Headaches in pregnancy

Migraine and tension-type headache are primary headache disorders that occur commonly during pregnancy Some disorders that produce headache, such as stroke, cerebral venous thrombosis, eclampsia, and subarachnoid hemorrhage, occur more frequently during pregnancy. Diagnostic testing excludes organic causes of headache, confirms the diagnosis, and establishes a baseline before treatment. Drugs commonly are used during pregnancy despite insufficient knowledge about their effects on the growing fetus. Most drugs are not teratogenic. Adverse effects depend on the dosage and route of administration and the timing of the exposure relative to the period of fetal development. Nonpharmacologic treatment is the ideal solution; however, analgesics can be used on a limited basis. Preventive therapy is a last resort.