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.