Ibuprofen is not usually recommended in pregnancy, unless it's prescribed by a doctor, especially if you're more than 30 weeks pregnant. This is because ibuprofen can affect your baby's circulation and kidneys. There may also be a link between taking ibuprofen in early pregnancy and miscarriage.
When taken during pregnancy, NSAIDs reduce blood flow to the baby's kidneys and other important structures. Reduced blood flow to the kidneys leads to reduced urine production by the fetus. Since amniotic fluid is really just the collection of fetal urine, oligohydramnios can develop.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred OTC pain reliever to use during pregnancy. It's considered safe and effective for pain relief in all trimesters. Studies suggest that about 65% of pregnant women take acetaminophen during pregnancy.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided during pregnancy. You can use paracetamol to help mild to moderate pain during pregnancy.
Most pregnant women can safely take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to treat occasional headaches. Your health care provider might recommend other medications as well. Make sure you have the OK from your health care provider before taking any medication, including herbal treatments.
Although it is not possible to say that any medicine is absolutely safe to use in pregnancy, there is currently no good evidence that paracetamol will harm your baby. It is however generally recommended that women who are pregnant use the lowest dose of paracetamol that works, only for as long as needed.
Can I take paracetamol if I'm pregnant? Paracetamol is considered the first choice of painkiller if you are pregnant since it has been taken by large numbers of pregnant women without any adverse effect on the mother or baby.
Should you worry? Although experts recommend avoiding ibuprofen during pregnancy, the good news is that taking the medication before you know you're pregnant is unlikely to harm your baby. Just make sure you stop taking the drug as soon as you learn your pregnancy status.
Paracetamol. Paracetamol is the analgesic and antipyretic drug most widely used in Australia, particularly by pregnant women. Although it readily crosses the placenta in its unconjugated form, in therapeutic doses it does not appear to increase the risk of birth defects or other adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Panamax may be used during pregnancy and if you are breastfeeding. However, it is recommended that non-drug therapy such as rest and massage be tried first. If Panamax is needed during pregnancy, it should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time and at the lowest possible frequency.
Taking Tylenol Extra Strength While Pregnant
In general, as a mom-to-be, it's best to start with regular strength Tylenol, says Roshan. Extra strength equals extra acetaminophen (500 mg in each tablet, as opposed to 325 mg), so try the basic formulation first and see how it works.
Taking ibuprofen with other painkillers
It's safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine. But do not take ibuprofen with similar painkillers like aspirin or naproxen without talking to a pharmacist or doctor.
They usually improve as your pregnancy goes on. They do not harm your baby, but they can be uncomfortable for you. A headache can sometimes be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious complications if it's not monitored and treated. Pre-eclampsia usually starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
People with COVID-19 during pregnancy are more likely to experience complications that can affect their pregnancy and developing baby compared to people without COVID-19 during pregnancy. For example, COVID-19 during pregnancy increases the risk of delivering a preterm (earlier than 37 weeks) or stillborn infant.
The main difference between the two medications is that ibuprofen reduces inflammation, whereas paracetamol does not. According to Hamish, there's no advantage in taking ibuprofen or paracetamol brands such as Nurofen or Panadol over the cheaper chemist or supermarket versions.
Several studies have shown that prenatal exposure to paracetamol may alter foetal development. It has been shown to increase the risk of certain minor neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as potentially having urogenital and reproductive effects.
If you need to take medicine for pain relief, paracetamol is safe during pregnancy. Pain-relieving medicines can actually cause headaches if you take them too often, so don't take paracetamol more than 3 times a week.
A short course of ibuprofen may be OK, but it will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are and the reason you need to take the medicine. There may be other treatments that are more suitable for you. Paracetamol is the best painkiller to take during pregnancy.
Ibuprofen for adults (Nurofen)
Other brand names: Brufen, Calprofen, Fenbid, Ibugel, Ibuleve. Find out how ibuprofen treats pain and swelling (inflammation), and how to take it.
You shouldn't take ibuprofen if you: have a history of a strong, unpleasant reaction (hypersensitivity) to aspirin or other NSAIDs. have a current or recent stomach ulcer, or you have had one in the past. have severe heart failure.
Does taking ibuprofen increase the chance of miscarriage? Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy. It is not known if taking ibuprofen early in pregnancy increases the chance for miscarriage. Some studies show a higher chance for miscarriage compared to those who do not take NSAIDs but other studies do not.
Regular and simple exercise like swimming and walking can help with fluid retention. Standing in water for 20 minutes will decrease swelling. Ditch your heels for now and wear comfortable shoes, and don't stand on your feet for long periods of time without moving.