Paracetamol is a drug used as an analgesic and antipyretic; it works by calming pain and fever. It is recommended for any time of pregnancy. No toxic effects have been found in recommended doses on the baby’s development. It is vitally important to bear in mind that paracetamol is commonly mixed with other drugs; it is necessary to evaluate the composition of the medicines consumed to avoid consuming some contraindicated medications during pregnancy.
At FastlyHealwe, answer the question, ” Can you take paracetamol in pregnancy? ” We will tell you more about this drug, the recommended dose, and some tips.
Table of Contents
What is paracetamol for
Paracetamol is a drug that is part of the para-aminophenol family; its name derives from the traditional chemical nomenclature para-acetyl-aminophenol. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, a molecule synthesized in cellular inflammation, which is responsible for producing pain and fever.
It can be obtained in multiple presentations: capsules, tablets, suppositories, or drops for oral administration. This drug can be obtained alone or combined with other medications; it is used mainly to treat the symptoms of the flu, colds, or headaches.
You can expand this information by consulting the article What is paracetamol for?
The recommended dose of paracetamol
The recommended dose of paracetamol is 1 g (1000 mg) / day , the normal dose limit is 4 g (4000 mg) / day. The toxic dose is considered in the range of 7.5 g to 10 g.
It is essential to consider the dose consumed because average doses are very close to toxic amounts; in some people, doses in the normal range can be harmful. The daily use of paracetamol, even in regular doses, is associated with liver or kidney damage. For this reason, it is vital that pregnant mothers:
- Take the least amount of acetaminophen per day.
- Suspend consumption in the least amount of days possible.
Consumption of paracetamol during pregnancy
Can the consumption of paracetamol be associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortions?
There have been multiple studies where the risk of suffering spontaneous abortions has been evaluated in pregnant women who take paracetamol and those who do not. No significant differences have been found. This makes paracetamol the pain reliever of choice for pain management during pregnancy.
Can paracetamol reach the baby?
Yes, in amounts above the recommended dose, it can reach the fetus and be pathogenic.
What effects can paracetamol have?
People who take paracetamol in excess can suffer kidney or liver damage and increase the risk of anemia. In pregnant mothers who take toxic amounts (above the recommended dose), these diseases can occur in the baby.
Can paracetamol be associated with cognitive defects in the baby?
No, follow-up studies have been carried out on 4-year-old children whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy. No differences have been found in cognitive development or IQ with those in whom the mother did not take paracetamol.
Is it safe to breastfeed and take acetaminophen at the same time?
Yes, in recommended doses. The amount of paracetamol in the breast milk of mothers who consume paracetamol within the recommended dose is meager, which does not present risks for the newborn.
However, it is vitally important to consider that high doses are related to the increase in the amount of the drug in breast milk, which can be harmful to the baby.
Other pain relievers allowed in pregnancy
Now that we know that it is possible to take paracetamol in pregnancy, but always with caution and respect the recommended doses as much as possible, it is also essential to know what other types of analgesic drugs can be taken during pregnancy to treat various ailments and which ones, for, On the contrary, they are discouraged due to the adverse effects they can have on the fetus. We explain everything in detail in the article The analgesics allowed in pregnancy.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Can you take paracetamol in pregnancy? We recommend that you enter our Pregnancy and baby health category.
Advice
- Paracetamol is usually found in combination with other medications; it is essential that before consuming a drug, it is consulted if within its composition there are drugs that are contraindicated for pregnancy.
- It is essential to always keep the indicated dose in mind and not exceed it. Paracetamol in indicated doses does not present contraindications during pregnancy.
- If the pregnant woman suffers from liver or kidney problems, a medical evaluation is necessary to determine the required dose.
- The use of other drugs has to be prescribed by an obstetrician.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.