0
0
Migraine is a common but often debilitating condition among women, and it does not simply disappear during pregnancy. According to recent expert recommendations presented at the Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation Congress 2025, pregnant women with migraines do not need to forgo treatment out of fear for their unborn child’s safety.
Dr. William Kingston, a headache specialist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and assistant professor at the University of Toronto, emphasized that migraine is a disabling brain condition that persists even during pregnancy. “Migraine is so common, and pregnancy is so common, so, just by numbers alone, you are going to end up having a lot of people who become pregnant when they have migraines,” he said.
While many women are advised to stop migraine medications when trying to conceive or during pregnancy, this approach may not be suitable for everyone. “They don’t know what it’s like when they don’t treat it,” Kingston noted, highlighting the importance of effective management to maintain quality of life.
Safe Migraine Treatment Options
Sumatriptan and onabotulinumtoxinA have been identified as safe options for treating migraine during pregnancy. The accumulated evidence for sumatriptan, the first triptan developed, shows no increased risk of birth defects or adverse pregnancy outcomes. “We have the most registry data for sumatriptan… We have not found any teratogenic effect,” Kingston explained.
However, newer migraine treatments such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors should be discontinued if a woman becomes pregnant, due to limited safety data.
Expert Advice
Women who experience migraines during pregnancy are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication. While headaches—including migraines—are common during pregnancy and generally do not affect the baby, it is important to rule out serious conditions such as preeclampsia.
Acetaminophen is typically the preferred painkiller during pregnancy, but should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Most anti-migraine medications, especially ergotamines, should be avoided during pregnancy due to risks of birth defects and complications.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, especially during pregnancy.
