Pregnancy can be uncomfortable. Your body goes through many changes during the nine months of pregnancy, and you might struggle with aches and pains from time to time. Some pregnancy-related pain, such as pelvic girdle pain, can be long-lasting, and can interfere with daily life. You might wonder whether you can take painkillers to ease your discomfort during pregnancy.

Acetaminophen or paracetamol is considered the go-to painkillers during pregnancy, and most women will take it to relieve pain at some point.

You should try to limit your use of acetaminophen or paracetamol wherever possible, only reaching for the pills when absolutely necessary. If you can get away with a warm bath and an early night, give that a try first, to see if it helps.

Pain during pregnancy

Pregnancy-related problems and pain include:

Cramping
Aches and pains
Headaches
Ligament pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Sciatica.

Will medicines reach my baby during pregnancy?

Yes, most medicines can cross the placenta and reach your baby. Where most medicines are concerned, this isn’t a problem, but there are some medicines you need to be careful with. For this reason, it’s especially important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking medication during pregnancy

Is it safe to take painkillers during pregnancy?

Yes, some painkillers are safe to take during pregnancy. However, you should only take painkillers when necessary. Sometimes, you can ease your discomfort without taking painkillers. For example, a hot or cold compress can help relieve aches and pains. Gentle exercise can also bring relief.

You know your own body, so you’ll know when you need to take painkillers and when you can get away with a non-medicinal form of relief. Although experts advise pregnant women to limit their use of pain relievers, there are times when they can’t be avoided. Sometimes, there is more risk to your baby by not taking pain relief. An example is when you use it to bring down a fever, which might otherwise harm your developing baby.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says:
‘Any medication taken during pregnancy should be used only as needed, in moderation, and after the pregnant patient has consulted with their doctor’.

When to seek medical advice

Generally speaking, it’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s always worth checking with your doctor before taking pain relief during pregnancy. Your doctor will be able to advise you on which medications are appropriate for your pain and which alternative methods you could try.

If you are in severe pain, your doctor will probably arrange a prescription pain reliever for you to use. Your doctor is best placed to assess the safety of different pain medications and decide which is appropriate, based on your unique medical needs.

If you suffer from chronic pain or chronic conditions and rely on pain medication to get through the day, you’ll need to ask your doctor for advice. Do not stop or start medications without your doctor’s supervision. Pregnant patients need to take particular care when changing their medications.

What painkillers can I take during pregnancy?

The effects of painkillers during pregnancy vary, so it’s essential to seek medical advice before taking any medications.

Acetaminophen or paracetamol

Acetaminophen or paracetamol is the most common pain relief option for pregnant women. It’s a common over the counter pain reliever that is generally safe for use during pregnancy; even so, you should only take it when medically necessary. Paracetamol can be helpful for headaches, aches and pains, as well as for reducing temperatures in pregnant women.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Over the counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are not safe for use during the third trimester. Taking NSAIDs during the final trimester of pregnancy could be harmful to your baby. Prolonged use of NSAIDs is not recommended from week 20.

Ask your doctor for advice before taking NSAIDs during early pregnancy, and do not take them after 20 weeks. Taking ibuprofen in early pregnancy is associated with a slightly increased risk of birth abnormalities.

It’s crucial to speak to your doctor about other pain relief options available to you. If you take NSAIDs regularly, you should discuss this before the 20 week mark, so your doctor can make alternative arrangements for your pain management.

Aspirin

Aspirin use is not recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy because there is a risk it could harm your baby’s liver.

Codeine

During pregnancy, codeine is considered safe for use under medical supervision. Using it in the final weeks of pregnancy, however, could result in your baby showing withdrawal symptoms after birth. Codeine is a prescription-only medication, and it will be prescribed during pregnancy only if your doctor believes it is medically necessary.

Which painkillers are good for toothache during pregnancy?

Toothache can be awful, and you might want to take OTC pain relievers while waiting for an emergency dentist appointment. Paracetamol or acetaminophen is the best pain medication to try, although it’s worth checking with your dentist over the phone before taking anything.

The potential risks of taking painkillers when pregnant

You must speak to your doctor before taking pain medication during pregnancy. Doctors will be able to give advice about which painkiller is safest to use and which you should avoid. They might also recommend some medication-free ways to ease your discomfort during pregnancy.

Acetaminophen, or paracetamol, is generally considered to be the safest painkiller for pregnant women. It is one of the most commonly used pain relievers, so the risk is relatively low.

There have been studies, however, that have raised questions about the safety of this medication during pregnancy:

A 2022 study published in PLoS One found that maternal exposure to acetaminophen was linked with children’s sleep and attention problems at age three. Experts criticized this study for simplifying the cause and effect. Critics felt that underlying pain could be the problem, not the pain relief, and the study authors failed to investigate this
A 2024 study, including 2.5 million children in Sweden and published in JAMA, found no link between acetaminophen exposure and ADHD, autism and intellectual disabilities
A 2023 study published in Pediatric Research found that acetaminophen use during the second and third trimesters was associated with poorer early language development
Researchers from Edinburgh University analyzed human tissues after exposure to paracetamol, and found that, after one week, the tissue had 40% fewer egg-producing cells. Girls produce all of their eggs while still in utero, so this research suggests an impact on future fertility. Research on human tissues in a lab, however, does not necessarily represent real-world conditions.

In response to growing evidence, a 2021 consensus statement published in Nature stated:
‘We recommend that APAP should be used by pregnant women cautiously at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Long-term or high-dose use should be limited to indications as advised by a health professional’.

It is crucial to note, however, that even with the potential adverse effects noted above, paracetamol or acetaminophen is still recommended, when necessary, during pregnancy.

The studies listed above were not considered to have found enough possible risks to outweigh the benefits of pain relief during pregnancy.

Always consult your healthcare provider to get the green light before taking pain relief and other medications.

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