MigraineMind research summary
The Impact of migraine on fertility and family planning in the Nationwide Swedish Health Care Registry.
Headache | 2026
Observational studySummary
Our study explored how migraine affects women's fertility and family planning decisions. We analyzed data from the Swedish National Registry, focusing on women born between 1973 and 1996. Our cohort included 49,318 women with migraine and 98,636 without. We examined childbirth likelihood, number of children, and age at first birth. Women with any migraine diagnosis had a 21% higher likelihood of childbirth. Yet, women diagnosed with migraine before pregnancy had 0.23 fewer children. In contrast, those diagnosed after pregnancy had 0.33 more children. Women with migraine before pregnancy were older at childbirth, while those diagnosed after were younger. We found that preterm deliveries increased only in women with migraine and aura. Additionally, postpartum depression and preeclampsia risks were higher for women with migraine. Our research highlights the complex relationship between migraine and reproductive health in women of childbearing age. Clinical relevance: This research suggests that women with migraine may experience significant challenges in family planning and pregnancy outcomes.
Key Learning Points
- Women with any migraine diagnosis are more likely to have children compared to those without migraines.
- Having a migraine diagnosis before pregnancy is associated with fewer children and older age at childbirth.
- Women diagnosed with migraine after pregnancy tend to have more children and are younger at childbirth.
- Women with migraine and aura face higher risks of preterm deliveries compared to those without migraines.
- Migraine is linked to increased risks of postpartum depression and preeclampsia in women during and after pregnancy.
Original research
Read the original publication and review its full methods and findings on PubMed.
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