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Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol in some countries, is an over-the-counter pain reliever sold practically everywhere medication is sold. You may recognize it under the brand name Tylenol. It is widely available in many products. But is it safe to take while pregnant?
Generally speaking, yes. Acetaminophen is largely considered to be one of the safest pain relievers on the market for everyone, including pregnant women. The majority of women have and continue to take acetaminophen while pregnant with no ill effects for mom or baby.
As with any medication, you should discuss using it with your doctor first. Always follow their advice over that of a stranger on the internet, no matter how thoroughly the subject has been researched. The rules that medical professionals widely agree on are-
- Consult your doctor first- Clear any medicine usage with the doc, especially if it is something that you think you will need to take regularly.
- Don’t take unless needed- Sometimes it’s better to tough it out rather than pop a pill.
- Take the smallest dose possible for the shortest amount of time- If acetaminophen is needed, the lowest effective dose is best for you and baby. It all comes down to exposure. Less exposure is better.
The risks of taking Acetaminophen are small, but like any other medicine, it is not 100% safe to take during pregnancy. Regardless of risks to the developing fetus, Acetaminophen can damage the mother’s liver or kidneys if taking at too high of a dose or for too long. It may also lead to anemia for both mom and baby. There is no definitive research proving conclusively that Acetaminophen causes or increases the risk of problems due to taking it.
Disclaimer- although this post has been researched through reputable sources such as the CDC, Mayo Clinic, WebMD, and others, please consult your doctor before making any decisions on this topic.
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