Dear pregnant women,
As an advocate for pain relief in pregnancy, labour and beyond, I want to assure you that you don’t have to endure unnecessary pain.
If you’re in pain, you deserve some pain relief.
If the risk of going through severe pain outweighs the potential risk to your baby, pain medications become a necessity.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol/Paracetamol/Panadol and similar brands) is generally safe in pregnancy, but should be used with caution:
- Speak to your doctor/midwife about the pains/aches you’re having. If you’re experiencing fever, go to the clinic/hospital right away!
- Try different non-medicinal options for pain relief.
-Take a warm shower.
-Try massage.
-Move more: lack of exercise can increase muscle cramps
-Eat a healthy diet.
-Deep breathing exercises
-Wear supportive gears: like pelvic belts to reduce pressure on your pelvic bones.
-Rest.
-Use pillows to support your back and pelvis and ensure a good posture.
-Try physiotherapy. - Use the LOWEST DOSE possible for the SHORTEST DURATION.
For context, Paracetamol comes in 500mg tablets, and the maximum dose for adults is 4g/day. You may take 500mg three times a day for no more than 10-14 days. If your pain is not controlled with this dose, do not take more pills; you should see a doctor/gynecologist.
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Is it possible for acetaminophen to cause autism in your baby? Possibly.
Should you just avoid acetaminophen totally? It’s up to you.
@Doctor KT
AskDoctorKT 