From the Guidelines
Paracetamol is the safest treatment option for headaches during pregnancy.
Safe Treatment Options
- Paracetamol is the preferred first-line medication for acute treatment of headaches in pregnancy, due to its relatively poor efficacy but safe profile 1.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can be used only during the second trimester 1.
- Metoclopramide can be used for nausea associated with migraine in pregnancy 1.
Preventive Medications
- Propranolol and amitriptyline are the best available options for preventive migraine medications during pregnancy, but should be used under specialist supervision 1.
- Topiramate, candesartan, and sodium valproate are contraindicated due to potential fetal harm 1.
General Considerations
- Migraine often remits during pregnancy, but if treatment is continued, the potential for harm to the fetus demands special consideration 1.
- A clear risk-benefit assessment regarding the necessity of headache treatment during pregnancy should be discussed with the patient 1.
- Acetaminophen is widely used during pregnancy, with 40-65% of pregnant women using it at some time during their pregnancy, mostly for headache and fever 1.
From the Research
Safe Treatment Options for Headaches During Pregnancy
- Non-pharmacologic treatments, such as relaxation, biofeedback, and lifestyle modification, are ideal solutions for managing headaches during pregnancy 2, 3, 4
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is considered a safe and effective treatment option for acute migraine attacks during pregnancy, with a recommended dose of 1000 mg, preferably as a suppository 4
- Aspirin and ibuprofen may be used episodically during pregnancy, but should be avoided during the last trimester due to potential risks 4
- Metoclopramide and prochlorperazine may be used to treat nausea during pregnancy, with metoclopramide being acceptable for use during the second and third trimesters 4, 5
- Combination metoclopramide and diphenhydramine may be more effective than codeine for treating migraine or tension headache during pregnancy 5
- Triptans, such as sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, and naratriptan, are contraindicated in pregnancy, while low-dose aspirin may not be associated with fetal/child adverse effects 4, 5
- Calcium channel blockers and antihistamines may not be associated with fetal/child adverse effects and may be used for prevention of primary headache during pregnancy 5
Important Considerations
- Diagnostic testing should be used to exclude organic causes of headache and establish a baseline before treatment 2
- Medication use should be limited during pregnancy, but is not absolutely contraindicated 2
- Clinicians should recognize the importance of treating headache during pregnancy to limit excessive use of over-the-counter pain remedies, dehydration, and pain-related disability 3
- Preconception planning should include modification of medication regimes to include medications safe for use during early pregnancy 3