What should be advised to a pregnant woman regarding her migraine treatment?

The use of triptans should be avoided during pregnancy due to concerns regarding potential risks to the developing fetus. While some studies suggest that certain triptans may be considered in specific circumstances, there is a general caution against their use, especially in the first trimester when the risk of congenital anomalies is heightened. The safety profile of medications is particularly scrutinized during pregnancy, and triptans have not been extensively studied in this population, leading to a preference for alternative treatment options that have a more established safety history.

In contrast, while it is true that migraines can increase in severity and frequency during pregnancy, this is not the central concern regarding treatment. Additionally, NSAIDs carry certain risks, particularly in the third trimester where they can impact fetal circulation and kidney function, making their use during pregnancy particularly cautious. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is recognized as a safer option for preventing migraines in pregnant individuals and has been studied in this context, unlike triptans, thus supporting the recommendation against their use.