence general health but are not as urgent in this scenario. A history of substance abuse could present risks, but it is not as directly linked to acute headache evaluation as fetal assessment. Family history of hypertension is relevant, particularly if it pertains to the management of the mother's health, but again, it does not address the immediate concern for the fetus. Thus, fetal well-being should be prioritized during the evaluation of severe headache in pregnant patients.