There's a lot to think about during pregnancy - and while deciding what colour to paint your nursery is an important one - there are so many non-negotiable health and lifestyle changes you need to make. So, we're not surprised that it can all get very overwhelming and confusing. Especially if it's your first time being pregnant.
From obvious ones like swearing off the booze and reducing caffeine intake (sorry, vanilla lattes), to nicher recommendations like avoiding certain skincare products and ditching soft cheeses (I'm looking at you, camembert), have you ever considered whether or not it's safe to take paracetamol? Because, at the later stages of pregnancy the lower back pain can get pretty real.
Every month, thousands of expectant parents head to Google to ask this question. So, what's the answer? We spoke to Lesley Bland, a registered midwife at My Expert Midwife, to find out...
Can you take paracetamol when pregnant?
"A common concern amongst parents-to-be is knowing what painkillers are safe to take during pregnancy," Bland explains, listing off ailments such as headaches, backache and fevers.
She adds: "Although certain medications should be avoided during pregnancy, painkillers like paracetamol are thought to cause no harm to the mother or unborn baby." But, Bland warns, this is only when "taken for short periods and without exceeding the recommended dose."
Furthermore, Bland adds that "extra caution should be taken during the first trimester of pregnancy when any medication is best avoided." However, this can be tricky because many women "may not be aware they are pregnant until well into their first or even second trimester."
As such, Bland suggests that those who are trying to conceive or suspect they may be pregnant should avoid taking pain relief medication unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional.
Put simply: although paracetamol is fine to take in your second and third trimesters, it should be avoided (where possible) in your first trimester. Plus, if you're trying to conceive and unsure if you're carrying yet.
What painkillers are – and aren't safe – to take while pregnant?
"Paracetamol is not known to be harmful in pregnancy, as long as the dosage instructions are followed," Bland notes, advising on the other types of painkillers that you might consider taking and whether or not these are safe.
"Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen and high doses of aspirin (low doses are not considered harmful), are best to be avoided in pregnancy unless the potential benefits of taking them outweigh the risks," she says. "This should be carefully considered and discussed with your doctor. It is particularly important to avoid taking ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin (in high doses) in the third trimester."
Bland goes on: "Codeine and opioids are also best avoided during pregnancy unless the woman and her doctor feel that they are absolutely necessary for her quality of life, such as for easing severe pain conditions. It is important to note that opioids are addictive and pass through the placenta to the baby, potentially resulting in the baby experiencing withdrawal symptoms and needing close observation after birth."
Can painkillers have any impact on your baby?
A decade ago there was a study to explore a potential link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and the amount of testosterone produced by male babies. But, Bland notes that there is "currently no scientific evidence linking paracetamol use in pregnancy with lower levels of testosterone in male babies."
"Current guidance from the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is that paracetamol remains safe during pregnancy and should be recommended as the first line medication for pain or fever." However, "pregnant women needing pain relief for longer than a day should be advised to consult their midwife or doctor," she adds. This is because pain or fever in pregnancy may need further investigation.
How often can you take paracetamol during pregnancy?
Bland says that "taking the lowest advised dose of pain medication for the shortest period is always preferable, especially during pregnancy." The expert explains that a "one-off dose of paracetamol is considered to be safe to take for pain or discomfort and should not be delayed for fear of causing harm to the unborn baby."
Notably, Bland adds: "There will be occasions, however, when the benefits of a higher dose or a longer course of painkillers are thought to outweigh the risks, and this is something that the pregnant woman and her doctor/prescriber will decide together."
Are there any alternatives to taking paracetamol during pregnancy?
"Aches and pains in pregnancy are very common as hormones soften ligaments and your growing bump puts additional pressure on organs, nerves, joints and muscles," Bland explains.
"Backache, headaches, sciatica, toothache or even a simple cold can often be dealt with quickly and easily with home remedies," she adds, before reminding us that "natural doesn’t always mean safe, so it is still important to do your research."
Bland's home remedy suggestions:
- Massage can help to alleviate muscular tension, headaches, swelling and back ache, and can be done on yourself or by a partner or therapist
- Essential oils used in roll-ons, sprays, massage oils, diffusers or candles, can be extremely beneficial in pregnancy, helping you to relax, remain calm, de-stress, and focus. Unless you are buying a blend that is specifically safe for pregnancy, it is best to seek advice from a qualified practitioner as some oils could cause complications
- A warm/cold compress like a bag of frozen peas, a hot water bottle, a wheat or lavender bag or a flannel soaked in cold or warm water can make a real difference to a headache, backache, sciatica or toothache. Take caution to avoid direct contact with anything frozen or too hot, and protect your skin by wrapping your preferred compress in a clean tea towel or pillowcase
- Yoga/Pilates/stretching are fabulous for relieving tension and aching muscles. If attending a class, ensure any exercise you do is guided and supervised by a practitioner who is qualified to teach pregnant women
- Acupuncture/acupressure involves pressure or the insertion of fine needles into targeted areas to provide effective pain relief. Benefits can be immediate. Again, ensure any treatment is carried out by a qualified practitioner who understands pregnancy to avoid complications
- Water submersion in a warm (but not hot) bath has long been associated with relaxation and the relief of muscle tension and pain. Your uterus is a growing muscle so ensure that lovely warm water is deep enough to get your bump fully submerged. Adding a handful of bath salts can help to further calm aching muscles and reduce inflammation and swelling
- Support belts and belly bands work by supporting the weight of the growing bump, and provide a welcome relief to women suffering from back pain, sciatica or Pelvic Girdle Pain (also known as Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction)
- A chiropractor can help to relieve back pain and sciatica with simple hands-on manipulation to realign the spine
Paracetamol when pregnant
"As a general rule, it is best to seek advice from your healthcare provider if you are pregnant and require painkillers," advises Bland. "If a woman needs to take paracetamol for more than a day, then our advice would be to contact her midwife or GP so they can determine if further investigations are needed to rule out potential pregnancy-related complications."
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This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Sophie Williams is a Freelance Journalist and Copywriter, covering everything from Fashion to Entertainment to music, Lifestyle and Features. She has interviewed a range of musical artists and authors including Alyssa Edwards, Courtney Barnett, Confidence Man, The Vaccines, Loyle Carner, Gabrielle, and John Niven, and has written for publications like Metro, Reader's Digest, ITV's Woo! and Vice’s NBGA. She is also working on a book for HarperCollins about Taylor Swift, due to be published in 2024.
