Pregnancy is a time when you will likely experience several aches and pains. However, you should not go for over-the-counter painkillers during your pregnancy. You should also avoid taking Acetaminophen (Tylenol) right before giving birth or breastfeeding your baby because it can be dangerous for your child’s health.
What is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in over-the-counter drugs. It’s also the active ingredient, or main ingredient, in Tylenol. Acetaminophen is safe for most people but should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding because it can potentially cause harm to an unborn child or newborn.
Acetaminophen is also not recommended for people who drink alcohol or take other medications containing Acetaminophen. Again, it is because the combination of these can be toxic to the liver.
Is Taking Painkillers During Pregnancy Safe?
Acetaminophen is the only painkiller considered safe during pregnancy but only in doses prescribed by your doctor. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that it’s safe to take Acetaminophen when you’re pregnant.
While taking Acetaminophen during pregnancy, you should be mindful of how much you take and when. Acetaminophen can be found in over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Excedrin, and Anacin.
Other types of painkillers are not recommended for use during pregnancy because they may be harmful to both the mother and the baby. For example, ibuprofen (Advil) should not be used in large doses or over a long period because it increases the risk of miscarriage. Ibuprofen also affects platelets, raising your risk of bleeding after an injury or surgery.
The FDA has stated that Tylenol is safe for pregnant women in moderation. However, drug companies must mention the drug and the quantity on the packages. In addition, you can file a Tylenol ADHD lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company for negligence.
To file a Tylenol ADHD lawsuit, you must be able to prove that your child has been harmed by taking Tylenol. In addition, you’ll need to show that the medication caused them to develop ADHD-like symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
You can also file a Tylenol ADHD lawsuit if you believe the pharmaceutical company was negligent in its drug development or did not warn correctly about the risks associated with using it.
If you experience pain that you cannot manage with Acetaminophen alone, ask your healthcare provider if you may take other medications also. Remember, these medications need supervision so that you don’t face any complicated surgeries later.
Who Should Avoid Painkillers During Pregnancy?
It’s probably a good idea to avoid taking painkillers during your pregnancy because for the same reasons that they can be harmful to the baby and even cause miscarriage. They can also interfere with the development of the placenta and lead to premature labor. According to WHO, an estimated 15 million preterm deliveries happen yearly.
Pregnant women should avoid medicines containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). These drugs have been found to affect blood flow and increase blood pressure in babies. If you’ve been prescribed painkillers for an injury or other medical condition, talk to your doctor about alternative ways of managing your pain during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding mothers are advised against taking any medications without first consulting their physician. Women who take certain medicines should consult with their physicians before breastfeeding so that their doctor can make the appropriate adjustment before treatment options are identified.
When is it Safe to Take Tylenol or Other Painkillers?
Fortunately, there is one exception to this rule, if you are in severe pain and your doctor has prescribed the medication, it’s usually safe for you to take it. Some common prescription medications for pain relief include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, Acetaminophen, and tramadol.
If your doctor hasn’t told you to take these medications during pregnancy, but they will help relieve your aches, consider other ways of managing your pain instead. For example, if you’re going through labor or giving birth soon after conception, ask about alternative treatments such as massage therapy or acupuncture.
Other non-pharmaceutical options include heat packs or ice packs applied directly to sore spots on the lower back or around the pelvis region.
Are There Side Effects or Risks to the Baby if You Take Tylenol or Other Painkillers?
You’ve probably heard painkillers are unsafe during pregnancy, but that’s not necessarily true. A study by FDA states that Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in hundreds of medications and over-the-counter painkillers approved for use during pregnancy.
The FDA has not yet approved nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for use during pregnancy, so if you are considering taking ibuprofen or aspirin, talk to your doctor first.
How Do You Treat Fever and Headaches during Pregnancy Without Taking Medicine?
If you are experiencing a fever and headache, there are many ways to treat it without taking medication:
- Take a cold shower or bath. It can help lower your body temperature and reduce swelling in your head.
- Drink plenty of fluids, like water.
- Suppose you don’t feel like moving around too much. Take a nap before returning to your feet again.
If possible, avoid caffeine during pregnancy and at least two hours before bedtime because it can cause insomnia and restless sleep patterns. In addition, avoid alcohol as much as possible as it can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the child at birth.
Eat well-balanced meals every day and include plenty of protein. It will help to keep nausea at bay while also giving her energy when she needs it most during this busy time.
What Other Medications Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?
Avoid medications that can cause birth defects. Some medications, including sedatives, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics, have a high risk of causing birth defects. Thus, even when taking these medications for non-pregnancy-related reasons, you should avoid them during pregnancy to reduce the risk of miscarriage or premature labor.
Avoid medications that can cause bleeding problems during delivery. Birth control pills are used to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus so sperm can’t move through the cervix into the uterus. They also contain estrogen, which increases bleeding during delivery if you take any other medication containing thrombolytics.
Avoid Painkillers When Breastfeeding Your Baby and During Pregnancy
All painkillers are designed to reduce pain. They do this by interacting with the body’s natural chemical processes, which can cause problems for a developing fetus.
For example, narcotics such as codeine and hydrocodone (Vicodin) can affect your baby’s brain development. These medications may also slow your baby’s heart rate and delay its breathing and physical development.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may cause birth defects if not taken in controlled quantities during pregnancy because it affects how blood flows through the placenta. Too much Acetaminophen can also cause liver damage to you and your unborn child.
Your decision to take painkillers during pregnancy is based on your comfort level. However, if you decide to take them, you must be aware of all the risks and side effects they may have on you and your baby.
