Migraine During and After Pregnancy
First trimester
Over 1/2 have fewer attacks.
A significant number experience no change.
Occasionally, migraine attacks get worse.
Second trimester
About 3/4 have fewer attacks.
A significant number experience no change.
About 1 in 10 may get worse.
Third trimester
About 3/4 have fewer attacks.
About 20% experience no change.
Fewer than 10% may get worse.
Women with migraine without aura are much more likely to improve.
3 Months after birth
About 25% are still better than before pregnancy.
1 Year after birth
About 10% are better than they were before pregnancy.
Women who breastfeed are much more likely to have fewer attacks after pregnancy.
(Specifically, it takes longer for their migraine attacks to return)
The above statistics are estimates based on a number of studies (which is why numbers don’t always perfectly line up). For more information, check The Woman’s Migraine Toolkit (in the UK) (by Dr. Dawn A. Marcus and Dr. Philip A. Bain) (2011), and the following studies.
19 August 2013 @ 1:38 pm
Progesterone gets converted to a neurosteroid called allopregnonalone. One of the most post calming agents on the brain known (acts on GABA receptors). Progesterone levels are 10 times higher during pregnancy, so it would make sense that there are improvements in migraine frequency during this time. This is why it makes sense to fix whatever menstrual cycle problems (naturally–the progestin in the BCP does not convert to allopregnonalone) in any female who experiences migraines.
21 August 2013 @ 3:06 pm
Great information. I just had a baby six weeks ago so this was helpful. My migraines were more frequent during the first trimester but near the end of the second they started to improve and by the third I was rarely having to take any medicine for pain. Now they’re coming back but still not as frequent. This is motivation to continue breastfeeding!