Pregnancy is a beautiful, hopeful time. But the accompanying aches and pains, backaches, and headaches can be a bit of a nuisance. It's normal for these new aches and pains to occur due to hormonal changes and your growing belly. So, at times like these, you might be thinking, "Oh, I wish I could take a painkiller." But you know that you should always check with your doctor before taking any medication when you're expecting . Should you also ask about over-the-counter painkillers? The simple answer is: Yes, you should. While they may seem harmless on a normal day, the rules change when you're carrying a baby.
Acetaminophen - the paracetamol we all know
This is a medicine that we often use for things like fever, headache, and joint pain. Many people in our country know this by the name Paracetamol . You can buy this medicine from the pharmacy alone or mixed with other medicines.
Most pregnant women have no problem taking paracetamol if their doctor allows it. In fact, it is the most commonly prescribed painkiller for pregnant women by doctors.
However, if you are allergic to this medicine, have liver disease , or your doctor says it is not suitable, you should stay away from paracetamol completely.
Even if the doctor says it's okay to take paracetamol, the most important thing to remember is to use it only when absolutely necessary, in the lowest possible dose, and for the shortest possible time .
Paracetamol has not been linked to miscarriage or serious birth defects, but some studies have found a small risk.
- Some research suggests that taking paracetamol daily for a long time (28 days or more) may slightly increase the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or mild developmental delays in the unborn child.
- Other studies have shown that taking paracetamol daily during the second half of pregnancy increases the risk of the baby developing conditions such as wheezing or asthma.
However, none of these studies have confirmed that these problems are caused by paracetamol. More research is needed to fully understand this relationship. However, it is wise to avoid taking medicine unnecessarily.
NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - you need to be very careful with these!
You've probably taken a lot of ibuprofen in your life. But when you're pregnant, your doctor will probably tell you to use a safer alternative for fever, headaches, and muscle aches. These are called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and they're not very safe for pregnant women. Drugs like Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin, and Diclofenac fall into this category.
Why are NSAIDs dangerous?
- Early pregnancy: Some studies have found that taking NSAIDs early in pregnancy may slightly increase the risk of miscarriage . Some studies also suggest a small risk of birth defects in the baby's heart or gastrointestinal system. Although this link has not yet been firmly proven, doctors recommend going for a safer option like paracetamol rather than taking the risk.
- During the last 3 months of pregnancy: NSAIDs are not recommended during this time. This is because they can cause an important blood vessel in your baby's heart (ductus arteriosus) to close before birth. This can lead to high blood pressure in the baby's lungs.
Not only that, taking NSAIDs can make it harder for you to go into labor and reduce the amount of amniotic fluid in the womb around your baby. For these reasons, if you are taking an NSAID, it should only be done under the close supervision of a doctor .
| Drug type | Safety during pregnancy |
|---|---|
| Acetaminophen/Paracetamol | It is usually safe to take under medical advice, but only if necessary, in the lowest possible dose, for the shortest possible time. |
| NSAIDs (eg Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) | Not recommended. Very risky, especially in the last 3 months. Should never be taken without medical supervision. |
Opioid-type strong painkillers
These are very strong painkillers prescribed by doctors. Examples include Codeine, Morphine, and Oxycodone .
Some studies suggest that using this type of medication during pregnancy may increase the risk of certain birth defects, especially heart disease, in the baby. It may also increase the risk of premature birth, early labor, or even stillbirth.
If you were taking opioids for a medical condition before you became pregnant, stopping them suddenly once you become pregnant can be harmful to you and your baby. Therefore, your doctor will often gradually reduce your dose to ensure that it is safe for you and your baby.
This is very important: If the mother takes opioid medications during pregnancy, the baby can become addicted to them in the womb. Since the baby is not receiving the medication after birth, the baby will experience 'withdrawal symptoms'. We call this 'Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome' (NAS) . This can be a serious condition. It can cause problems such as low birth weight and breathing difficulties.
Take-Home Message
- Do not use any painkillers for any pain you experience during pregnancy without consulting your doctor. This rule does not change even if it is an over-the-counter medicine.
- Doctors often only recommend acetaminophen (paracetamol), but if it is necessary, it is best to take it in the lowest possible dose and for the shortest possible time .
- NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) can be very dangerous, especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy. They should never be taken without the supervision of a doctor.
- Opioid painkillers, even if prescribed by a doctor, can cause serious problems for the baby. If you are already taking them, or if you are in severe pain, talk to your doctor right away to discuss the safest option.
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