Migraine May Increase Risk of Complications of Pregnancy

In a study presented at the 7th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), women with migraine are more likely to have obstetric and postnatal complications. Such complications include high-risk obstetric department admission, which occurred in 8.7% of women with migraine with aura and 6.9% of women vs 6% in women without migraine during pregnancy. Women with migraine had significantly increased risk during pregnancy of gestational diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and blood clots as well as higher rates of epidural anesthesia (P<.0001) during labor, but no increased risk of assisted deliveries. 

The lead author of the study, Nirit Lev MD PhD, commented, “Our study confirms women (with) migraine are at a greater risk of a host of medical and obstetric complications. As such, we are recommended that these women should be classed as ‘high-risk’ pregnancies and should therefore be treated according to a high-risk protocol.”

The research study analyzed 145,102 women during a first pregnancy between 2014-2020. The mode of delivery, medical and obstetric complications in each trimester and the use of medications throughout the pregnancy were investigated. During the study, 12,222 women experienced migraine and 1,576 had migraine with aura. 

Special monitoring and care throughout the pregnancy is required during the high-risk pregnancies. Contributors to a high-risk pregnancy include advanced maternal age, multiparity, and if a history of pregnancy complications during a previous pregnancy. Existing health problems, including diabetes, epilepsy and high-blood pressure. 

“Migraine sufferers were also found to have a greater risk of developing depression during their pregnancy and after giving birth”, explained Professor Lev. “As a result, they should also be offered a neurologic consultation during pregnancy adequate follow-up support after giving birth.”