You have a terrible headache, and your instincts tell you to reach out for that painkiller during the first sign of pain. While painkillers are relatively safe to use during the first trimester of pregnancy, regular and frequent use may pose a risk to your baby’s well being and development during the coming weeks. Here’s your go-to-guide for painkillers used in pregnancy.
Although Paracetamol is relatively safe for use, it must be noted that it’s not safe to take painkillers during pregnancy on a regular basis since chemical compounds from these medications enter the placenta into the baby’s bloodstream. Although it’s not possible to avoid drugs completely for the entire duration of your pregnancy, it is important to keep in mind that you can take painkillers during your pregnancy weeks, provided you don’t overuse or take them too frequently.
Paracetamol is safe to take at any point in time in your pregnancy, but it is advisable only in low doses for brief periods of time. It is the most reliable drug to turn to for relief from fever or pain which is not too intense.
Ibuprofen must be avoided during early pregnancy, as it upsets the stomach of some pregnant mothers. Risks associated with cardiovascular health and reduction in amniotic fluids in the placenta are linked to the use of ibuprofen during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Avoid Aspirin and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen since studies indicate that taking these medications in early pregnancy may lead to miscarriage and congenital disabilities(birth defects).
Here are 10 OTC (Over-The-Counter) drugs to avoid or painkiller harmful during pregnancy. Please note that this is not a complete list and consult with your healthcare provider for more information.
OTC Drug | Present In | Our Suggestion | Other Alternatives |
Bismuth Subsalicylate | Kaopectate; Pepto Bismol | Use with extreme caution before 20 weeks and do not use after 20 weeks | Imodium (Loperamide) |
Aspirin | Bayer; Excedrin Migraine | Consult a healthcare provider before use | Tylenol (Acetaminophen) |
Brompheniramine | Dimetapp Cold and Allergy | Use with extreme caution before 36 weeks and do not use after 36 weeks | Claritin (loratadine); Zyrtec (cetirizine) |
Caffeine | Anacin Regular Strength; Excedrin Extra Strength; Excedrin Migraine | Consume below 200mg daily to reduce risk of miscarriage and congenital disabilities, including caffeine from tea, coffee, and other beverage sources | N/A |
Castor Oil | – | High risk – avoid consumption | Alternatives include psyllium-based supplements. Consider increasing physical activity, eat foods rich in fibre, and consume more fluids. |
Nicotine | Cigarettes and tobacco-based products | High-risk – causes fetal abnormalities | Quit smoking and avoid ingesting nicotine during pregnancy |
chlorpheniramine | Found in Chlor-Trimeton and Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Formula products | Use with caution before 36 weeks and avoid using after that | Claritin (loratadine); Zyrtec (cetirizine) |
Ibuprofen | Advil, Motrin | Not recommended during the 1st and 3rd trimesters. Use with caution during the second trimester. | Tylenol (acetaminophen) |
Phenylephrine and pseudo-ephedrine | Found in products like Alka-Seltzer Plus Day; Sudafed PE Pressure + Pain; Tylenol Cold Multi-symptom; Vicks Dayquil Cold and Flu Relief | Not recommended during the 1st trimester. Use with caution during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. | Consume more fluids and use steam treatment for congestion relief. Avoid exposure to nicotine irritants for alleviating symptoms and getting relief. |
Naproxen | Aleve | Not recommended during the first and third trimesters. Use with caution under medical supervision during the second trimester. | Tylenol (acetaminophen) |
Stay away from stronger medications or painkiller harmful in pregnancy since they may affect your baby’s development and always seek your doctor’s advice before taking Tramadol, opiate derivatives, and strong anti-inflammatory drugs like Voltarol.
Use of potent medication during early pregnancy affects foetal development and results in low birth weights depending on the types of medicines taken. Medicines with harmful effects cross over into the baby’s placenta directly through the bloodstream and stunts baby’s development. Mothers who take Opioids expose their newborn babies to the risk of having a neural tube birth defect.
During the second and third trimesters, mothers who took OTC Pain Relievers regularly such as Acetaminophen were at a greater risk for birthing babies with Attention Deficit Disorder and Behaviour issues. In general, all women face a risk 3% to 4% of having babies with congenital disabilities despite the use of medications. For those who take over-the-counter drugs or harmful drugs in high doses, social and emotional development get stunted along with birth deformities surfacing during the second and third trimester weeks of pregnancy since the foetus is said to be very sensitive during this stage due to developing cognitive functions and organs.
The FDA conducts clinical trials to study the effects of newly created medications and test them to check if they work the way they are intended. These drugs are tested in clinical trials on pregnant animals but not on pregnant women. Nowadays, nursing institutions and pregnant mothers sign up for studies by research companies which collect and maintain data through a national registry. Here’s how you can deem whether a painkiller used in pregnancy is safe or unsafe:
Here are some general guidelines for taking medications according to the different trimesters in pregnancy.
1. First Trimester
Paracetamol without any added ingredients is safe to take during the early months of pregnancy. Avoid taking Opioids as these are unsafe and increase risks associated with spina bifida and heart defects during the first trimester of pregnancy.
2. Second Trimester
NSAIDs should be avoided during pregnancies since they are linked to miscarriages and congenital disabilities. The use of Tramadol may be safe during the second trimester of pregnancy.
3. Third Trimester
Avoid medications like Ibuprofen during the third trimester since it causes heart problems and results in high blood pressure in the baby’s lungs, thus leading to a reduction in amniotic fluids in the uterus. Avoid Tramadol during this trimester since it causes respiratory problems and newborn withdrawal symptoms.
Whether you are trying to conceive or are expecting, it is essential to be aware of common pregnancy painkillers and whether or not you can take them. Even though not taking any painkiller medications is the way to go, we understand that it cannot be avoided entirely due to unbearable pregnancy pains which call for their use. Be aware of the dosages, read warning labels, and always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before using painkiller medications and even nutritional supplements before and during the three trimesters of your pregnancy.
Disclaimer: All content mentioned in this post, including medical opinions, is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered solid medical advice or doctor-approved treatment regimes. Please consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding your health or any pregnancy problems.
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