Migraine disorder as a biomarker for obstetric risk: a prospective Nurses’ Health Study II

  • Many women of childbearing age experience migraine, but the impact of migraine on pregnancy outcomes is not well defined.
  • The current study demonstrated that migraine before pregnancy is associated with a higher risk for preterm delivery, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia (relative risks [RR]=1.17, 1.28, and 1.40, respectively), versus women with no migraine. Low birthweight (RR=0.99) or gestational diabetes mellitus (RR=1.05) is not linked to migraine. Women with migraine with aura had higher risk of preeclampsia compared to women with migraine without aura. Aspirin use for migraine pre-pregnancy indicated lower risks of preterm delivery and preeclampsia.
  • Migraines experienced by women may be a predictor of obstetric risk, and the potential use of aspirin for prevention of pregnancy associated adverse events requires further investigation.