Pain is common during pregnancy and can make you uncomfortable or interfere with your ability to work. If you need a painkiller, you may worry that taking medicine could affect your baby. Some medicines can be taken, however. The important thing is to choose a safe medicine and follow your doctor’s advice carefully.
This section discusses taking painkillers during pregnancy, including suitable medicines considered safe for pregnant women and advice on caring for yourself and your baby while taking them. This information can help you decide whether to take medicine and choose an appropriate option for you and your baby.
Recommended: 3 Practical Tips to Relieve Back Pain During Pregnancy
Can You Take Painkillers During Pregnancy?
When taking painkillers during pregnancy, consider the medicine’s safety and its effects on both you and your unborn baby, as some medicines may affect your baby’s growth and development.
Whether you can take a painkiller depends on the type of medicine and the nature of your pain. Consult a doctor or pharmacist familiar with medicine use during pregnancy to ensure the greatest benefit and safety for you and your baby.
If you need a painkiller, a doctor or pharmacist can recommend the safest option during pregnancy. Follow their advice and the instructions provided with the medicine carefully. Avoid exceeding the recommended dose and avoid medicines that may affect your baby’s development.
Remember to tell your doctor or pharmacist about your pregnancy so they can offer appropriate advice that considers both the safety and benefits of medicines for your health and your baby’s health.
Which Medicines Can You Take During Pregnancy?
Taking medicine during pregnancy requires particular care because some medicines may harm you or your unborn baby. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. For general pain, paracetamol is usually the first option doctors recommend. Other types of painkillers should only be used when prescribed.
| Type of medicine | Examples | Precautions and recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol | Paracetamol | This painkiller is generally considered suitable for use during pregnancy. Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, following the label or your doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice. Consult your doctor if you need to take it for several consecutive days. (NHS) |
Read more: Can You Take Paracetamol During Pregnancy?
If you need a painkiller during pregnancy, consult a doctor or pharmacist familiar with medicine use during pregnancy. They can provide appropriate advice to ensure the greatest benefit and safety for you and your unborn baby.
Advice on Taking Medicine During Pregnancy
Medicines should be used carefully during pregnancy. Follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice and avoid unnecessary medicines.
If you are pregnant and need relief from pain and swelling or everyday aches, you can use a common mild painkiller such as paracetamol, while following these recommendations:
- Read the medicine label and instructions carefully every time before taking it.
- Follow the dose and duration specified by your doctor.
- Do not exceed the dose specified by your doctor or increase it yourself.
- Do not use medicines that have expired or passed their use-by date.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you experience unusual symptoms or unwanted effects after taking medicine.
There are also ways to relieve pain without medicine, such as hand massage, placing a pillow under your legs, applying warm or cold compresses, stretching or doing gentle exercise approved by your doctor, and getting enough rest. You can try different methods to find what suits you.
How Taking the Wrong Medicine Can Affect Pregnancy
Effects on your unborn baby: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac, may affect your baby’s kidney function and lead to low amniotic fluid if used from around 20 weeks of pregnancy onward. During the final trimester, they may also cause an important blood vessel in your baby’s heart, the ductus arteriosus, to close prematurely. Do not take these medicines during pregnancy without medical advice. (NHS)
Risk of miscarriage: Taking certain medicines in excessive doses or incorrectly may increase the risk of miscarriage.
Effects on your newborn: Continued use of opioid painkillers, such as codeine, tramadol and oxycodone, particularly close to delivery, may cause withdrawal symptoms or slower breathing in newborns. These medicines must only be used under a doctor’s supervision.
Possible problems with your baby’s growth: Some medicines may cause low weight or growth problems in your unborn baby.
Possible worsening of illness: Taking unsuitable or unsafe medicines may make you feel more unwell or affect your physical and mental health.
Effects on mental health: Some medicines may affect your mental health. For example, certain sleeping pills may increase the risk of depression or feelings of dissatisfaction.
Always follow your doctor’s and pharmacist’s advice when taking medicine during pregnancy. If you are considering a painkiller or any other medicine while pregnant, consult your doctor for advice on appropriate use.
Medicines to Avoid During Pregnancy
Taking painkillers during pregnancy may cause side effects for you and your unborn baby. Certain types of medicine should therefore be avoided, including:
| Type of medicine | Examples | Precautions and recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac | Not recommended during pregnancy, especially from 20 weeks onward. Use only if a doctor determines that it is necessary. |
| Aspirin at pain-relief doses | Aspirin | Aspirin is not recommended for pain relief at any stage of pregnancy. If your doctor prescribes low-dose aspirin to prevent pre-eclampsia, take it only as prescribed. (NHS) |
| Opioid painkillers | Codeine, tramadol, oxycodone | Use only when prescribed and supervised by a doctor, as continued use may lead to dependence and affect your newborn. |
| Sleeping pills/anti-anxiety medicines | Benzodiazepines | Do not take these without medical advice. Always consult your doctor before use. |
For your safety and your baby’s safety, always consult a doctor or pharmacist familiar with medicine use during pregnancy. If you need to take medicine or have questions about its use while pregnant, seek individual advice from someone knowledgeable about maternal and unborn baby health.
Summary
Taking painkillers during pregnancy can be worrying because of their possible effects on your unborn baby’s development. However, some painkillers can be taken during pregnancy, particularly paracetamol used according to the label or your doctor’s advice. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking medicine.
Painkillers that can be taken during pregnancy include:
- Paracetamol - Usually the first painkiller doctors recommend. Follow the label or your doctor’s instructions.
- Do not take herbal or traditional medicines during pregnancy without medical advice, as there is not enough safety information. Consult your doctor first.
- Painkillers containing ibuprofen or aspirin should not be used during pregnancy because they may affect your unborn baby.
There are also ways to help relieve abdominal pain during pregnancy, such as getting enough sleep and rest, doing light activities such as walking or playing games that do not require much physical effort, taking a warm bath, and placing a pillow under your bump.
Some painkillers can be taken during pregnancy, but you must avoid medicines that are unsuitable or harmful to your unborn baby. Always consult your doctor before taking medicine, and combine this with ways to relieve pain without medicine. If you have back pain during pregnancy, find more advice in Back Pain During Pregnancy and Pregnancy Complications You Should Know About.
Precautions: If you have severe abdominal pain, a severe headache with blurred vision or swelling, vaginal bleeding, a fever, or notice that your baby is moving less, do not take painkillers and wait to see what happens. Seek medical attention immediately.
FAQs
Possible Side Effects of Taking PainkillersSide effects depend on the medicine. For example, NSAIDs may irritate the stomach and affect your baby when used later in pregnancy. Opioids may cause drowsiness or constipation, while taking too much paracetamol may harm the liver. If you develop unusual symptoms after taking medicine, such as a rash, difficulty breathing or severe abdominal pain, stop taking it and seek medical attention.
Advice on Choosing Safe Painkillers During PregnancyDuring pregnancy, choose painkillers that are approved for use in pregnancy and recommended by your doctor.