Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is a widely used medicine for pain and fever. It helps relieve headaches, toothache, back pain and muscle aches, and reduces fever. Many expectant mothers worry about whether it could affect their unborn baby. The answer is that pregnant women can take paracetamol, and it is the recommended first-choice medicine for pain and fever during pregnancy. However, it must be used correctly, following the dose on the label or your doctor's instructions, and only when necessary.
Can you take paracetamol during pregnancy?
Yes. Health organisations such as the UK's NHS and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) state that paracetamol is the most appropriate medicine for pain and fever during pregnancy when needed. They recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
Although recent news reports and some studies have raised questions about using this medicine during pregnancy, ACOG maintains that current evidence does not support paracetamol as a cause of developmental problems in children. Leaving a mother's high fever or severe pain untreated can also harm both mother and baby. The key is to use the medicine appropriately and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
How to take paracetamol safely during pregnancy
- Read the label and follow the stated dose or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Do not exceed the dose or take it more frequently than directed.
- Use it only when necessary and for the shortest possible time. If you need to take it for several consecutive days or your pain does not improve, see a doctor to find the cause.
- Check the ingredients of other medicines you take, such as cold remedies or combination painkillers, because many already contain paracetamol. Taking these together can cause an overdose and harm your liver.
- You can take it with food or on an empty stomach. Take it with water and avoid alcoholic drinks.
- If you develop a fever during pregnancy, tell your antenatal doctor even if the fever comes down after taking medicine. A fever may be a sign of an infection that needs treatment.
What symptoms can paracetamol relieve?
Paracetamol relieves pain and reduces fever, so it can help with common symptoms during pregnancy, such as:
- Headaches and toothache
- Back pain, lower back pain or muscle aches caused by changes in your body (for more care tips, see: Relieving back pain during pregnancy)
- Fever caused by a cold or infection, which should also be discussed with a doctor
Paracetamol does not relieve nausea, vomiting or dizziness caused by morning sickness. It should not be used to mask severe abdominal pain with an unknown cause. If you have severe abdominal pain, abdominal pain with vaginal bleeding, or frequent abdominal tightening, seek medical care immediately.
Painkillers to be cautious about during pregnancy
Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin at pain-relieving doses, without medical advice during pregnancy, particularly from 20 weeks onwards. They may affect your baby's kidneys and reduce amniotic fluid (FDA), unless a doctor prescribes them for a specific treatment. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are pregnant before receiving any medicine (read more: Can you take painkillers during pregnancy?).
When to stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical care
- If you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as an itchy rash, hives, swelling of the lips or face, or difficulty breathing, stop taking the medicine and go to hospital immediately, or call 1669.
- If you accidentally take too much, go to hospital immediately, even if you have no symptoms. Signs of liver inflammation caused by an overdose may be delayed.
- Your pain or fever does not improve, or you need to keep taking the medicine for several days.
- You have a severe headache with blurred vision or swelling of the face and hands, which may be signs of pre-eclampsia.
Information to prepare before consulting a doctor or pharmacist
When seeing a doctor or pharmacist, tell them how many weeks pregnant you are, all medicines and supplements you currently take, any drug allergies, existing conditions such as liver disease, recent vaccinations and your current symptoms. This helps them recommend a medicine and dose that are safe for you and your baby (NHS).
Summary
Pregnant women can take paracetamol, which is recommended as the first-choice medicine for pain and fever during pregnancy. Follow the dose on the label or your doctor's instructions, and use it only when necessary for the shortest possible time. Watch for combination medicines that also contain paracetamol, and do not take NSAID painkillers without medical advice. If your symptoms do not improve, you have a fever or you develop signs of a drug allergy, consult a doctor promptly.
This article provides general health information and cannot replace advice from the doctor or pharmacist caring for you during pregnancy.
Read more about pregnancy care: Prenatal supplements: When should you take them, and are they necessary?