Pregnancy is often associated with discomfort and pain. Some painkillers, also called analgesics, are safe to take during pregnancy. However, they should be used with caution. Dosage and timing while taking pain medication are important.
Some painkillers may be safe during a particular trimester, whereas others may be safe during other times during pregnancy. Some medications can cause birth defects or serious and even fatal complications for both mother and baby.
Therefore, it’s best to consult a doctor before taking any medication, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications, during pregnancy.
Uses and risks of painkillers during pregnancy
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is available OTC and generally safe to use during pregnancy, although you should talk to your doctor before taking them. It can primarily be used for headaches, fever, aches, pains, and sore throat.
However, some studies have shown there is an increased risk of behavioral problems in the child. The child may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, etc. if you have been taking large amounts of acetaminophen during pregnancy.
Acetaminophen should be avoided if you are allergic to it, have liver problems, or if your doctor has advised against it.
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. Ibuprofen and naproxen are also available OTC and have a lower risk of gastrointestinal symptoms and other side effects. They are considered safe up to 20 weeks of gestation. All NSAIDs, however, must be avoided in the second half of pregnancy.
The FDA recommends avoiding NSAIDs after 20 weeks of pregnancy because it can result in low amniotic fluid volume (the fluid surrounding the baby in the uterus). This condition is called oligohydramnios. If oligohydramnios occurs, the amniotic fluid levels generally return to normal. However, NSAIDs can cause complications for the fetus, such as kidney, heart, or developmental problems. These complications can be fatal.??
Both ibuprofen and naproxen should be used with caution during pregnancy and only after consulting with your doctor.
Aspirin
Aspirin is usually not recommended during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.
Aspirin may sometimes be prescribed to treat certain other medical problems during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, such as increased urine protein levels.) Daily low dose aspirin after the 12th week of pregnancy is considered safe and effective. It can prevent complications in pregnant women who are at the risk of preterm labor due to preeclampsia, decreasing the risk of fatal blood clots.
Strictly following your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and timing is crucial. If aspirin is taken a day or so before delivery, it can lead to heavy, uncontrollable bleeding during labor.
Stronger prescription painkillers
Stronger prescription painkillers are categorized as opioids, which are considered narcotics. These painkillers are only prescribed for intense pain due to injuries, surgery, dental work, or intense migraine headaches during pregnancy.
Some prescription analgesics in this category include codeine, OxyContin (oxycodone), morphine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, etc. These drugs are rarely prescribed due to their potential risks, such as miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and breathing problems in the baby. They are used only when the benefits of the medication outweigh the potential risks.
SLIDESHOW
Conception: The Amazing Journey from Egg to Embryo See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Price HR, Collier AC. Analgesics in Pregnancy: An Update on Use, Safety and Pharmacokinetic Changes in Drug Disposition. Curr Pharm Des. 2017;23(40):6098-6114. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28847300/
Top What Painkillers Are Safe During Pregnancy? Related Articles
Birth Defects
Birth defects have many causes and currently, are the leading cause of death for infants in the first year of life. Some of the causes of birth defects include genetic or chromosome problems. Exposure of the mother to rubella or German measles during pregnancy, or using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. The treatment for birth defects depends upon the condition of the effected child.
Pregnancy Symptoms
What are the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy? Can you know before your missed period? Read about nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), bloating, tender breasts, and more. Explore first trimester symptoms of pregnancy and learn what week pregnancy symptoms start.
Am I Pregnant Quiz
What are early pregnancy symptoms? In some women, symptoms range from a missed period to feeling lightheaded. Others may experience typical "morning sickness" and food cravings. Could you be pregnant? Take the quiz!
Exercise & Pregnancy
Pregnancy exercises and workouts for moms-to-be include Kegel exercises and prenatal yoga. A prenatal workout is an important part of healthy living. Try these safe exercises for pregnancy.
Is Cervical Stitch Safe During Pregnancy?
Cervical stitch, or cervical cerclage, is safe during pregnancy up to 24 weeks. Find out why and how it’s done, as well as the risks associated with the procedure.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is the medical term for the spontaneous loss of pregnancy from conception to 20 weeks gestation. Risk factors for a woman having a miscarriage include cigarette smoking, older maternal age, radiation exposure, previous miscarriage, maternal weight, illicit drug use, use of NSAIDs, and trauma or anatomical abnormalities to the uterus. There are five classified types of miscarriage: 1) threatened abortion; 2) incomplete abortion; 3) complete abortion; 4) missed abortion; and (5 septic abortion. While there are no specific treatments to stop a miscarriage, a woman's doctor may advise avoiding certain activities, bed rest, etc. If a woman believes she has had a miscarriage, she needs to seek prompt medical attention.
Pregnancy (Week by Week, Trimesters)
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary by stage (trimester). The earliest pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue, and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Eating a healthy diet, getting a moderate amount of exercise, also are recommended for a healthy pregnancy. Information about the week by week growth of your baby in the womb are provided.
Pregnancy: Multiple Births, Twins, Triplets, and More
Multiple births occur when a woman bears twins, triplets, or even more babies during pregnancy. More multiples are born today thanks to assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization using fertility drugs. Women carrying multiples often give birth via C-section.
Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC)
Taking prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs or supplements should be discussed with your doctor. There are some medications that have been found to cause no problems in pregnancy, however, medications such as Accutane for acne, should never be taken during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Flu Shot Side Effects and Safety
The flu shot is safe for pregnant women and protects both mother and unborn baby from illness. Pregnant women should not, however, receive the nasal-spray flu vaccine.
Pregnancy Myths Quiz
Being pregnant is a delicate time for both mother and baby. Take this quiz to separate the myths and facts about being pregnant, and learn the truth behind healthy pregnancies!
Pregnancy Planning (Tips)
Pregnancy planning is an important step in preparation for starting or expanding a family. Planning for a pregnancy includes taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy for you and your baby, disease prevention (for both parents and baby) to prevent birth defects and infections, avoiding certain medications that may be harmful to your baby, how much weight gain is healthy exercise safety and pregnancy, travel during pregnancy.
Pregnancy: Birthing, Breastfeeding, and Parenting Classes
Preparing for a baby is an important step in parents' lives. Choosing the right birthing class and method (Lamaze, Bradley, etc.) is important for the mother, baby, and father or support giver. Parenting classes are also information for first time parents. Information is provided about diapering, feeding, and bathing your baby as well as the different stages of child development.
Pregnancy: Prenatal Care and Tests
Prenatal care is important for the health of both mother and baby. Common prenatal tests include ultrasound, amniocentesis, screening for group B strep and chronic villus sampling. Prenatal care also helps detect health conditions related to pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
Stages of Pregnancy
See pictures on the various stages of pregnancy. See and learn what changes a woman's body goes through and view fetal images of how her baby grows during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
Pregnancy: 7 Common Third Trimester Tests
Testing is often recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy. These tests are designed to ensure the health and safety of both the child and mother. Common tests during the third trimester of a woman's pregnancy include:- group B streptococcus screening,
- electronic fetal heart monitoring,
- nonstress test,
- contraction stress test, and
- a biophysical profile.