What Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Migraine and Pregnancy

Trying to conceive is a layered journey and can feel even more complicated when you’re contemplating the “what ifs” of pregnancy and your migraine attacks.

One of the best ways to cope with the fear and anxiety of the unknown is to seek out more information from your most credible sources, which in this case can be your OB/GYN, fertility doctor, or even headache specialist.

We know that it can feel intimidating to advocate for yourself in the doctor’s office, especially if you’ve been ignored about your migraine before, so we pulled together a few questions to keep in your back pocket. These questions can help you get to the bottom of what pregnancy can look like alongside your migraine disease.

Questions to ask about migraine and pregnancy

Where do you start? Well, if you want to have a chat with your doctor about migraine during pregnancy, here are some questions to get you started:

1. How does my current migraine care need to change if I’m trying to conceive?

The more information you have, the better. It’s fair to want to know what you may have to change before trying to get pregnant, especially if you live with chronic migraine attacks that only respond to specific medication or care protocols. During your next appointment, ask your doctor to explore the bigger picture — how your current migraine care can impact your ability to get pregnant and vice versa.

2. Are there specific treatments for migraine during pregnancy?

When you're pregnant, the standard migraine treatments you rely on may no longer be safe. Pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone and estrogen, can also influence migraine patterns, making this a critical time to address your migraine management with your doctor. Start a conversation with your doctor with questions like, "What migraine treatments are safe to use during pregnancy?" or "How do hormonal changes during pregnancy affect my migraine triggers or symptoms?"

3. Is there anything else I can do to prevent migraine attacks, especially while I’m trying to get pregnant?

Migraine attacks can complicate family planning, but it doesn’t mean that you have to live in pain. Take some time to ask your doctor what else you should ask about your migraine care kit, especially if you need to discontinue medications that have previously worked for you. There may be lifestyle changes or complementary therapies that could help any migraine attacks that pop up.

4. Will pregnancy make my migraine attacks worse or better?

While everyone is different and reacts differently to hormonal changes, experts note that for many women, migraine attacks improve during pregnancy. Your doctor can help you understand what to expect, given your unique experience with migraine.

5. What can I do if I get a migraine during pregnancy?

Once you meet with your doctor, there’s no time like the present to work out a contingency plan for a time when you may be pregnant and managing a migraine. While it’s hard to predict the future, having a history of migraine may give you a good place to start on what may or may not work for you in that moment. Turn to your doctor for their expertise on what medications someone pregnant can take or what your first step should be on a migraine day.

You’re doing such a great job at getting ahead of what can feel like an overwhelming situation — migraine attacks during one of the most heightened life stages. Your care team should be able to point you in the right direction as you figure out a care plan that works best for your future family planning goals.

How do you treat migraine while pregnant?

Treating migraine during pregnancy is a balancing act between relieving symptoms and keeping your baby safe. Many of the go-to medications — like triptans or certain NSAIDs — may be off the table during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester or near delivery. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Your doctor may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) as a first-line treatment, which is generally considered safe in pregnancy. Some people also find relief with magnesium supplements, hydration, cold compresses, gentle movement, or relaxation techniques like yoga or guided meditation. For more severe cases, you may be referred to a neurologist or maternal-fetal medicine specialist who can create a tailored plan.

Whatever you do, don’t suffer in silence — there are pregnancy-safe ways to manage your migraine pain.

Is migraine high risk during pregnancy?

Migraine itself isn’t usually considered a high-risk condition during pregnancy, especially if your attacks are infrequent and manageable. In fact, for many people, migraine improves during the second and third trimesters thanks to more stable hormone levels.

That said, studies suggest that people with a history of migraine — especially migraine with aura — may have a slightly higher risk of pregnancy complications like gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or low birth weight. This doesn’t mean complications are inevitable. It just means your doctor might want to keep a closer eye on you throughout your pregnancy, especially if other risk factors (like high blood pressure or a history of preeclampsia) are in the mix.

Can migraine lead to preeclampsia?

The short answer? Not directly — but there’s some research showing a link between migraine (particularly migraine with aura) and an increased risk of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, usually after 20 weeks gestation.

Having migraine doesn’t mean you will get preeclampsia, but it can put you in a slightly higher risk group. That’s why it’s so important to bring up your migraine history with your OB/GYN early in pregnancy (or even before conception) so they can tailor your care and monitor you appropriately.

Migraine in pregnancy is usually only occasional, but worth talking to your doctor about

While it’s true that many people with migraine see their symptoms improve — or even disappear — during pregnancy, that’s not a guarantee. Some experience new or worsening attacks, especially in the first trimester when hormone levels are fluctuating rapidly.

Even if your migraine symptoms are mild or infrequent, it’s still worth talking to your doctor. Why? Because planning ahead can help you avoid scrambling for relief mid-attack, especially when your usual meds might be off-limits. Your provider can help you build a migraine plan that’s pregnancy-safe and tailored to your unique needs, triggers, and medical history.

Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.