Adequate use of analgesics is integral during pregnancy. There is limited evidence in previous studies that have focused on drug utilization in pregnant women suffering from migraine. In this study, patterns of analgesic use in pregnant women has been predicted and it has been suggested that migraine and demographic characteristics of patients affects the use of analgesia

To define patterns of analgesic use within a sample of Norwegian pregnant females on the basis of their migraine history and to recognise predictors for analgesic use amongst these females.

Pregnant females at gestational week 17 registered with Akershus University Hospital from 2008 to 2010 were selected for the analysis. The questionnaires were used to collect the data regarding postpartum and birth records from women when they were in their gestational weeks 17 and 32, and at eight weeks. Females were divided into four groups depending upon the migraine history: migraine in pregnancy, no migraine history, previous migraine history, and recent migraine history. Patterns of analgesics usage were examined descriptively. To recognise factors predicting analgesic use, multivariable logistic regression was applied.

A total of 5.0% females described migraine in pregnancy, 68.8% no migraine history, 11.5% with former migraine history, and 13.2% recent migraine history. Use of analgesic decreased during pregnancy. Many females shifted from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Triptans and to Paracetamol, which comprised the maximum of the analgesic use. Smoking, recent migraine history, multiparity, and more severe headache intensity were the factors related to the analgesic use. 

Females with migraine should switch or stop medicines at the time of pregnancy. Analgesic use in pregnancy is influenced by migraine intensity and features, and socio-demographic factors. Doctors should have this in mind when advising adequate control of migraine in pregnancy and safe analgesic use.