Pregnancy and Migraine

Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by recurring and sometimes severe headaches. Up to 18% of women get migraine, and they may have them more frequently when they are of childbearing age.1,2 Migraine often improves during pregnancy; however, this varies for women who have migraine with aura (headaches accompanied by vision changes or tingling in your feet, hands, or face). This is less likely to get better during pregnancy.3,4

How do I participate?

Fill out the contact form to have a registry representative contact you with more information about this pregnancy registry.

Call the registry’s toll-free number 1-(833)-244-4083 and speak to a registry representative.

Ask your healthcare provider to help you complete the contact form

Does pregnancy make migraine worse?

In many women, pregnancy does not make the symptoms of migraine worse. About 87% of women who have migraine without aura will have improvement or remission (temporary recovery) of migraine symptoms by their third trimester. However, migraine with aura is less likely to improve during pregnancy.3,4

If I have a baby, is she or he at risk of getting migraine?

There does not appear to be a clear reason why people develop migraine, but genetics, in addition to environmental and lifestyle factors, are thought to play a role. There is an increased chance of your child developing migraine if it runs in your family. Your child may develop the condition as he/she matures, but hopefully by that time research will have led to a greater understanding of migraine.5

How will migraine treatment affect my baby?

Women should speak with their doctor about what medications are necessary to take during pregnancy. Healthcare providers and women are usually cautious about medicating while pregnant due to limited knowledge about the side effects of most medications during pregnancy. This is because pregnant women are frequently prohibited from participating in new clinical research studies to reduce risk to the pregnancy, delivery, or baby.

Sharing your pregnancy information with this registry could help researchers learn whether taking Aimovig® (erenumab-aooe) shortly before or during pregnancy could affect the pregnancy or the baby’s health. It is not known at this time if Aimovig could harm your unborn baby. Currently, Aimovig is generally not being prescribed to expectant moms or women who plan to become pregnant.

If you are currently pregnant and taking Aimovig, contact your healthcare provider. They will help you decide if you should stop taking Aimovig.

Learn about the GENESIS Pregnancy Registry here.

Where can I go for help and advice?

Your own healthcare provider should be the first source of information for you about your pregnancy and migraine. In addition, there are migraine patient advocacy groups where you can seek information from people who may have experience with migraine and pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may be able to help you contact a group that is active in your local area.

For the latest important safety information, please refer to the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information. This is not intended to replace discussions with your healthcare provider.

References

  1. Lipton RB, Bigal ME, Diamond M, Freitag F, Reed ML, Stewart WF, AMPP Advisory Group. Migraine prevalence, disease burden, and the need for preventive therapy. Neurology. 2007;68(5):343-349.
  2. National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States, 2011: With Special Feature on Socioeconomic Status and Health. Hyattsville, MD. 2012.
  3. Sances G, Granella F, Nappi RE, et al. Course of migraine during pregnancy and postpartum: a prospective study. Cephalalgia. 2003;23(3):197-205.
  4. Robbins MS. Headache in pregnancy. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2018;24(4):1092-1107.
  5. Charles, A. The pathophysiology of migraine: implications for clinical management. The Lancet Neurology. 2018;17(2), 174-182.