Can pain relievers be used during pregnancy? Things pregnant women should know

Painkillers are a type of drug with a common level of use in most subjects. However, being able to use pain relievers for pregnant women is not a matter of concern to many people. Because any drug that a pregnant woman uses during pregnancy will have a direct effect on the development of the fetus.

Currently, there are no specific guidelines for the use of drugs to treat pain during pregnancy. The doctor will usually evaluate based on the mother's health problems and weigh the risks and benefits to provide appropriate treatment. Here is some information about taking pain relievers for pregnant women that you can refer to.

Use of over-the-counter pain relievers for pregnant women

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers include 2 types: NSAIDs - non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol (acetaminophen). It is because of the widespread circulation that people mistakenly believe that OTC pain relievers are safe and can be used by everyone. However, the reality is not so, any drug has potential risks that not everyone knows.

The case of taking paracetamol for pregnant women

Paracetamol is often used to relieve headaches, reduce sore throat, reduce fever ... This is considered a safe pain reliever for pregnant women, can be used in all 3 trimesters . Therefore, this is the drug that becomes the preferred choice of all.

Can pain relievers be used during pregnancy?  Things pregnant women should know

Paracetamol pain reliever is considered quite safe for pregnant women

However, pregnant women still have to be very careful when taking the drug. Because recent studies have uncovered a number of disturbing issues. Accordingly, if the mother takes paracetamol during pregnancy, the child will be born with some behavioral problems in childhood such as ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism.

In addition, many scientists also noted that paracetamol interferes with the development of the fetus, the effects of the drug can affect the brain, urinary system, reproductive system and organs. baby's genitals.

The case of using NSAID pain relievers for pregnant women

NSAIDs - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include typical drugs such as naproxen, ibuprofen or aspirin . This is a group of pain relievers for pregnant women that are only suitable for use in the first and second trimesters. If you have been pregnant until the 30th week, pregnant women should not take this group of NSAIDs.

The specific effects of NSAIDs on the fetus are as follows:

  • Aspirin: This drug slows blood clotting. Therefore, absolutely avoid aspirin during the last trimester and before delivery to prevent heavy bleeding during delivery. In some exceptional cases, such as pregnant women with pre- eclampsia , the doctor will consider prescribing this drug.
  • Naproxen and ibuprofen : These are 2 safer options than aspirin. During the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, you can use this pain reliever. And it should be especially noted, no matter which pain reliever you use for pregnant women, you must consult your doctor for advice and safety when using the drug.

The case of using prescription pain relievers for pregnant women

In addition to over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription pain relievers are also widely used in the market. Usually, it will be prescribed by a doctor and prescribed in a prescription for patients to buy and take according to instructions.

Prescription pain relievers are usually in the opioid class (narcotic pain relievers). Due to the presence of narcotics, patients are only allowed to take this drug when prescribed and under the control of a doctor. The names of these drugs include: Meptazinol, fentanyl, codeine, morphine, buprenorphine, tramadol, oxycodone...

Prescription pain relievers for pregnant women often contain narcotics, so be careful when using them

Narcotic pain relievers are often used to treat severe pain, severe pain due to trauma, surgery, dental procedures, or during labor and delivery. So strong, opioids also cause more side effects on pregnant women and babies.

Possible risks when using this group of prescription pain relievers are miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, birth defects , etc. In case the baby is still born, the baby is likely to have some problems. Problems such as shortness of breath, low weight, and sleepiness affect the baby's ability to breastfeed.

When deciding on treatment, an obstetrician will always weigh the benefits and risks of using pain relievers during pregnancy. In addition, pregnant women taking this drug should be closely monitored and cared for by the medical team - obstetricians. Your baby may need respiratory support and short-term treatment for symptoms of addiction if you use opioid pain relievers during delivery.

What should be noted when using pain relievers for pregnant women?

Many women will fall into the situation of force majeure must use pain relievers in the early stages of pregnancy before realizing they can. In this situation, pregnant women do not need to worry too much, because common pain relievers like paracetamol usually do not cause too much harm to the fetus.

However, if using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pregnant women should notify their doctor early for advice and change medication before 30 weeks of pregnancy. In addition, for pregnant women with medical conditions that require prolonged use of pain relievers, it is necessary to consult a doctor to choose a safer and more appropriate pain reliever.

Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking any medicine

Basically, pain relievers for pregnant women should not be the first choice. Instead, pregnant women can try less harmful methods of pain relief and pain relief such as hot/cold compresses, deep breathing, gentle exercise, relaxation techniques, etc. 

If it is necessary to use pain relievers, it is necessary to carefully consider and closely monitor, guide to adjust dosage, and use time of the specialist. Any unusual changes when taking your medicine should be discussed with your doctor immediately for instructions on how to handle it properly, safely and effectively.

Pay special attention not to buy and take pain relievers for pregnant women indiscriminately or abuse drugs, even if any drug is potentially dangerous to the fetus and pregnant mother's health.

Above is information about the use of pain relievers for pregnant women . Hopefully, it has helped pregnant women better understand the advantages and disadvantages of using pain relievers. This is a matter of due care to make sure you have a healthy pregnancy and don't run into any unwanted risks from taking the pill. 


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