From the Guidelines
Paracetamol is the first-line treatment for cephalalgia in pregnancy.
Treatment Options
- Acute treatment: Paracetamol is the preferred medication for acute treatment of migraine in pregnancy due to its relatively safe profile 1.
- NSAIDs: Can be used only during the second trimester, as their safety during the first and third trimesters is not well established 1.
- Triptans: Should be used under strict supervision of a specialist, with sumatriptan being the most studied, but still having limited safety data 1.
- Nausea treatment: Metoclopramide can be used to treat nausea associated with migraine in pregnancy 1.
Preventive Treatment
- Propranolol: Is the preferred preventive medication, with the best available safety data, but should be used under specialist supervision 1.
- Amitriptyline: Can be used as an alternative to propranolol, if propranolol is contraindicated, also under specialist supervision 1.
- Contraindicated medications: Topiramate, candesartan, and sodium valproate should be avoided due to their potential for fetal harm, with sodium valproate being teratogenic 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Cephalalgia in Pregnancy
- Safe and effective medication and nonmedication treatment options are available for the pregnant headache sufferer, including both acute care and preventive therapies 2
- Non-pharmacological interventions, such as relaxation, biofeedback, and lifestyle modification, are preferred therapeutic strategies for the treatment of primary headaches during pregnancy and breastfeeding 3
- If non-pharmacological interventions seem inadequate, a well-considered choice should be made concerning the use of medication, taking into account all the benefits and possible risks 3
- Analgesics, such as acetaminophen and narcotics, can be used on a limited basis for the treatment of migraine in pregnancy 4
- New therapies, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies, lasmiditan, direct calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists, and neuromodulation devices, are available for the treatment of headache in pregnancy and lactation 5
Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
- Proper diagnosis and treatment of headache disorders in pregnant and postpartum women are crucial to prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby 6, 3
- Red flags for secondary headache, such as elevated blood pressure and lack of a previous headache history, should be identified and investigated further 6
- Diagnostic testing, such as electroencephalography, ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck, brain MRI and MR angiography, and lumbar puncture, may be necessary to exclude secondary headache syndromes 3
Preconception Planning and Counseling
- Preconception planning and counseling are essential for patients of childbearing potential with headache to ensure safe care during pregnancy and lactation 2, 5
- Modification of medication regimes to include medications safe for use during early pregnancy and effective nonmedication therapies should be considered before pregnancy 2