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. 

pregnant woman and obgyn discussing migraine and pregnancy

5 Questions to Ask About Migraine and Pregnancy

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. 

woman suffering from a migraine during pregnancy

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.