Headache in Pregnancy and Lactation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article discusses the many tools available for the treatment of pregnant and postpartum patients with headache. Adequate treatment of headache is an essential part of good prenatal and postnatal care.

RECENT FINDINGS

New therapies such as the calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies, lasmiditan, direct calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists, and neuromodulation devices are available for the treatment of headache. This article contextualizes these new therapies in practice as they relate to the treatment of migraine in pregnancy and lactation.

SUMMARY

Headache is common in pregnancy, and neurologists should be prepared to care for pregnant patients with headache. Preconception counseling is an important part of providing safe care to patients of childbearing potential with headache. Identifying potentially dangerous secondary headache syndromes during pregnancy and the puerperium is also essential. The repertoire of available acute and preventive headache treatments is expanding. It is important to discuss the effectiveness and safety of these therapies in the context of individual patient circumstances during pregnancy and lactation in coordination with the patient's obstetric team.