Headache in Challenging and Special Circumstances: Pregnancy and Lactation

Headache has special importance during pregnancy and postpartum period. The health-care professionals and patients report headache management as challenging during pregnancy and lactation period. Cautions are recommended in preganancy and lactation due to maternal and fetal/newborn risks. Most headaches in the first trimester are due primary headaches. Nevertheless, the incidence of secondary headaches increase in the last trimester and post-partum period. Red flags prompt early evaluation in a patient with headache. Assessment of headache patient requires a detailed history of the headache characteristics and performing appropriate examinations. Approach to headache and strategies to promote best practice in preganancy and lactation will be reviewed.